Dear reader, The own reading experience when I …Dear reader, The KS3 Reads are extensive list is...

Dear reader,

The KS3 Reads are extensive list is aimed at Years 7-9 (although many are great for KS4 too) and is based on both my own reading experience when I was a student at Parrs Wood and from looking at books currently in the spotlight. Readers can usually be trusted to self-censor but if you’re worried about age appropriateness I suggest a glance at online reviews, checking the publisher’s website as they often recommend age range, or checking a site such as commonsensemedia.org (U.S. based) which provides user-sourced age recommendations and content ratings, which are usually conservative. I’ve included a blurb from the publisher for each book and most have a summary of my own. All books listed are stocked at our library.

Of course we are limited by the size of the school library and there are always more books out there worth recommending. We are always happy to talk to students about further reading and suggest material to look for in public libraries and bookshops.

Mr McKrell, Library Assistant.

Amulet: The Stonekeeper, by Kazu Kibuishi

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating

demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children

on a life-or-death mission. After the tragic death of their father, Emily

and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-

grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before

long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the

basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an

underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named

Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all,

and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

Mr McKrell says:

“The Guardian says: “Amulet is a fantastic read for all ages. I just

couldn't stop reading it and was so in love with it that I continued on

through the current books. It has all the elements of a great read, such

as drama, adventure and suspense.”

Recommended: Y7 & Y8

Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer

12-year-old villain Artemis Fowl is the most ingenious

criminal mastermind in history. His bold and daring plan is

to hold a leprechaun to ransom. But he's taking on more

than he bargained for when he kidnaps Captain Holly Short

of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance).

Mr McKrell says:

“The Artemis Fowl series is a somewhat fantastical story of

high-tech underground fairies, monsters, mafia, scheming,

double-crossing and friendship. Soon to be a major film,

read it first! These books are great fun, exciting, endearing

and unique.

I also recommend Airman by the same author which is a

standalone novel of swashbuckling action and love aimed

at the same age group and inspired by a scary skydiving

experience”.


Born to Run, by Michael MorpurgoWhen Patrick saves a litter of greyhound puppies from the canal,

he can’t bear to hand them all over to the RSPCA. He pleads with

his parents: couldn’t he just keep one of them? But nothing will

convince them and Patrick cries himself to sleep – only to be

woken by a greyhound puppy licking his face!

Patrick christens his puppy Best Mate, and that’s what he

becomes. Patrick’s favourite thing is to watch Best Mate running at

full stretch on the heath, a speeding bullet, a cheetah-dog. Until

one day Best Mate is kidnapped by a greyhound trainer, and

begins a new life as a champion race dog. Suzie, the greyhound

trainer’s step-daughter, loves Best Mate on first sight and gives

him a new name, Bright Eyes. But what will happen when he can’t

run any more?

Mr McKrell says:

“I read this when I was nine years old (the intended audience) and

it’s still the only book/film to have made me cry. I doubt the same

effect applies to KS3 students, although Morpurgo is the master of

sad animal stories. Good choice for the less confident readers”.


The Saga of Darren Shan: Cirque Du Freak

Darren goes to a banned freak show with his best mate Steve.

It’s the wonderfully gothic Cirque Du Freak where weird,

frightening half human/half animals appear who interact

terrifyingly with the audience. Darren – a spider freak – ‘falls in

love’ with Madam Octa – an enormous tarantula owned by Mr

Crepsley. Darren determines to steal the spider so that he can

train it to perform amazing deeds. But his daring theft goes

horribly wrong and Darren finds himself having to make a

bargain with a creature of the night.

Mr McKrell says:

“Darren Shan has also written The Demonata and Zom-B

series. I haven’t read the latter but The Demonata is much

gorier than this saga, I recommend young horror fans starting

here as a step up from Goosebumps and the ilk then moving

on to Shan’s other output if they enjoy it. Recommended to

students who like scary stories.


Cosmic, by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Liam is too big for his boots. And his football strip. And his school

blazer. But being super-sized height-wise has its advantages:

he's the only eleven-year-old to ever ride the G-force-defying

Cosmic rollercoaster - or to be offered the chance to drive a

Porsche. Long-legged Liam makes a giant leap for boy-kind by

competing with a group of adults for the chance to go into space.

Is Liam the best boy for the job? Sometimes being big isn't all

about being a grown-up.

Mr McKrell says:

“This funny and heart-warming story about fathers and their kids

sees Liam learn to appreciate his own parents whilst pretending

to be the dad of young friend Florida Kirby to get them both on

an adventure. He discovers there’s more to it than just following

his parents’ copy of How to Talk to Teens”.


Football School: Season One,

by Alex Bellos & Ben Lyttleton

A ground-breaking new series from two bestselling writers that teaches

you about the world through football. The first book is packed with

awesome true stories, real science and fascinating facts and will make

you laugh loads. When do footballers poo? Can you play football on

Mars? What is a magic sponge? You will find the answers to these

questions and more in chapters on subjects such as history, geography,

biology and maths. Illustrated throughout with hilarious cartoons and

filled with laugh-out-loud gags this is the perfect book for any boy or girl

who loves football. Your coaches at Football School, Alex Bellos and

Ben Lyttleton, are journalists, broadcasters and award-winning science

and sports writers. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and engaging writing

make them the perfect team to teach you how to score with your head.


Icemark Chronicles: The Cry of the Icemark,

by Stuart Hill

When her father dies in battle, 14-year-old Thirrin becomes

Queen of the Icemark. Determined to defend her tiny kingdom

from the most terrible invasion her nation has ever known, this is

the epic story of how she rallies her country and finds some

extraordinary new allies: Vampires, Wolf-folk, giant Snow

Leopards and – most precious of all – her friend Oskan, Witch’s

Son. Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Winner 2005.

Mr McKrell says:

“This is a very under-read series. Fans of Narnia, werewolves,

historical type books and smart, gutsy heroines will enjoy this

first Icemark story of one girl struggling against all the odds for

the survival of her small but proud kingdom. One of the best

children’s fantasy series, sort of a kids’ Game of Thrones”.


Lightning Mary, by Anthea Simmons

In the early 1800s, Mary grows up in a poor household in Lyme Regis,

where her father collects and sells fossils (or, devil’s toenails and ram’s

horns, as the young Mary calls them). As Mary grows older, she begs

to be taken on a fossil hunt, and eventually her father agrees, even

though the beach is perilous and landslides have killed many men.

After her father dies following a terrible accident, Mary takes on the

role of fossil dealer with her mother who is determined that they won’t

end up in the workhouse following Mary’s father death. Mary doesn’t

give up looking for something special, and one day she finds it.

(True story.)

Mr McKrell says:

“BookTrust says: “Mary’s story of eventual triumph over adversity is

told expertly by Simmons, who doesn’t stint in reminding us just how

hard life was for the young Mary. Simmons shows us the challenges of

class, poverty and the expectations of women that Mary was subject

to, but also how her passion, hard work and stubbornness helped her

transcend those considerable restrictions. A brilliant read.”


A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket

There is nothing to be found in Lemony Snicket’s ‘A Series of

Unfortunate Events’ but misery and despair. You still have time to

choose another international best-selling series to read. But if you

insist on discovering the unpleasant adventures of the Baudelaire

orphans, then proceed with caution… Violet, Klaus, and Sunny

Baudelaire are intelligent children. They are charming, and

resourceful, and have pleasant facial features. Unfortunately, they

are exceptionally unlucky. In The Bad Beginning, the siblings

encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous

fire, a plot to steal their fortune and cold porridge for breakfast.

Mr McKrell says:

“There’s an Unfortunate Events film and I believe now a TV series.

Read it first. This series is funny, mysterious, and surprisingly

positive in its own way. You rarely know why things are happening

or what wider scheme might be going on, but the children use their

intelligence and teamwork to get out of endless (not literally, only 13

books worth) scrapes and traps. Also introduces nice strong vocab

considering target audience is 9+”.


Unbelievable, by Paul Jennings

Mr McKrell says:

“Simply a collection of bonkers, funny, gross and creepy stories.

Look out for similar collections by the same author such as Unreal,

Uncanny, Undone etc”.


Nine stories deal with rejuvenation, a giant tooth, a dragon,

a ghostly test, a loyal dog, a comic book hero, a magic tree,

a ghost gull, and a supernatural servant.

Varjak Paw, by S.F. Said

Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten. He lives high

up in an old house on a hill. He's never left home, but then

his grandfather tells him about the Way - a secret martial

art for cats. Now Varjak must use the Way to survive in a

city full of dangerous dogs, cat gangs and, strangest of all

the mysterious Vanishings.

Mr McKrell says:

“As Jacqueline Wilson says, this is an original and

inventively written book. It is greatly complimented by its

edgy illustrations which set the tone and really motivate the

imagination. Varjak is a very likeable character, a privileged

yet downtrodden dreamer overlooked by his family who is

thrust into the outside world full of danger and excitement.

He must reinvent himself as a wise, confident leader and

fearless fighter to survive. There is a sequel called The

Outlaw Varjak Paw”.


Warrior Cats: Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter

For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according

to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But the warrior code has been

threatened, and the Thunder Clan cats are in grave danger. The sinister

Shadow Clan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying—and

some deaths are more mysterious than others. In the midst of this

turmoil appears an ordinary housecat named Rusty… who may turn out

to be the bravest warrior of them all.

"You must either live with us and respect our ways, or return to your

Twolegplace and never come back. You cannot live with a paw in each

world." – Lionheart

Mr McKrell says:

“Society of cats with cool names living in the forest fighting each other,

building nests, following prophecies and worshipping their ancestors.

There are a lot of these books and they start to feel very repetitive going

into series three; series one is very good. Author also has series about

dogs and bears which look less interesting but will appeal to big fans of

animal books, and a series of all-ages Warrior Cats manga”.


Wonder, by R. J. Palacio'My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're

thinking, it's probably worse.’

Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things -

eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary - inside. But

ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in

playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren't stared at wherever they go. Born with a

terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents

his whole life. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and

he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his

new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?

Mr McKrell says:

“The New York Times says: “While I sobbed several times during

“Wonder,” my 9-year-old daughter — who loved the book and has been

pressing it on her friends — remained dry-eyed. She didn’t understand

why I thought Auggie’s situation might upset her. “I like kids who are

different,” she said. I realized that what makes her cry are stories in which

children suffer because they have missing or neglectful parents and no

one to take care of them. Perhaps Palacio’s most remarkable trick is

leaving us with the impression that Auggie’s problems are surmountable in

all the ways that count — that he is, in fact, in an enviable position.”


The Bartimaeus Sequence: The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

When the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by

Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, he expects to have to do

nothing more taxing than a little levitation or a few simple illusions. But

Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more

dangerous in mind: revenge. Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off

to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a

master magician of unrivalled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long,

both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical

intrigue, murder and rebellion.

Mr McKrell says:

“The whole series is recommended but this first book is my favourite.

Bartimaeus is a wonderfully witty and sarcastic character always

looking to benefit himself and have a bit of fun whilst he’s fulfilling the

orders of his summoner. Despite being a fairly middle-level djinni

Bart’s exploits in the ancient past give him a legendary reputation and

he is only too anxious to break free of his embarrassing situation in

thrall to a naive young boy. As the adventure takes over and tests

them both, can they learn respect for each other in order to survive?”

Recommended: All students.

The Edge Chronicles: The Curse of the Gloamglozer, by Stewart & Riddell

Fourteen-year-old Quint Verginix is the only remaining son of

famous sky-pirate Wind Jackal. He and his father have journeyed

to the city of Sanctaphrax – a great floating rock, bound to the

ground below by a chain, its inhabitants living with their heads

literally in the clouds. But the city hides a dangerous secret: deep

inside the great rock, something horrible lurks. With his father

away, Quint may be the only one who can save Sanctaphrax from

the dreaded curse of the Gloamglozer…

Mr McKrell says:“These books were written in a funny order but chronologically this

is the first of this most popular series from the renowned duo who

have also written/illustrated the Wyrmeweald series for teens. The

marvellous illustrations really make The Edge series, bringing the

array of creatures vividly to life. Full of imagination, adventure,

charm, fun and frights this is an essential series for young fantasy

fans and they get better after this first instalment”.


Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls,

by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo

Vibrantly illustrated and truly inspirational, Good Night Stories for

Rebel Girls tells the stories of 100 heroic women from Elizabeth I to

Serena Williams. Published on the back of a phenomenally

successful crowdfunding project on Kickstarter, the book is the

brainchild of entrepreneurs Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

who, having researched the lack of female role models in children’s

literature, decided to write a book which told a different story. "We

know children’s books are still packed with gender stereotypes",

they comment, "we know first-hand how hard it is to succeed, to be

considered, to be given a chance.” Illustrated by sixty female artists

from every corner of the globe, Good Night Stories for Rebel

Girls introduces us to one hundred remarkable women and their

extraordinary lives, from Ada Lovelace to Malala, Amelia Earhart to

Michelle Obama. Empowering, moving and inspirational, these are

true fairy tales for heroines who definitely don't need rescuing.

Sequel available.

Recommended: All students

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

Seconds before the Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway,

Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised

Guide. Together they stick out their thumbs to the stars and begin a

wild journey through time and space.

The Guardian says: “To read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is

to step into the garden shed of a maverick genius while he’s out, to

discover what ideas he has left lying around. But it is also as

though Douglas Adams is speaking to you personally, gently, as he

guides you through a perplexing world, assuring you “Don’t panic”…

Mr McKrell says:

“…Adams was truly a word master. Could anyone else have put the

English language together in such a way as to create the sentence

“The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t”

or the phrase “having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon

wrapped round a large gold brick”? Who else could have assembled

the syllables in ‘Slartibartfast’ in quite such a way?”


The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

Mr McKrell says:

“Classic of high fantasy fiction. The Hobbit was written for

children unlike The Lord of the Rings and is much more

accessible; however the adventure of Bilbo Baggins is no less

epic and immersive. You will be fascinated by Tolkien’s Middle

Earth, which is possibly the greatest example of fantasy world-

building and lore in literature. The financially motivated films

over-expand the story with filler in order to squeeze a trilogy out

of a 300 page volume and lose much of the charm and

traditional folkloric feel of the novel”.


Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to

travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard

Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist

his services – as a burglar – on a dangerous expedition to raid

the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo’s life is never to

be the same again.

The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry

Mr McKrell says:

“A short, charming, beautiful and thoughtful allegory. This is the

story of a young prince’s intergalactic travel and also a story

about the human condition, written simply but with great care and

skill to achieve a distinct message whilst also capturing the heart

and imagination”.


A pilot stranded in the desert awakes one morning to see the

most extraordinary little fellow standing before him. “Please,” asks

the stranger, “draw me a sheep.” And the pilot realises that when

life’s events are too difficult to understand, there is no choice but

to succumb to their mysteries. He pulls out a pencil and paper…

and thus begins this wise and enchanting fable that, in teaching

the secret of what is really important in life, has changed the

world forever for its readers.

Marvel: Civil War

After a horrific tragedy raises questions on whether or not super

heroes should register with the government, long-time Avengers

teammates Captain America and Iron Man end up on opposite

sides of the argument! Writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven

split the Marvel Universe in two as friend fights friend in one of the

most celebrated and successful events of all-time!

Mr McKrell says:

“Features lots of battles, bitter rivalries, unusually believable

superhero politics and PR faux pas, surprising team-ups and a

flashy new Spider-Man costume. Probably Marvel’s best graphic

novel along with Planet Hulk. The movie Captain America: Civil War

was loosely based on this but only touches lightly on the narrative

and chucks it in with the Baron Zemo plot, giving everyone

someone to blame so our heroes can get back to normal ASAP.

Followed by Civil War II”.


His Dark Materials: Northern Lights, by Philip Pullman

“Without this child, we shall all die.”

Lyra Belacqua lives half-wild and carefree among the scholars of

Jordan College, with her daemon, Pantalaimon, always by her side.

But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the

heart of a terrible struggle – a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen

children, witch clans and armoured bears. As she hurtles towards

danger in the cold far North, Lyra never suspects the shocking truth:

she alone is destined to win, or to lose, the biggest battle imaginable.

Mr McKrell says:

Doesn’t everyone want to ride a talking polar bear?

Now a major film and also BBC series. This epic fantasy tale frankly

gets to its best form during The Subtle Knife, but one must start from

the beginning and Northern Lights wonderfully introduces Pullman’s

epic fantasy tale which progresses from investigating missing children

to the highest possible conflict. Feel free to watch an adaptation of

Northern Lights first. The rest of the trilogy will regardless impress you

more as the scope expands and relationships develop.


Once, by Morris Gleitzman

Once by Morris Gleitzman is the story of a young Jewish boy

who is determined to escape the orphanage he lives in to

save his Jewish parents from the Nazis in the occupied

Poland of the Second World War.

Mr McKrell says:

“Once is book one of a series, all of which I highly

recommend. It is a very accessible yet moving story showing

the horrors of war and sparks of hope and humanity through

the eyes of an innocent, kind and imaginative young boy

who always sees the best in everyone. Felix’s parents

owned a bookshop before the war tore everything apart and

he is full of stories for those he meets on his journey to

shield them from the unfolding madness. He knows very little

of the Nazi regime before leaving his orphanage and is

forced to mature beyond his years in search for his parents;

always dreaming of better times and wondering what his

heroine Richmal Crompton would do”.


Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy

Mr McKrell says:

“I have continued reading these books since I was eleven. The author

has a dry wit, for which the title character Skulduggery is the main

conduit. A sorcerer-detective working for the Irish Sanctuary -

government of the country’s magical community - Skulduggery also

happens to be a skeleton. Mr Pleasant is a unique character and one

my favourites from contemporary children’s fiction. Together with the

help of a teenage Stephanie Edgeley he battles various supernatural

villains of increasing nefariousness, and Stephanie develops into one

of the strongest no-nonsense female protagonists there is. This series

is thrilling, dark, and very funny with good development and an array

of intriguing and often bizarre characters”.


Meet Skulduggery Pleasant: Ace detective, snappy dresser, razor–

tongued wit, crackerjack sorcerer and walking, talking, fire-throwing

skeleton. As well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a

very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old. These two alone

must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil. The end of the world? Over

his dead body.

Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different,

by Ben Brooks

Prince charming, dragon slayer, mischievous prankster… more often

than not, these are the role-models boys encounter in the books they

read at home and at school. Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be

Different offers a welcome alternative narrative. From Salvador

Dali to Barack Obama, welcome to an extraordinary compilation of 100

stories of famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present

day. All saw, and dealt with the world differently. All are rule-breakers

and innovators; all have achieved amazing things. For those who need

the courage to reject peer pressure and go against the grain, this book

seeks to inspire. The must-have book for all those boys who worry

about stuff and all those parents who worry about their boys who worry

about stuff.

Sequel available.

Recommended: All Students

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare

Love is the most dangerous magic of all... First in the bestselling

prequel series to The Mortal Instruments, set in Victorian London.

Something terrifying is waiting for Tessa Gray in London’s

Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural

folk stalk the gas-lit streets. Tessa seeks refuge with the

Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world

of demons. Tessa finds herself fascinated by – and torn between

– two best friends…

Mr McKrell says:

“This is in a similar vein to the Twilight Saga but more interesting,

a bit better written and in a steampunk setting which instantly

improves everything. If you’re not keen on overly teen-ish teen

fantasy this might not be for you. Alternatively if you’re into love

triangles, vampires, automata, and hedonistic warlocks then this

might be the perfect series. It’s good supernatural, romantic and

action-packed fun, not to be taken all too seriously except by

Philip Reeve’s lawyers. Clare began as a ‘fan-fiction’ writer,

showing it’s possible to become a worldwide success even if you

start by writing about Harry Potter characters on the internet”.

Recommended: 13+

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-

Time, by Mark Haddon

Seen through the eyes of Christopher, a mathematical genius and

Sherlock Holmes fan, who also has Asperger's syndrome, this bestselling

novel opens with the discovery of a murdered dog on the neighbour's

lawn. In his search to discover the identity of the killer, Christopher

uncovers some disturbing information about his own family, which throws

his ordered world into chaos, and he embarks on a journey to London to

find the mother he thought was dead. This funny, touching and compelling

novel was the winner of the inaugural Booktrust Teenage Prize. A must-

read for adults and children alike, it is an adventure story unlike any other.

Mr McKrell says:

“Now an acclaimed West-End play. Cleverly written, convincing portrayal

of day-to-day life as well as more serious themes from the perspective of a

teenager with Asperger’s. Another unique novel considered a YA must-

read since it was published to widespread success in 2003. It’s also quite

tricky to describe unfortunately. Please be aware, there are two editions –

the blue cover has edited language, the red cover doesn’t”.

Recommended: 13+

Hellbent, by Anthony McGowan

Sent to Hell for typical teenage misdemeanours, Conor is surprised to

find that it's not all pitchforks and leaping flames. But an eternity in a

fusty cave full of philosophy books and obscure classical music is

actually worse. Then Conor realizes that his personal version of Hell

might be someone else's idea of Heaven - and vice versa. He sets out

on a filthy, funny and forbidden journey to search for his opposite

number, accompanied by his repulsive pet dog, a depressed cross-

dressing Viking and a stumpy devil called Clarence. What he sees is

disgusting and what he discovers is shocking, but oddly enough Conor

learns a hell of a lot about life - now that he's dead!

Anthony Horowitz: “Anthony McGowan made a hilarious debut

with Hellbent, a modern take on Dante which manages to mix

existentialist and determinist philosophy with quite surprising amounts

of poo.”

Mr McKrell says:

“Very funny, very gross, but also surprisingly interesting and original.

Not just Dante for children, and it’s certainly not aimed at young kids.

Good pick for any teenage boys who insist all books are boring”.

Recommended: 13+

Rukhsana Ali keeps secrets. She has to. She loves her parents

more than anything, but they love a person she isn’t: someone she

has to pretend to be. If her parents learn she is gay, Rukhsana

knows it won’t just disappoint them. It may destroy them.

Her friends mean well, but they don’t understand the pressures she

is under as a Bengali lesbian living in the USA. When her parents

do find out the truth, Rukhsana finds herself in greater and more

horrifying danger than she could ever have expected.

Mr McKrell says:

“Booktrust says: Many books are now available for teenagers that

centre on the LGBTQ+ experience. This is the first of those books

that explores the experience of people from an immigrant, Asian

and Muslim background. This is a book that so very many readers

have been waiting for. It accurately reflects life for many, many

Asian girls and of any gender and every social class. It is simply an

essential addition to any library for teenagers of any background”.

Recommended: 14+

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, by Sabina Khan

Naruto, by Masashi Kishimoto

Twelve years ago the Village Hidden in the Leaves was

attacked by a fearsome threat. A nine-tailed fox spirit claimed

the life of the village leader, the Hokage, and many others.

Today, the village is at peace and a troublemaking kid named

Naruto is struggling to graduate from Ninja Academy. His goal

may be to become the next Hokage, but his true destiny will be

much more complicated. The adventure begins now!

Mr McKrell says:

“Fun, action packed manga series which is sometimes

irreverent, sometimes emotional, with inspirational themes

about never giving up and being there for those you care

about. This series has lots of fantasy creatures, ninja battles,

and takes inspiration from Japanese mythology. Read before

watching any of the anime content, or just don’t watch it at all.

Officially rated ‘Teen’.

Recommended: 13+.

Noughts and Crosses, by Malorie Blackman

Sephy and Callum have been friends since early childhood.

And that's as far as it can go. Because theirs is a world full of

prejudice, racism, distrust and mounting terrorist violence.

Despite all this, a romance builds between the two friends. But

this is a love story that could lead both of them into terrible

danger…

Mr McKrell says:

“Now a major BBC drama. Noughts and Crosses is an intense

story of love and courage in the face of oppression, hatred and

lies. I recommend the series as a whole but this first instalment

is never surpassed in its lasting impact and your investment in

the protagonists. This is a book that will stay with you for many

years. The TV adaptation is good but a different take and

certainly doesn’t rival the original. Read it first”.

Recommended: 13+

Cherub: The Recruit, by Robert MuchamoreA terrorist doesn't let strangers in her flat because they might be

undercover police or intelligence agents, but her children bring their

mates home and they run all over the place. The terrorist doesn't know

that one of these kids has bugged every room in her house, made

copies of all her computer files and stolen her address book. The kid

works for CHERUB.

CHERUB agents are aged between ten and seventeen. They live in the

real world, slipping under adult radar and getting information that sends

criminals and terrorists to jail. For official purposes, these children do

not exist.

Mr McKrell says:

“Very fast paced. This is a great series which covers a plethora of

issues in society through the missions undertaken by the young agents.

Life on campus provides a usually light-hearted teenage backdrop to

this and readers will find many likeable and relatable characters. This

series has an uncommon gritty realism and was written as an antidote

to children’s books where people do magic and nobody ever goes to the

toilet. Extremely re-readable. Recommended for all students who won’t

be sensitive to strong language or serious themes”.

Recommended: 14+

The Spook’s Apprentice, by Joseph Delaney“Someone has to stand against the dark. And you're the only one who

can.” For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe

from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over?

Many apprentices have tried. Some floundered, some fled, some failed

to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope.

But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most

dangerous witch in the County?

Mr McKrell says:

“The Wardstone Chronicles is a series which begins in this book as a

chilling but simultaneously charming story due to it’s folkloric aesthetic;

taking inspiration from British and Irish legends and history. The take on

magic is refreshingly traditional in a sense, rather than the usual special

effects fests courtesy of Dumbledore and Voldemort. The books grow in

scale and become darker throughout the series however, as young Tom

Ward is prematurely thrust against ever greater threats. The character of

the Spook is a favourite of mine; a stern old and taciturn man of

commanding strength and wisdom, he is cloaked in past mysteries and

it’s never completely clear what he’s capable of or how much he has left

to give as age and old enemies catch up to him. Now a major film with

Jeff Bridges and Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian). Read it first”.

Recommended: 13+

The Day I Met Suzie, by Chris Higgins

“My boyfriend could get into trouble if he gets caught. He could go to

jail… So could I.” “Anything you tell me is completely confidential.” I

sigh deeply. What have I got to lose? “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

“At the beginning?” she says. “In your own words.” So that’s what I do.

I start at the beginning like she says. The day I met Suzie. Indigo has

called the Samaritans. She is frightened and desperate with nobody to

turn to. Over the course of one long night, Indie tells her story to the

person on the end of the phone. Where did it all start? As Indie tries to

explain, she realises that her friend Suzie has taken over her home,

her friends, her work, her boyfriend – her entire life. How will Indie get

her future back and free herself from Suzie’s evil influence? Skilfully

weaving Indie’s memories of the past into the present moment, this is

a chilling portrait of a friendship built on manipulation and lies.

Mr McKrell says:

“The Guardian says: “The Day I Met Suzie is an emotional story about

trust, love and betrayal seen through the eyes of a warm-hearted girl,

who sees only good things in people, a girl called Indigo.”

Recommended 14+

Until We Win, by Linda Newbury

A hundred years ago, women didn't have the vote. When Lizzy

Frost becomes involved with the fledgling Suffragette

movement, it expands her horizons in ways she never could

have imagined. From time spent in prison for the cause, to new

relationships with fellow campaigners, Lizzy's struggle for votes

for women sets her heart on fire.

Mr McKrell says:

“BookTrust says: “This dyslexia friendly book includes themes

of feminism and friendship, set against the looming backdrop of

the First World War. Lizzy is a fantastic character, full of passion

and wonderfully unafraid to stand up for herself and her beliefs.”

Recommended: 13+

Dear reader, The own reading experience when I …Dear reader, The KS3 Reads are extensive list is...

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