Teens & Tweens

These are books primarily meant for a middle school audience; however, because they are so good boundaries tend to blur; case in point being me, as I have read many of them as an adult.  Other books are meant for a younger audience.  At the end, it doesn't matter how old you are when you read them--they are all good books.


A Dog's Life by Peter Mayle

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
A cute book along the lines of the movie Enchanted. Here a girl falls for the prince in the book, the conflict being the obvious one: how to get the boy to her world. The ending was not a surprising one...and quite predictable. This book was a pleasant read and is recommended for any one who wants to enjoy a modern day fairy tale.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini
The first of the inheritance series.

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
A delightful novel all about the transformative power of art, set in an old Welsh quarry, involving a ten year old protagonist, the teenage mutant ninja turtles and an insurance scam.

Gulf by Robert Westall
A powerful tale dealing with the Gulf War.

Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Holes by Louis Sachar
A well spun tale involving stolen shoes, a detention camp, mean superintendents, ghosts and a family curse. The book was so popular that it was made into a film.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collier

I am David by Anne Holm
For a peek into the consequences of the Cold War.

Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce
What happens when a young boy ends up with a million pounds. A subtly funny novel that also deals with a family mourning the loss of a mother.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
Probably the most moving novel set during World War I, with an extremely unexpected ending that knocks the breath out of you.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shanon Hale

Silverfin by Charlie Higson

The first of the Young bond series for lovers of action.

Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
Horowitz got boys back to reading!  This was the first of the Alex Rider series.

Tales of Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green

Tales from Shakespeare by Charles & Mary Lamb

Trash by Andy Mulligan

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
A simple tale set during the Holocaust. It is told from the point of a view of a young boy.  It is a much appreciated book that was made into a film.

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

The Recruit by Robert Muchamore.
The first of the Cherub series.  Great action packed books.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green
This was the latest teen rage two years ago.  A realistic portrayal of love between two teenagers, who just happen to be teenagers.

The Five Findouters by Enid Blyton
A loveable mystery series.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
An absolute masterpiece! While Gaiman has been heavily influenced by The Jungle Book he has created an enchanting tale that tugs at one's heartstrings. With this book he has given a fresh lease of life to the fantasy genre.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A must for all who enjoy fantasy novels.

The Island of Adventure by Enid Blyton
Probably meant for a younger audience, I just had to put this book down as it was my favourite series as a child.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Another book meant for a younger audience, but I placed it here for its Selznick's genius method of merging the written form with the pictorial as the text evey now and then gives way to picures which have to be 'read' as they narate the story.

The Land of Green Ginger by Noel Langley
For a funny take on what happened to Aladdin's son.  Langley's mastery of the English language has him using fun soudning words and cute insults that totally appeals to the young readers. 

The Three Investigators by Robert Arthur
A mystery series from the '80s which had an edgier approach than the Enid Blyton books.

 Unhooking the Moon by Greogry Hughes
An absolutely amazing book, definitely influenced by Catcher in the Rye but so much better.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

William by Richmal Crompton
The iconic series that never fails to make the readers laugh.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Young Samurai by Chris Bradford



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