Freddie Mole was a kind boy who dreamed of being able to make money to help look after his twin brother and sister, who were always eating or growing. His mother was away working on a cruise ship and his father worked as a washing machine repairman. He hoped he might find a nugget of … Continue reading ‘Freddie Mole Lion Tamer’ by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Category: Middle Grade Chapter Books
These titles are longer chapter books often with more challenging themes and plotlines. Best-suited to more confident readers aged 9+
‘Oy Yew’ by Ana Salote
This brilliant book centres around the main character, Oy, who is a timid Waif surviving on crumbs and the smell of bread from the nearby bakery. One day he's grabbed off the street and whisked away to work in a factory before being chosen to go and work in the towering Duldred Hall. Master Jeopardine is a cruel … Continue reading ‘Oy Yew’ by Ana Salote
‘Nancy Parker’s Diary of Detection’ by Julia Lee
Stolen treasures, sneaking around and a potentially murderous mistress...... Young Nancy Parker could hardly have imagined that her very first job as a housemaid (for the thoroughly modern Mrs Bryce) would turn into a situation worthy of a plot in one of the sixpenny detective novels she loved to read. The plot unfolds through an engaging mixture of diary … Continue reading ‘Nancy Parker’s Diary of Detection’ by Julia Lee
‘Knightley and Son K-9’ by Rohan Gavin
This gripping detective novel is perfect for young fans of Sherlock Holmes or Alex Rider. Thirteen-year-old Darkus Knightley, and his four-legged friend, have to help his father solve the mystery of a series of vicious attacks by creatures which can only be described as werewolves. They have until the next full moon to get to … Continue reading ‘Knightley and Son K-9’ by Rohan Gavin
‘A Boy Called Christmas’ by Matt Haig
Father Christmas is definitely worthy of the title 'superhero,' think of all the amazing things he does! But have you ever wondered what his life might have been like as a child? This funny but heart-breaking tale will make you see Father Christmas in a new light. Beautiful illustrations by the talented Chris Mould add … Continue reading ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ by Matt Haig
‘Return to the Secret Garden’ by Holly Webb
It finally arrived! I became so absorbed that I read it all in one sitting! This brilliant sequel to the original 'The Secret Garden' is perfect for reading whilst snuggled up under a blanket on a winter's day. Set at the start of World War 2, the story follows a group of children who are … Continue reading ‘Return to the Secret Garden’ by Holly Webb
‘The Marvels’ by Brian Selznick
I was buzzing round a bookshop today when I spotted this beautiful book glimmering in the corner of my eye. I loved Selznick's previous book, 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret' which is definitely worth a read. What makes both these books so fantastic is that the stories are told through a clever mix of prose and illustrated sections, … Continue reading ‘The Marvels’ by Brian Selznick
‘Goblins’ by Philip Reeve
As superheroes, we spend a lot of our time battling loathsome beasts but none as foul and disgusting as the goblins of Clovenstone Keep. This book has one of the most gripping openings I've ever read, with the hero plummeting from the tallest tower of the keep. It also features a chapter called 'The Bumwipe Heaps' - … Continue reading ‘Goblins’ by Philip Reeve
