Children's Books - 8 to 12 years old
Invariably children who have been introduced to books at a young age, and have had regular book time with the parents or carer maintain a love of books that can last a lifetime.
Most eight year olds are becoming independent readers, and although the reading ability of each child will vary enormously, they will begin to develop specific reading tastes. Some of the selections on this page have been personal recommendations from our young readers. The Horrible History and Horrible Geography series are beloved by both readers and teachers alike. Bringing history and geography alive to children with great humour and some stomach-churning details.
We’ve also included some enduring favourites from E. Nesbitt and Roald Dahl, knowing that these will appeal to another generation of children. It also a pleasure for parents to be reintroduced to these stories. Those children who can read competently on their own will often appreciate a chapter read to them at bedtime. With our selection we hope you and your child will be able to keep the love of a good read alight together.
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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall |
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Midnight Beast by Matt Hart |
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Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson |
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Victory by Susan Cooper |
This extraordinary time-shifting adventure tells the interwoven stories of Sam and Molly, linked by a mystery. Two lives joined for ever by the touch of Nelson, one of the greatest sailors of all time. |
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In the Nick of Time
by Robert Swindells |
Charlotte is out in the woods on her own one day when something mysterious happens - she walks along a row of stones laid like stepping stones on the forest floor . . . and finds herself in another age. She has somehow slipped back to 1955, and is now, in the same woods, on the site of a very unique school, an open-air school for sick city children. |
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Jacky Daydream
by Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt |
Jacqueline Wilson takes a look back at her own childhood in this captivating story of friendships, loneliness, books, toys, parents and much more. |
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Little Princesses: The Rain Princess by Katie Chase |
Rosie gets an amazing postcard from her Great-aunt Rosamund in Africa, and she can't wait to look up a map of Kenya and find out exactly where it is. On the shelves of the old castle library, however, she finds more than just the atlas she was looking for. Hidden behind the book is a beautifully carved wooden statue that turns out to be another of the Little Princesses her Great-aunt told her about. Before she knows it, Rosie is off to see Africa for herself! |
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Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier |
This is the story of a Polish family during the Second World War and immediately afterwards. Joseph Balicki is the headmaster of a primary school in Warsaw; his wife is Swiss, and their three children, Ruth, Edek and Bronia, are 13, 11 and 3 years old when Joseph is arrested by the Nazis in 1940. Soon afterwards his wife is taken to forced labour in Germany, and his house is blown up. The children escape over the roofs before the explosion and join the gangs of orphans living in the ruins of the bombed city, existing as best they can. The 'silver sword' is only a paper-knife, but it is the talisman that, after the Germans have been driven out of Warsaw, gives Ruth, Edek and Bronia the hope and courage to make an astonishing journey across Europe. Accompanied by their friend, the fierce and resourceful Jan, they reach a refugee camp on the shores of Lake Constance and are reunited with their parents. |
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The Scarecrow and his Servant by Philip Pullman |
This is a wonderfully funny adventure story about bravery and friendship written by the award-winning author Philip Pullman. |
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Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo |
Kensuke’s Kingdom is a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. When Michael gets thrown off his parents’ boat he does not expect to get washed up on an isolated Pacific island. But he soon realises that he is not alone… This is a great adventure story, which might appeal in particular to children who are interested in sailing or the sea.
Reviewed by Rachel, age 11 |
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Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver |
Wolf Brother is set thousands of years ago when evil stalked the land. 12-year-old Torak and his wolf cub companion are the only ones who can defeat it. Their amazing journey takes them through dense forests, across massive glaciers and into dangers they never could have imagined. This is a well-written book that might appeal to 10 to 12-year-olds who enjoy exciting stories and history.
Reviewed by Rachel, age 11 |
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Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism by Georgia Byng |
Molly Moon reads a book of hypnotism in the orphanage library and, as a result, is able to make Cook produce delicious Italian meals and persuade Miss Anderson to wear knickers on her head! But soon sinister Professor Nockman is hot on Molly’s trail and is determined to use her unique powers to commit a spectacular crime. A very funny book – and if you like magic tricks, you’ll love it!
Reviewed by Rachel, age 11 |
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The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Gouge |
The beautiful valley of Moonacre is shadowed by the memory of the Moon Princess and the mysterious little white horse. When Maria Merryweather visits the area she finds herself becoming involved in its ancient rituals and becomes determined to keep peace and happiness in the valley. A great fantasy read!
Reviewed by Rachel, age 11 |
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The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson |
This book is about a girl called Annika. She was abandoned on a church doorstep as a baby and is cared for in a large house by the cook and the housemaid. One day, a glamorous stranger arrives, claiming to be Annika’s mother. Annika learns that she is not a servant, but the daughter of a rich lady. But she soon discovers that all is not as it seems in the lives of her newfound family… This book would suit children of ten and above and is a great novel for getting your teeth into!
Reviewed by Rachel, age 11 |
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Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian |
The gruff Mr Tom Oakley is far from pleased when he is landed with a skinny little city boy as a compulsory evacuee during World War II. But it soon becomes obvious to Mr Tom that young Willie Beech is more confident than he first realised. Yet, when Willie has to return to war-torn London to face his mother again, he retreats into his shy and awkward ways once more. A brilliant and moving book - and very interesting for those interested in World War II.
Reviewed by Rachel, age 11 |
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Secret Seven Fireworks by Enid Blyton |
This is a brilliant mystery story! It’s Bonfire Night and the Secret Seven have started collecting money for fireworks. Suddenly the money disappears. The group suspect Susie, Jack’s annoying little sister, but is she really the thief? I loved this book and couldn’t put it down.
Reviewed by Ranald, age 9 |
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Bunnies in the Bathroom by Lucy Daniels |
This is a brilliant book for children who love animals and pets. When John sees two baby rabbits in a local pet shop, he sets his heart on them, but unfortunately they have already been sold. Can James and his friend Mandy track down the new owner? I love rabbits and I really enjoyed this easy-to-read story.
Reviewed by Ranald, age 9 |
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Going Solo by Roald Dahl |
This is an excellent autobiography. It is about Roald Dahl’s first job in Africa during the Second World War. This amazing tale describes Roald Dahl’s struggle through flight training and his incredible survival following a plane crash in the Libyan Desert. It’s a great story – and it’s true!
Reviewed by Ranald, age 9 |
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis |
This is a great book for children who like magic. When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy step into the wardrobe for the first time, they don’t realise that an evil witch is on the look-out for real children. Before they know it, the children are fighting against the White Witch to free Narnia from her evil spell. If you enjoyed the film, you will enjoy the book too!
Reviewed by Ranald, age 9 |
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Best Friends by Jacqueline Wilson |
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Tintin in Tibet by Herge |
Many would say that this is the best Tintin book – the story is set in the Himalayas where Tintin’s blind faith that his friend Chang has survived an air crash drives him, Snowy and his loyal friend Captain Haddock off on another adventure. |
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Asterix in Spain by René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo |
When the Romans take a Spanish chief’s son hostage, they get more than they bargained for. Little Pepe proves a terrible handful. Asterix and Obelix rescue him and set out to return him to his father. |
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The Invisible Dog by Dick King-Smith |
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Thieves on Wheels, Magic Pony Series by Elizabeth Lindsay |
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Five Children and It by E Nesbitt |
This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy. When Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane and their baby brother are digging in the sand, they do not expect to find a sand fairy. Having the sand fairy as their pet means they can have one wish granted each day – but they don’t realise the havoc that wishes can cause!
Reviewed by Ranald, age 9 |
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling |
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Loathsome London, Horrible Histories Series by Terry Deary |
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Monster Lakes, Horrible Georgraphy Series by Anita Ganeri |
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Ghost Trouble by Pete Johnson |
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Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud |
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The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson |
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The Dare Game by Jacqueline Wilson |
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The Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline Wilson |
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Bad Girls by Jacqueline Wilson |
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Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson |
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Starring Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson |
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The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson |
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