Genre: Children’s Fiction
Age ranges: 8-12
Compiled by: Aoife & Niamh, Leixlip Library
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
This is the fourth magical tale in the series, taking in the more mature questions of fights within friendship, budding romance and allegory for the evils of World War 2. Moral themes of the story aside, it’s also a very exciting chapter of the Harry Potter saga as Harry finds himself unwittingly entered into the historic and dangerous Tri-Wizard Tournament.
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
Great for kids who’ve read Harry Potter a zillion times. The three books so far are witty and action-packed, full of that same magic universe complexity while also teaching friendship and the acceptance of difference. Wish and Zar come from two races that hate each other, warriors and wizards, but they share many values and a similar sense of good against a common foe: witches.
Darkmouth by Shane Hegarty
This is another great fantasy book, as it combines a familiar Irish school environment with mythical beasts of old. Great for moving on from the Beast Quest series by Adam Blade. An imperfect boy named Finn is the last defender of the last portal between Earth and another world full of mythical beasts, if only his training was going well!
Gangsta Granny by David Walliams
Walliams presents a moral message about appreciating your grandparents alongside some laugh out loud humour, creating a book that is both light-hearted and touching. At the beginning of this story, Ben hates spending time in his grandmother’s house eating the same old soup and playing boring games but as he begins to learn of her history as a crafty jewel thief, he gets to know her and they grow close.
The Sheep-Pig by Dick King Smith
I find books about animals to be very popular, especially when they talk to the reader, and this one has such a host of funny and kind animals of all sorts that I was completely taken with it as a child. It follows a loveable pig who desperately wants to be a sheep herder, there are some of the realisms and tragedies of life on a farm, but this is ultimately a story about allowing yourself to dream and triumph.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
This follows the story of Percy Jackson, who is the son of the Greek god Poseidon, and his friends at Camp Half Blood. It is an excellent series and one that is well written and thought out. It is also a great introduction to the Greek Gods and all that they entail.
Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix.
This follows Arthur Penhaligon, an asthmatic 12-year-old boy who is chosen to become the Rightful Heir of the House, the centre of the universe. This is one of those series that not many people are aware of but an excellent series that everyone should read and I would say that is just as good as Harry Potter or Percy Jackson.
First book in the series, Mister Monday, eBook on Bolinda BorrowBox
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This follows the story of Baudelaire siblings, who are investigating their parent’s death. It is an excellent series, whichis well written and one of those series that recognises that kids understand more than adults think. It is well worth reading.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is not your typical 12-year-old boy. He is a criminal mastermind who takes the old stories of fairies quite seriously. It is such a great series and one that should be on everyone’s list.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This story follows Meg, her brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O’Keeffe as they try to find out what happened to Meg and Charles’ father. It is an excellent book and one of the cool things about it introduces the topic of space and time to children. It is an amazing book that is definitely worth reading.
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