Ruth Ennis chooses books for older children
This year I’ve had the pleasure of reading stories for older readers that introduce me to new worlds and big personalities. From settings in the deep sea, a magical forest, or in the sky above London, to a protagonist akin to Frankenstein’s monster, a fledgling witch, or an internet sensation; the following books have been a joy to read and I’m excited to share them with you today.
First on our list is Stitch by Pádraig Kenny (Walker Books). Stitch is an unusual creature in that he is literally stitched together from parts of other people and brought to life by his beloved Professor. He lives in a house isolated from the rest of the world with his friend Henry Oaf, who has the most charming manner of speaking, flourishing everyday words such as “treasurized” and “transgressifications.” But when the Professor’s nephew takes over their home and laboratory, Stitch and Henry plan an escape to the outside world that only sees them as monsters.
This is an excellent story about friendship, navigating new worlds, and accepting those who are different to you
This is an excellent story about friendship, navigating new worlds, and accepting those who are different to you. Stitch is a delightful protagonist, allowing the reader to experience a worldview that is persistently hopeful and without prejudice. The honest and sincere writing shines on each page, demonstrating an admiration for humanity, which is such a welcome element in any book for young readers. Perfect for fans of Joseph Coelho’s Fairytales Gone Bad series, this is a short but sweet read that can only be summed up as truly heart-warming. Suitable for ages 9+ years.
Catherine Doyle presents us with her latest adventure novel: Pirates of Darksea (Bloomsbury). Max adores his older brother Christopher. But when Christopher falls very ill and is hospitalised, Max is presented with the unique opportunity to escape his ordinary life and travel across the ocean with the Pirate King Captain O’Malley. He soon learns that the secret deep-sea kingdom of Darksea is under threat from a terrifying monster.
This book hits all the beats of a classic adventure story set on the ocean
Max, along with his new friend Ruby, battles his way through many challenges in this new world: rescuing a trapped mermaid, facing shark-like ships, scaling a volcano, and more. This book hits all the beats of a classic adventure story set on the ocean. It is well paced, with punchy writing that implores you to read just one more page. What makes this adventure stand out is the emotional core of Max’s choices: everything he does is fuelled by the love for his brother, hoping his actions will lead to Christopher’s recovery. It’s an expertly written story that will appeal to a wide range of readers, suitable for ages 9+ years.
Into the Witchwood (The O’Brien Press) is a gorgeous debut by Méabh McDonnell. Rowan is a witch in training who lives with her dad and little sister, Lila. Six months ago, her mum entered the dangerous Witchwood beside their home and never returned. Rowan decides to sneak out and search for her mother in the forest against her family’s will. She doesn’t realise until it’s too late that she’s been followed by Lila and the new neighbour Farid. Together the trio face unprecedented challenges of dark magic that test their bonds and require them to use every ounce of their courage.
The use of the Irish language for Rowan’s magic-casting is a lovely touch
This is a hugely impressive debut, with creative world-building and writing that flows effortlessly. The use of the Irish language for Rowan’s magic-casting is a lovely touch. A wonderfully unique element of the story was Rowan’s presentation as an imperfect protagonist losing her temper, and the exploration between the strained relationship between the two sisters, with a touching conclusion. It is a lightly spooky narrative with some emotionally powerful scenes. I look forward to reading more of McDonnell’s work. Perfect for fans of Alex Dunne’s The Book of Secrets, this is suitable for ages 10+ years.
Another debut for this list is Starminster by Megan Hopkins (Harper Collins). Astrid has lived her entire life locked in a shed, her only companion being her mother. One day she is visited by Mrs Wairi, a strange woman who tells Astrid that she belongs in London Overhead: a magical city for people with wings like birds. Astrid enrols in Starminster, the school of flight, and quickly learns about the history, physics, and turbulent politics of the winged people. But there are dark secrets lurking in the shadows of the city and Astrid, with her friends, is about to uncover them all.
This is a hugely imaginative story, with a detailed fantasy world and a wide-ranging cast of characters
This is a hugely imaginative story, with a detailed fantasy world and a wide-ranging cast of characters. Getting to learn about the intricacies and secrets of London Overhead is very enjoyable. Astrid is an admirable protagonist with a strong sense of justice and a drive to act upon it. For readers who enjoyed the Rainbow Grey series by Laura Ellen Anderson and is looking to move onwards to something more challenging, this is a great match. Suitable for ages 11+ years.
Lastly, we return to a more familiar setting in Nina Peanut is Amazing by Sarah Bowie (Scholastic). Nina is a massive, superstar internet sensation (in the making), with loads of followers (two so far) and hit videos such as “How To Peel a Banana” and “How To Not Step in Poo.” Her best-friend is the mild-mannered Brian who helps film her videos, and her arch-nemesis is Megan who has a considerably more successful internet platform. When Nina’s cat accidentally becomes internet-famous overnight, she finds she has the new attention of Megan, while her friendship with Brian becomes strained. With the school talent show just around the corner and creative differences causing rifts across friendships, Nina has to assess who her friends are and what fame can cost.
Very much a book for the modern reader, it will have wide appeal with lots of relatable moments for young people
This is a funky and fun graphic novel with vibrant and dynamic illustrations to match Nina’s chaotic energy. Very much a book for the modern reader, it will have wide appeal with lots of relatable moments for young people. Nina is a flawed protagonist and it’s refreshing to see her make mistakes and, more importantly, learn from them. A quick and enjoyable read, suitable for ages 8+ years.
With five very different and engaging books to choose from, I’ve no doubt there is a story on this list that is perfectly suited for the young reader in your life.
