As the year is drawing to a close, we thought we would share some of the best books of 2024, which have been read by our team. This list focusses on middle grade fiction.
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Tyger by SF Said
Recommended read for 9-12 year olds
Adam finds a mysterious, magical creature in a rubbish dump in London. The Tyger is in danger and trying to stay away from Maldehyde's Menagerie. Adam and his friend Zadie hold the key to saving him. Can they learn to harness their powers before Maldehyde finds Tyger?
A beautiful story about harnessing the powers we have within, friendship and so much more.
The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll
Suitable for 9 to 12 year olds
Glory and her friend Dennis are fascinated by Harry Houdini and his death defying stunts. When Glory outsmarts him, they find themselves drawn into a dangerous world of rivalry and deception.
With Houdini's future at stake, they travel to Coney Island in America for the annual vaudeville show...
A great story about friendship, filled with mystery and intrigue.
The Shark Caller by Zilliah Bethell
9-11 years old
Blue Wing wants to become a shark caller but when Maple arrives on the island she is asked to show her around. The girls are initially reluctant to become friends and share their secrets. They must travel together to the depths of the ocean though to face Xox, the deadliest shark of them all.
A story about friendship, loss and bravery. (Note that this book does touch on themes like grief and death.)
The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
8 to 11 years old
Edwid Cotton is missing. Benhamiah believes in science and logic but not magic. When he receives a mysterious doll in the post he finds himself in Wreathenworld. Benjamiah finds himself swept up in a dangerous quest, along with Elizabella, Edwid's sister. Will they find him and will Benjamiah ever find his way home?
I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery
Reading age 9 to 11 years
I am Rebel is a story about Rebel the dog and his owner Tom. Rebel loves his simple life on the farm, until one day Tom decides to join a rebellion to defeat the King's men. Rebel will stop at nothing to bring Tom home. Along the way, he makes some unlikely friends. It is a story about friendship, the beloved bond between a dog and his owner and a really heartwarming tale to share. It has also been recently named as Waterstone's Children's Book of the Year.
If you are looking to start a book club in school with one of these books, check out our blog posts, starting with things to consider before running a book club, to encourage pupil participation in book clubs.
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