Younger readers
Esio Trot, Roald Dahl
My youngest daughter came home from school one day and told me a secret. She had worked out that ‘Esio Trot’ was ‘Tortoise’ backwards and wanted to know if I knew that too. She was utterly delighted. A classic read. Enjoy.
Confident readers
The Legend of Podkin One-Ear, Kieran Larwood
Podkin is the lazy son of a warrior chieftain. After his burrow is attacked by the terrifying Gorm, he must run for his life with his siblings in tow, armed only with a magical sword. This traditional adventure story is Hobbit-esque in its themes and is a treasure of a read, particularly because of the use of double narrative. A real joy for fantasy lovers.
Young Adult
Crongton Knights, Alex Wheatle
Urban, raw, lyrical and real. This account of the lives of teenagers living on the fictitious South Crongton council estate is an essential young adult read. Alex Wheatle’s prose jumps and sings off the page as he tackles gang violence, poverty, brotherly love, loyalty and friendship with an assured honest voice. Superb.