Age Group: KS3 (Ages 11-14)

Snow by Meera Trehan

Chapter book

A magical fairy-tale adventure set in a winter wonderland, this gift hardback makes the perfect Christmas present for fans of Frozen, The Snow Queen and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

In this enchanting fantasy, an imprisoned princess needs the help of a girl from the modern world to undo a wish gone wrong and save her snowy kingdom.

Every day, a lonely princess digs through the snow in search of a way to undo the terrible wish she made – one that has left her with an empty kingdom. But one day, a mysterious girl named Ela tumbles through the kingdom’s protective mist barrier. The princess is determined to bring Ela to her father, the king, as proof that her wish can be undone. Meanwhile, Ela is shocked to discover she’s stumbled upon the very Snow Princess whose picture graces the cover of the locked book that Ela’s mom won’t let her read.

Can these two brave girls from different worlds come together to set things right? This captivating adventure of courage, belonging and unlikely friendship would make a wonderful stocking filler, and is the perfect book to curl up with on winter nights.

Paddock Grove: A Pony to Own

J P Rose

Chapter book

“Welcome to Paddock Grove, a boarding school for the best, providing equestrians of tomorrow with state-of-the-art facilities and world-class tuition in everything from stable management to competitive riding…”

A scholarship to Paddock Grove is a dream come true for George, but when her local riding school shuts down and the horse she hoped to borrow is sold, it seems her dreams are over before they’ve begun – until her parents surprise her with a pony of her own. Unfortunately, that pony is Bear, a scruffy cob with tangles in his mane, feathers around his hooves and a mischievous streak a mile wide. He’s the complete opposite of the well-bred show horses her classmates are riding.

Between George’s new-school nerves and Bear’s naughty tricks, everything goes from bad to worse. If George and Bear can’t learn how to work together, they might lose their place at Paddock Grove for good…

The first of four titles in a brand new pony series set in an elite equestrian boarding school from rising star J. P. Rose.

You VS The Poison Plot

Josh Hicks

Chapter book

Can YOU solve the case? Choose your suspect, choose your next move – choose the story!

YOU VS is a series of interactive adventure stories where the reader gets to choose what happens next! Full of maps, diagrams and illustrations, YOU VS gives readers the chance to star in their own stories: big genre adventures with huge stakes, real heart and a sense of humour. Oh, and lots and lots of endings.

In YOU VS The Poison Plot, it’s the eve of the school talent show, but the school’s drama teacher has suddenly collapsed with four witnesses at his side! As editor of the school newspaper and a seasoned journalist, you investigate – and smell foul play. You’ve got ‘til tomorrow’s show to follow your nose and unravel the mystery…

Perfect for fans of Cluedle and Murdle Junior as well as The Boy With Big Decisions, this first book in the series is an attempted-murder mystery where YOU get to solve the case!

It’s The End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit

Justin A. Reynolds

Chapter book

A funny, voice-driven middle-grade story from American author Justin A. Reynolds.

Twelve-year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway, who has ADHD, has concocted his most genius plan ever to avoid chores, especially laundry. If he can wear every item of clothing in his wardrobe, summer will be halfway over before he has to do laundry!

On the day of the highly anticipated Beach Bash, Eddie ends up grounded until he can get his clothes clean. While left home alone to do his laundry, the power goes out mid-cycle. With his first load of laundry soaking wet and the rest still filthy, Eddie sets out to explore the seemingly empty neighbourhood in just his swim trunks and flip-flops.

As he meets up with other neighbourhood kids to find out what happened, they realise that their families aren’t coming back anytime soon. And as night falls, the crew realizes they aren’t just the only people left in the neighbourhood – they might be the only people left…anywhere.

World of Wanda

Karen McCombie

Chapter book

Meet Wanda!

Things about me: I don’t go to school (even though I’m 12), I have ADHD (my mum says I don’t), me and my mum travel around the world (with backpacks), I’m homesick (for a home that doesn’t exist) and I’ve just discovered a HUGE secret (and I need to find out if it’s true)! Maybe it’s time for me to have an adventure of my own. You’ll never guess what, but something mind-melting has just happened to my family – or should I say a SOMEONE happened!…

From AI to Wi-Fi: How the internet works!

Craig Steele & Terri Po

Non-fiction

Written with humour and clarity, this non-fiction book breaks down complex ideas associated with the Internet – like data packets, algorithms, networks, and cybersecurity – into manageable and child-friendly explanations supported by diagrams and real‑world examples.

The book also discusses online risks, including scams, hacking and privacy concerns. These are handled in an age‑appropriate, factual way that would be great for starting discussions around e-safety, cyber security and Safer Internet Day.

As a teacher, I find it a strong choice for developing digital literacy and supporting cross‑curricular learning in computing, science, and PSHE.

The Lions’ Run

Sara Pennypacker

Chapter book

A powerful WW2 animal rescue adventure from the author of the well-loved story book Pax.

This book explores what it is to be brave, what it means to have a family, and uncovers a part of the horrific Nazi practices – the Lebensborn – that is little known about or explored, particularly in children’s literature.

Lucas is a character full of quiet courage and resilience who has a strong sense of justice. This leads him from rescuing kittens from drowning to joining the resistance, passing messages within his occupied town in France. After witnessing Gestapo dragging Jewish children from a house they were sheltering in and other atrocities, he takes matters into his own hands and both Lucas and his friend Alice must attempt the most daring escape of all to rescue more than themselves from the Nazi occupiers.

Sensitive topics are discussed in relation to WW2 and this is suitable for mature KS2 or KS3 pupils. With poignant and moving storytelling, this is a narrative that will stay with the reader long after they finish.

The Overthinkers’ Club: Happy List

Nat Luurtsema

Chapter book

This is the perfect book for tweens and is sure to be a popular reading for pleasure choice. Birdie is an overthinker, and she currently has a lot of change to navigate in her life, including moving house, becoming a blended family, tending to an elderly hamster and not yet needing a bra!

Birdie and her best friend decide to create a happy list of ideas to help them with their well-being. But, along with daily gratitudes, drinking water and doing things for others, her BFF adds ‘new friends’ to the list! Trying to branch out, Chloe and Birdie find themselves the target of a bullying group of girls.

This book perfectly encapsulates tween life – the happiness, stresses, anxieties, betrayals and joy. The brilliantly chatty tone, mix of font styles and illustrations make it so engaging, and there’s plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Above all, it is filled with supportive friendships and a caring family to help the girls find their way.

A great reading for pleasure book that will resonate with young people making the transition to Secondary School in the next couple of years.

The Secrets of Wild Hill: Lottie’s Dream

Olivia Tuffin

Chapter book

Old rivalries, new friends and a fresh start. Can Lottie rebuild her connection with Patch enough to get them to the championships and one step closer to her dream?

In this second gripping adventure, Lottie works hard to heal her bond with Patch, desperate to learn how to hear him. But ever since the Rhinefields Show when he galloped off, Patch has been detached and afraid…

Meanwhile, Lottie’s friendship with Felix is over and she feels betrayed. But when he texts her out of the blue, she realises how much she’s missed him. Could she trust him again? And why does he need her help? As more secrets emerge, Lottie and Felix try to make sense of the photograph he found and the old connection between their two families.

With Wild Hill up for sale, there’s still so much to overcome. Lottie knows that without Wild Hill, there will be no more time with Patch. And without Patch, there is no dream.

Rune: The Tale of the Obsidian Maze

Carlos Sanchez

Chapter book

After defeating the Shadow King, Chiri and Dai are settling into their new lives in the magical land of Puddin’.

However, there is always more evil to fight against, and this time, the evil is coming to them.

After being invited to the Obsidian Maze to fight the sinister MidKnight, Chiri and Dai are about to encounter the deepest darkness there ever was, and they’re not sure if they’re both going to make it safely back to their friends.

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