Age Group: KS3 (Ages 11-14)

Glow Up, Lara Bloom

Chapter book

MY NAME IS LARA BLOOM AND THIS IS MY LIFE . . .

Meet Lara Bloom – the best friend you never knew you needed. This is her diary . . .

When Lara meets super-cute new boy Caiden, she begins to think that the way to his heart is to give herself a glow up. But her friends are not impressed. You should never glow up for a boy, only for yourself!

As Lara and her friends embark on their project of empowerment and self-love, Lara shares her innermost thoughts with her online journal. How can she keep her hair under control when she’s playing football? Why is she so fast on the pitch yet so uncoordinated off it? And how will she ever convince Caiden to take an interest in her?

With her worries safely locked in her top-secret journal, Lara is on track to unlock the glow-up of her dreams. Surely nothing could possibly go wrong . . .?!

A heart-warming story of friendship, crushes and learning to love yourself. Perfect for fans of GEEK GIRL, Louise Rennison and Alesha Dixon.

Nowhere Island

Tania Unsworth

Chapter book

If you’ve ever wondered what could live in the untamed expanses beside and between motorways, this story will catch your imagination.

It is set on an island cut off from the rest of humanity by the intersections of motorways, to which four children have escaped: Gil has escaped from his social worker as she tries to find him a forever foster home; brothers Riley and Grayson have run away from their abusive father; and Pez has escaped from a star-worshipping cult that estranged her from her family.

All four children have their issues and anxieties, but are happy on ‘Nowhere Island’ (as they have named it) and manage a relatively stable existence, living off supplies stolen from cars that stop at the layby that borders the edge of their domain. However, Riley is determined to push his luck at the layby and not only witnesses something frightening but also makes a dangerous decision that puts their way of life under imminent threat.

This was a very enjoyable read as it is well written and eminently plausible, with engaging characters.

What Do YOU Think?: How to agree to disagree and still be friends

Matthew Syed

Non-fiction

This is a delightful read for children in early Key Stage 3, offering a treasure trove of fundamental life lessons wrapped up in engaging and humorous writing. The book effortlessly blends fun with wisdom, encouraging young readers to think for themselves and act with kindness, even in tricky situations.

The book helps in learning how to disagree politely—a skill that’s crucial for young people navigating school and social life. The tone is light-hearted and funny, ensuring that the lessons don’t feel preachy or heavy-handed, but rather like advice from a friendly mentor. The book is also visually appealing, with charming illustrations that complement the lively writing. These fun images add another layer of entertainment to the book, helping kids better understand and retain the lessons being taught

At its core, the book promotes individuality and encourages children to stand firm in their beliefs while respecting others’ perspectives. It shows that you can disagree without being rude or dismissive, which is an important skill for building healthy relationships. By the end, readers are not only entertained but also motivated to develop their voices and think critically.

Overall, this is a great tool for both parents and educators, helping young people develop social-emotional skills that will serve them well throughout life. The humour and illustrations keep things light, while the underlying messages are meaningful, making it an excellent choice for children eager to learn key life lessons in an entertaining way.

Steady For This

Nathanael Lessore

Chapter book

Shaun, aka MC Growls, and his best mate, fellow MC Shanks, is heading for global stardom as a rap star and raptology is just the first step in making that happen… at least that is what Growls likes to convince himself.

Then, after a cataclysmic failed attempt at live streaming, Growls’ life goes from bad to worse, and it seems even his “insane rap skills” can’t save him. Thankfully, his teacher Mr Rix, counsellor Karen, unlikely new friend Siobhan and even his brother (never his biggest fan) help him believe in himself again – but will even that be enough?

“Steady for this” is Nathanael Lessore’s debut novel, and has been multiple-award-shortlisted, including for a Carnegie award and won the Branford Boase Award 2024. Set in Peckham, and written in the broad dialect many living in that part of London, the novel brings out the joy and pain that can be found in living in a close knit community, the dangers and impact of putting your life online for all to see and the importance in never giving up hope even when things seem impossible.

Often “snort out loud” funny (read it in public at your peril), Lessore envelopes you in a world seen from the eyes of Growls, his touching naivety helps mask some of the pain that life is dealing him but when reality destroys even his optimism then faith in human nature is masterfully restored with a wake up call that all of us can make a big difference in someone’s life (good and bad) through what can seem the smallest of gestures.

No Fixed Address

Susin Nielsen

Chapter book

‘No Fixed Address’ is a wonderfully written story about Felix Knutsson and his mother, Astrid. The story follows Felix’s journey of living in a Volkswagen Westfalia with no fixed address.

The story, written from Felix’s perspective, is complex, funny and relatable. There are themes of friendships running throughout the book, and as a reader, you feel connected to the characters. The way Felix’s friends support him but also must make tough decisions when they are concerned about his wellbeing is something children may experience themselves. Felix’s struggles throughout the book are relatable, and I feel that some children could resonate with Felix and what he is going through. The themes of a mother and son bond and the day-to-day problems Felix must try and solve add depth to the story.

I would recommend this book to children who are in the early years of KS3 or any children who might be amid moving to or from a new school. There is a game show that Felix gets to be a part of, creating hope and an aspect of fun, and you feel as if you want Felix to achieve his dreams to better his life.

No Fixed Address’ is a great book that creates discussions about sensitive topics which could be discussed during KS3 PSHE lessons or form time. The book is highly recommended and was one I struggled to put down until I had finished reading it.

The Tree That Sang To Me

Serena Molloy

Poetry, Verse novel

This verse novel is an incredible read and sang to me the way the tree sang to Kai, the main character, in the story.

Written in verse, this style of writing is accessible to reluctant and struggling readers, enabling them to feel all the emotions of a wonderful story normally found in longer, chapter book form. It tells the story of a boy, growing up without privilege, where family and friendships are the most important thing in his life. The subtle plot is revealed gradually as the story develops, jumping forwards and backwards in time in an effective way. The vocabulary has been carefully chosen to be powerful and moving, whilst retaining simplicity. The layout of the text and words draws the eyes to the page and the stunning illustrations, also simple but beautiful, make this book a feast for the eyes.

Considering opposing themes of friendship and bullying, and family struggles and love, this book ultimately conveys the importance of acceptance, empathy and kindness. Suitable for reader aged 10-13, with a wide range of reading abilities, this book is a ‘must’ for pre-teen libraries and book corners.

Lost by Ele Fountain

Ele Fountain

Chapter book

The powerful story of two siblings trying to survive extreme poverty by the multi-award-winning, Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted author of Boy 87

Lola’s life is about to become unrecognisable. So is Lola.

Everything used to be comfortable. She lived in a big house with her family, where her biggest problems were arguing with her little brother or being told she couldn’t have a new phone. But as one disaster follows another, the threads of her home and family begin to unravel.

Cut off from everything she has known before, Lola must find a new way to survive.

Now, an ordinary girl must become extraordinary.

Stone Cold

Robert Swindells

Chapter book

Stone Cold was originally published in 1993 and is a teen story of hope, friendship and homelessness. The key protagonist is Link, homeless at age 16 and alone on the streets. He meets another youngster, Ginger, who provides much-needed friendship and support, but who then goes missing. Link tries to find out what happened to him.

It is most definitely a young adult book, best suitable for readers aged 13 and above, due to some graphic written descriptions and language use. However it is an extremely powerful portrayal of young people having to live on the streets when they become homeless, and the issues and dangers they face. The author, Robert Swindells, originally wrote it in response to seeing so many youngsters homeless on visits to London and hoped that it might provoke a public (and government) response to alter their perceptions of homelessness, which is rarely a matter of choice. With little having changed for the better since then for homeless teens, this is just as important a read now as it was when first published.

Powerful and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to think for themselves about what it is to be human and how to care about others.

The Maze Runner

James Dashner

Chapter book

The first book in the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series.

When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he’s not alone. He’s surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade – a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze. Like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they came to be there – or what’s happened to the world outside.

All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything – even the Grievers, half-machine, half-animal horror that patrol its corridors, to try and find out …

When Life Gives You Mangoes

Kereen Getten

Chapter book

When Life Gives You Mangoes is set in the Jamaica of Kereen Getten’s childhood; as such the book is evocatively full of sunshine, lush vegetation, and laid back freedom to roam through long summer days.

Clara, the protagonist, is touchingly honest, feisty and wild, but can’t abide being near water. As the story goes on, we realise that something happened last summer that Clara cannot or will not remember. In trying to push everyone away, including her patient and wise father, she runs straight into the arms of her uncle, an exile from the village about whom rumours roam and mistrust hangs.

The book deals with Clara’s amnesia and anxiety with gentleness and kindness, and it’s a great story for exploring mental health and the ways in which we protect ourselves from trauma. In the end it is Clara’s uncle who helps her come to terms with her past, and this beautiful twist leads both to Clara’s healing, and the restoration of her uncle to the village community.

I really enjoyed the themes of redemption and forgiveness, friendship, community and kindness that run through this story, and the taste of another place and culture that it gives the reader. For all these reasons, it’s definitely earns its place on a KS3 library bookshelf!

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