Year 7 and 8 suggested reading books

Here's a list of suggested books for Year 7 and Year 8 students - please do use parental discretion where appropriate:

1. The Wordsmith by Patricia Forde

   • Interest age: 13-17
   • Reading age: 11+
   • A post-apocalyptic thriller about a Wordsmith responsible for rationing words in a tense, jeopardy-filled world.

2. No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

   • Interest age: 11-15
   • Reading age: 11+
   • Felix's journey to win a quiz show to escape homelessness, blending humour with sensitive social issues.

3. Kerb-Stain Boys: The Crongton Broadway Robbery by Alex Wheatle

   • Interest age: 12-16
   • Reading age: 12+
   • A thrilling and hilarious adventure about three 14-year-olds planning a heist that turns into chaos.

4. The House in Poplar Wood by K E Ormsbee

   • Interest age: 10-14
   • Reading age: 10+
   • A dark, gripping tale about 13-year-old twins living in a house full of sinister secrets.

5. Banana Sunday by Paul Tobin, illustrated by Colleen Coover

   • Interest age: 9-12
   • Reading age: 9+
   • A colourful graphic novel about fitting in at school, with a quirky mystery and talking primates.

6. Stay A Little Longer by Bali Rai

   • Interest age: 12-16
   • Reading age: 8+
   • A heartwarming story about confronting homophobia, following Aman who befriends a new neighbour after the death of her father.

7. Conspiracy of Ravens by Leah Moore, John Reppion, and Sally Jane Thompson

   • Interest age: 10-14
   • Reading age: 9+
   • A supernatural adventure involving a mysterious locket and a young girl's exams at boarding school.

8. Lou Out of Luck by Nat Luurtsema

   • Interest age: 10-14
   • Reading age: 10+
   • A light-hearted, funny story about Lou trying to turn around her unlucky life with the help of her performance club and friends.

9. Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay

   • Interest age: 10-16
   • Reading age: 10+
   • Set in the Philippines in 1899, this adventure follows a boy from a remote tribe on the brink of American invasion.

10. Sheets by Brenna Thummler

    • Interest age: 10-14
    • Reading age: 10+
    • A graphic novel about a 13-year-old girl running a family launderette, with unexpected help from ghosts.

11. For Every One by Jason Reynolds

    • Interest age: 9+
    • Reading age: 9+
    • A powerful long-form poem about pursuing dreams and reaching potential, offering an uplifting message for all.

This selection offers a mix of adventure, heart, humour, and important life lessons for young readers!