year 9 suggested reading list

Classics

1. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

   • An extraordinary tale of friendship and the horrors of war seen through the eyes of two young boys.

2. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

   • Mary Lennox, a spoiled child, discovers a secret garden that transforms her life and the lives of those around her.

3. Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer

   • A story of a girl who mysteriously slips back in time by 40 years during her first night at boarding school.

4. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

   • A collection of stories that expertly blend myth, morals, adventure, and powerful storytelling.

5. Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

   • A vivid memoir of childhood in a remote Cotswold village, capturing the essence of life before modern conveniences.

6. Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian

   • The compelling story of an abused child finding safety, love, and hope through an elderly man.

Great Reads

1. Rebound by Kwame Alexander

   • A verse novel about family, grief, and basketball, offering an uplifting story of resilience.

2. Looking for JJ and Finding Jennifer Jones by Anne Cassidy

   • A gripping exploration of guilt and self-identity through the story of JJ, a girl released after committing a crime.

3. The Everest Files by Matt Dickinson

   • A thrilling tale set on Everest, focusing on betrayal, lies, and the deadly risks of climbing the world’s highest mountain.

4. The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon

   • A poignant story about a refugee boy who has lived his life in a detention center, exploring freedom and hope.

5. Spilled Water by Sally Grindley

   • A heart-wrenching first-person account of a young girl’s life in China, bringing attention to social issues and resilience.

6. The Lie Tree and A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge

   • A darkly gothic, atmospheric historical mystery combining elements of the supernatural and natural science.

7. The Fastest Boy in the World by Elizabeth Laird

   • A powerful and inspiring story about Solomon, a boy who dreams of running and overcoming adversity.

8. Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

   • A suspenseful thriller about Lauren, who discovers she might have been kidnapped as a child, leading to a search for the truth.

9. The World of Norm (series) by Jonathan Meres

   • A hilarious, award-winning series that follows Norm, a boy whose life is full of awkward and funny situations.

10. The Stars at Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard

    • A deeply moving story about compassion, kindness, and wisdom, with beautiful imagery.

11. Cool! by Michael Morpurgo

    • The story of Robbie, a boy in a coma, who must fight to stay conscious and find his way back to life.

12. Things a Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls

    • A historical novel about the women's suffrage movement and the fight for equal rights during the Great War.

13. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

    • The inspiring and heartwarming story of Auggie, a boy born with facial deformities, and his journey through school.

14. Alpha Force (series) by Chris Ryan

    • An action-packed adventure series featuring a team of elite young agents facing thrilling missions.

15. Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick

    • A powerful, timely thriller set on the US-Mexico border, focusing on gang warfare, migration, and a race against time.

Non-Fiction

1. Does Anything Eat Wasps? by New Scientist

   • A fun, informative exploration of fascinating facts about the natural world.

2. Why Don't Penguins' Feet Freeze? by New Scientist

   • A quirky and informative guide answering scientific questions in a fun, accessible way.

3. Philip Ardagh's Book of Absolutely Useless Lists! by Philip Ardagh

   • A humorous collection of completely useless but entertaining lists that are bound to amuse.