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If your 8+ year old has moved beyond most of the children's fiction books, but you're unwilling to let them loose in the teenage section, we have some suggestions for you to try. These books have a reading level of 12 years and over, but have content suitable for a younger age group. The books can be in children's and/or teens.
Many times people are tempted to recommend classics to children with advanced reading levels. This is great, but be aware that language and attitudes have changed since the books were written. The rich language is a positive thing, but can also be very taxing for modern readers. Many classics show the then attitudes towards women and ethnic groups, attitudes which have undergone dramatic changes. For example, the Anne of Green Gables series reveals the distrust of Irish and French immigrants to Canada at the end of the 19th century.
We've divided the list into broad categories, so you can find the book/s you need straight away. Some titles may appear on more than one list.
Brilliant for boys
The fire-eaters
David Almond
It's the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the world held its breath, waiting to be annihilated in a nuclear conflict.
Sticks
Joan Bauer
Mickey desperately wants to win the Junior Nine-Ball Championship. There's just one problem - a big one - Buck Pender. But with the help of some friends, a little maths, and a little physics, miracles can happen.
Midnight saboteur
Martin Booth
Jacob smuggles himself into France to save his mother, a special operations executive agent in World War Two.
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman and The angel's command
Brian Jacques
Neb escapes his horrible family home to be a cabin boy - but he ends up on the Fleiger Hollander - to become infamous as The Flying Dutchman. Jacques is best-known for his Redwall series.
The knight and the squire and The lady and the squire
Terry Jones
Tom is desperate to escape from a life in the Abbot's school, so he runs away, determined to go on quests and travel afar as a squire. Things don't quite go according to plan. Yes, he finds a knight to serve, and yes, he travels overseas to war. But that's about as close to his dreams as he gets.
These books pull very few punches when it comes to the realities of mediaeval warfare.
Bootleg
Alex Shearer
Chocolate & sweets illegal? When the Good For You Party is elected into government that's exactly what happens. A great read, and thought provoking
Maniac Magee
Jerry Spinelli
Some of it's factual, some of it's a story - but all of it tells the truth. The truth about a boy called Maniac. The sort of book everyone should read at least once.
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Great for girls
Cassandra Klein series
Karen Brooks
It's Cassandra's 13th birthday and she receives a present from her mother - the mother who disappeared when Cassandra was born. The present - a very ugly necklace - opens a portal to Cassandra's mother's world - a world where our mythology is their reality.
Jenna's wave
Steve Dickinson
Jenna wants to prove she's as good as the boys after being kicked out of the rugby team. So she starts surfing.
Once upon a Marigold
Jean Ferris
Christian ran away from his home as a child - and now lives with a troll! Now 16, he spies on the nearby royal family, and falls in love with Princess Marigold. Great fun! And not just for kids!
Dancing in Cadillac light
Kimberly Willis Holt
In 1968 Jaynell's world changes when her Grandpap moves in, a year after his wife's death. Jaynell's father sets her the task of following Grandpap around - to see whether he's crazy. While doing this Jaynell learns more about her family history - and herself.
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Fantasy and science fiction
Outlanders
Margaret Beames
The Outlanders live outside the safety of the Dome and everyone knows they're freaks. Yet Rhiane learns differently and her discovery may bring down the Dome civilisation.
Doctor Illuminatus
Martin Booth
Pip and Tim have just moved to a new house with a lot of history - some of it very present. Like Sebastian, son of the house's builder!
Once upon a Marigold
Jean Ferris
Christian ran away from his home as a child - and now lives with a troll! Now 16, he spies on the nearby royal family, and falls in love with Princess Marigold. Great fun! And not just for kids!
Dragonkeeper
Carole Wilkinson
When the Emperor suddenly arrives in his remote palace in Huangling a young slave girl's life changes dramatically. Fearing for her life she flees - along with the last Imperial dragon, Long Danzi. A story of courage and friendship.
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Family and friends
Sticks
Joan Bauer
Mickey desperately wants to win the Junior Nine-Ball Championship. There's just one problem - a big one - Buck Pender. But with the help of some friends, a little maths, and a little physics, miracles can happen.
Dancing in Cadillac light
Kimberly Willis Holt
In 1968 Jaynell's world changes when her Grandpap moves in, a year after his wife's death. Jaynell's father sets her the task of following Grandpap around - to see whether he's crazy. While doing this Jaynell learns more about her family history - and herself.
The midnight train home
Erika Tamar
Deirdre and her brothers are sent west on an orphan train. Deirdre's not happy in her first family, but finds the family she needs in a travelling troupe.
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Crime and mystery
Dovey Coe
Frances O'Roark Dowell
Dovey's been accused of murdering her sister's suitor - and she didn't do it.
Traces: Luke Harding, Forensic Investigator
Malcolm Rose
Along with MALC, his Mobile Aid to Law and Crime, Luke Harding investigates crimes all over the country. His task is not easy though, as people often don't take the young criminalist seriously. Set in a parallel Britain, this is a fast paced and slick series.
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