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These are some of the books that I have recommended and/or read to classes when I taught that age range.


Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Spiderwick Chronicles

Beast Quest

Wayside School Series by Louis Sachar (almost anything by him really)

Lemony Snicket Series

Lionboy Trilogy (although quite sophisticated - nearer age 10 than 8)

Horrid Henry books

Horrible Histories

Captain Underpants

Alex Rider books

Anything by Anne Fine


Hopefully there will be something there to tempt him!

Try the 'Mr Gum' books by Andy Stanton. A brilliantly written and funny series that captures childrens imaginations (especially boys)with the fantastically funny characterisations from around age 7 upwards. The first one is called 'You're a Bad Man Mr Gum' and I know Tales on Moon Lane stock them. Worth a peep at the website to get a feel for what type of books they are. www.mrgum.co.uk A bit of a modern Roald Dahl I'd say.

Silverfin (young Bond - Charlie Higson); Skellig; Goodnight Mr Tom; Artemis Fowl; Michael Morpurgo (though quite heavy on animals)


and I will second Lemony Snicket and Mr Gum. Both have very distinctive prose styles.


Recently revisited my childhood fondness for Blackhearts in Battersea (sequal to WofWC)with my daughter and realised the language was really hard. A sort of cockney/Restoration mash up.


Is the Ogre Downstairs by Diana Wynne Jones still in print? Two groups of step siblings given chemistry kits which turn out to be magic. I used to love that one.


How To Be Unemployed - the White Collar Way

A Canadian author that probably isn't well known here is Gordon Korman. These are perfect for boys or girls in this age group. The ones that I remember off the top of my head are:


This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall

Go Jump In The Pool

Beware The Fish

No Coins Please

Don't Care High

The Twinkie Squad


I have such vivid memories of these books. He has continued publishing loads since these, but I haven't read them since growing out of the demographic myself!

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