Are you struggling to find your child good Christmas presents? As Christmas draws nearer, the Press Club has chosen a few books each to help parents decide on something to amaze their children.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder 13+ by Holly Jackson published by Electric Monkey
A brilliant teen crime thriller, following Pip Fitz-Amobi, as she detects a closed case. The book is incredible, with twists and turns along the way, perfect for fans of murder mystery and teenagers who want to try something new. It is well-plotted and thrilling for any teen reader.
Keeper of the Lost Cities 8+ by Shannon Messenger published by Simon & Schuster
An amazing read for older children. The series as it stands is 9 books long (plus an 8.5 book with a short novella and a 9.5th book just released) and a 10th book expected sometime in the near future. Each book is suspenseful, full of secrets and mystery and every book ends in a cliff-hanger, hooking you on for the next book. The magical Elvin world awaits, with more than a few secrets and surprises.
The Joy of X by Steven Strogatz for all ages published by Atlantic Books
Maths is everywhere, and this book is the perfect gateway to unlock the world inside. From fish to infinity, exploring topics like calculus and algebra in a funny way. Whether you’re new to maths or are an expert in the subject, this book will teach you more and give you a few puzzles along the way.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan published by Amazon UK
This amazing series follows the adventures of Perseus ‘Percy’ Jackson a normal teenager… until he accidentally vaporised his maths teacher. It turns out he is the son of a certain sea god, who swore never to have children. He must fulfil a prophecy and set off across America to retrieve a stolen lightning bolt for his uncle, Zeus, before the Greek Gods and Olympus get plunged into war.
The Book of Dust part 1: La Belle Savage by Phillip Pullman published by Penguin
A go-to book for a stormy day, and, whilst its technically a prequal to Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, it reads great as a standalone. The characterisation is great and the storyline is gripping as we follow Alice and Malcolm on their journey to help a very special baby in the middle of the worst storm Oxford ever faced.
A Boy and his Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher published by Orbit
This book is unique among books. The writing is imperfect but so enthralling and it can be read in one sitting. The story is set in postapocalyptic England and follows Griz, a teenage boy, who lives on a remote British island with his family, until one day a thief comes. Griz is forced to leave everything he knows to rescue his stolen dog and the journey he takes may change his life forever.
Many thanks to Ethan from the Press Club for gathering all the book recommendations. The Press Club sees Rye College students working with Rye News on stories important to them.
Image Credits: Pickpik CC , Atlantic Books , Penguin .