HomeDiscoverChildrens articles24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds24 must-read books for 9-12-year-oldsby Puffin team·min read·3 From timeless classics to graphic novels; marvellous mysteries and trips back in time, these books deserve a spot on everyone's bookshelf. The Starlight Stables Gang by Esme Higgs, Jo Cotterill & Hannah George (2023) This is the first book in the new Starlight Stables Gang series from equestrian influencer Esme Higgs that follows a group of horse lovers and their four-legged friends. Summer has always loved horses but getting to ride them always felt like a dream that would never come true. But when she discovers the Starlight Stables everything changes, and she is soon swept up in a life she never imagined. Summer has a special bond with a beautiful dapple-grey called Luna but when the horse is stolen in the night, it’s down to the gang to solve the mystery and rescue her before it’s too late! Rockstar Detectives: Murder at the Movies by Adam Hills & Luna Valentine (2023) This is another hilarious tale about the young detective dream team. We know from Adam Hills’ first Rockstar Detectives book that solving mysteries is not where this pair’s talents end. Charley is a viral singing sensation while George is a camera whizz and budding comedian. This time Charley and George are in Sydney where Charley is starring in her first film. Everything is going to plan until strange accidents start happening on set. It seems someone isn’t happy about Charley’s big-screen debut but why is no one else taking it seriously? Can the detectives solve the mystery, finish the film, AND keep Charley safe? Tales From Beyond the Rainbow collected and adapted by Pete Jordi Wood (2023) This beautifully illustrated book resurfaces 10 queer fairy tales that have been left out of other anthologies. From the sailor who finds his handsome prince, to the transgender girl who becomes queen and much more, Pete Jordi Wood has combed through history to adapt these wonderful stories and bring these LGBTQ+ characters to life again. Plus, each story has been illustrated by an artist who shares a heritage with the culture from which the stories were born. The First Shadowdragon by Lee Newbury & Laura Catalán (2023) This is the magical sequel to Lee Newbery’s charming debut The Last Firefox. Charlie Challinor quite fancied having a bit of a rest after defeating the evil Grendilock and saving the last firefox Cadno, but it seems the universe has other plans. When a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie and his family find themselves on a thrilling new adventure. Follow Charlie and his friends Lippy, Roo and Blodyn as they embark on a journey to defeat the dreadful Draig, a monster that is draining life from the land. The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro (2023) Nico di Angelo is the son of Hades which means he’s pretty familiar with demons of the Underworld. When a desperate voice starts plaguing his dreams, Nico believes it’s his old friend – a reformed Titan called Bob. Nico quickly realises that Bob needs his help, so it’s time to ready himself to journey to the darkest part of the world. Nico’s boyfriend Will Solace, the son of Apollo (God of light), wants to join the mission but how will he cope in the depths of Hell? Follow two of the most popular characters from the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians as their relationship is put to the test in this thrilling standalone adventure. Stolen History by Sathnam Sanghera (2023) Sathnam Sanghera has written an engaging and important introduction to the British Empire for readers aged 9+. The bestselling author of Empireland looks at Britain’s imperial history and how the country was once the most powerful nation on Earth. He explores how the empire still affects our lives today – from the words we use, the foods we eat and the sports we play. Young readers will learn that we can only make the world a kinder place if we understand the truth about the past. The Swifts by Beth Lincoln & Claire Powell (2023) When every Swift is born, they are given a name and definition from the Family Dictionary and expected to grow up to match it. But Shenanigan Swift isn’t so sure about this tradition. Her relatives might think she’s going to end up as a troublemaker, but Shenanigan knows she can be whatever she wants, from a pirate to a detective. And it’s this determination which leads her to solve the biggest challenge the family has ever faced. Someone has tried to murder Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude and that’s just the start. Shenanigan, her sisters and her cousin have a lot of suspects and a huge mystery to solve. Can she save her family and show them that her name doesn’t have to define her? Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind by Misa Sugiura (2023) Fans of action and adventure will love meeting Momo, a girl who soon realises that the magical stories her mother told her whilst she was growing up are not just from her imagination. Momo’s mum is a Shinto goddess who used to protect the gate to Yomi, the land of the dead. Life at home and school was calm for Momo until evil spirits started threatening to escape Yomi and destroy humanity. As Momo comes to terms with her half-human, half-goddess identity, can she get to grips with her own powers and save the world? City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak (2023) This spellbinding book is set in India in 1855 where the British rule and magic is forbidden. The rumour is that people born with magic powers are snatched from their homes and taken across the sea to England by the sinister Company. Chompa’s mother is among those kidnapped, so Chompa embarks on a dangerous journey to the Victorian streets of East London to find her. But Chompa was also born with powerful magic, magic that she has been told she must keep hidden. As our heroine faces more treachery and danger than she bargained for, she soon learns that using her power comes with a price. The Ministry of Unladylike Activity by Robin Stevens (2022) It’s 1940, Britain is at war and the British government is training up spies in its secret Ministry of Unladylike Activity. May Wong knows she has what it takes to be the perfect spy, but when she can’t convince the grown-ups to let her join, she takes matters into her own hands. In the first volume of this thrilling new mystery series, May and her friend Eric decide to go undercover as evacuees to spy on the wealthy Verey family. They suspect that one of the Vereys might be passing information to Germany. If they can prove it, surely the Ministry will have to take them on? But their investigations lead to bigger secrets than they could ever have imagined. And then someone dies… Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone & Geraldine Rodriguez (2023) Martha and Scruff Pennydrop live in a house that used to belong to a family called the Darlings who knew a thing or two about magic and adventure. When the siblings discover a drawer full of mysterious gold dust and a window which seems to be impossible to close, it’s the start of an incredible journey to Neverland. Peter Pan and the Lost Kids are battling to save Neverland from a terrible curse cast long ago by Captain Hook. Do Martha and Scruff have what it takes to help Peter and the others save Neverland? Arkspire by Jamie Littler (2023) The city of Arkspire has been protected by the five Arcanist magicians for as long as people can remember. Everyone is obsessed with magic, including a thief called Juniper Bell. When a mysterious stolen relic explodes, it reveals a strange creature called Cinder who immediately takes a liking to Juni. Soon the pair are pulled into an extraordinary adventure involving power, prestige, and danger. But as the world Juni knows seems to be based on a lie, can she and her new friend save Arkspire? The Attack of the Robot Librarians by Sam Copeland & Jenny Pearson (2023) Life at Little Strangehaven Primary has never been normal… It’s a new school year and with it comes more challenges for spy detectives Lenny Tuchus and Agatha Topps. Laser-eyed robot librarians are now in charge of class discipline, and something mysterious is happening in the cellar. The amateur sleuths are sure Pamela Stranglebum and her sinister company Minerva Industries are responsible but they need to prove it. Can the pair, and their Scottish gargoyle Gregor, find out the truth before it’s too late? Lil’ Muffin Drops the Mic by Romesh Ranganathan & James Lancett (2023) Romesh Ranganathan’s brilliant new book has all the ingredients to be a hit with young readers. It follows a boy called James who is finding life a bit of a struggle after his dad left. Even his favourite hobby – baking – isn’t helping. But James finds a new way of distracting himself when he starts rapping and it’s not long before he’s obsessed! He’ll rap about anything from his brownies to his pet rabbit Graham. When grime artist Brukka announces he’s looking for young talent, James must decide if he’s ready to show his skills off to the world. Brother Wulf: Wulf’s War by Joseph Delaney (2023) This is the latest adventure in the thrilling The Spook’s Apprentice fantasy series. An early winter has come to the County and the population is facing starvation. But Wulf knows there’s an even more dangerous villain to face. A demon is determined to become the next ruler of the Dark. It’s Wulf’s responsibility as Pan’s soldier to fight for what’s right. Featuring favourite characters Grimalkin, Thorne and Jenny, Wulf’s War is a battle you will not want to miss! Three Lionesses by Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Nikita Parris & Cheryl Rickman (2023) Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway and Nikita Parris know a thing or two about teamwork, dedication and facing challenges head-on. And now they’re sharing their winning ways with their football fans. This empowering guide uses examples and practical tips from their experience as Lionesses which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams and to find their inner beast when they need to! The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson (2022) Josephine Williams knows there is a whole world out there beyond her cul-de-sac and the internet she loves so much. When the 11-year-old learns about Josephine Holloway who started the first Girl Scout Troop for Black girls in America, she knows she must do the same. With her friends Margot and Wesley by her side, the trio begins their quest for their Camping Badge. But their adventure goes far beyond snoozing under the stars in a sleeping bag when they find themselves in an abandoned factory that seems to be hiding a secret… Inside the factory, they find an ancient television, two armchairs, and an old photograph of a young couple on a wooden sideboard. Who are they? And where are they now? The Double Trouble Society by Carrie Hope Fletcher & Davide Ortu (2022) Ivy and Maggie are 12-year-old best friends with a lot in common. They were born at exactly the same time on Friday the 13th and are both desperate for an adventure. But there’s one big problem, they live in the most boring town in the world – Crowood Peak. Well, it was boring, until the children in the town started to disappear and for some reason, Ivy and Maggie seem to be the only ones who’ve noticed… Performer and author Carrie Hope Fletcher’s spell-binding mystery follows the Double Trouble Society as they make it their mission to rescue their friends before it’s too late. Wilder than Midnight by Cerrie Burnell (2022) Saffy, Aurelia, and Wild Rose are three girls who couldn’t be more different. But they have one thing in common – they live in Silverthorne, a place full of secrets. And now something is stirring in the leaves, so it’s down to the trio to save the village from terrors known and unknown. This new adventure from Cerrie Burnell follows the girls as they use their individual strengths and brilliance to defeat magical forces. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White (1952) E. B. White’s time-honoured story is about friendship and survival against the odds. Wilbur the piglet is a runt, but that doesn’t deter Fern, his human friend, from caring for him. Along with an array of farm animals, including Wilbur’s spidery friend Charlotte, the farmyard friends set about helping Wilbur become a prize-winning pig in order to avoid an untimely end. Frankie Best Hates Quests by Chris Smith & Kenneth Anderson (2022) Frankie Best likes watching YouTube and eating Pot Noodles. She doesn’t like being forced to embark on mega-dangerous quests. Nope, no thank you. But that’s exactly what she has to do when, what was supposed to be a quiet weekend at her Grandad’s house, turns into an epic rescue mission. It’s down to Frankie and her brother Joel to save their Grandad after he is kidnapped by gnoblins (yes, gnoblins!). The pair head off to a magical realm where they encounter crazy creatures, terrifying enemies, and worst of all – no WiFi! The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby (2022) Life doesn’t always go to plan for Lottie Brooks but this term she’s ready to face whatever is thrown at her. She could do without being nicknamed Cucumber Girl again though! When Lottie lands a lead role as a singing crab in the spring musical she knows it’s her chance to impress her mega-crush Daniel. But off stage, life isn’t going exactly to plan. Lottie’s friendship with Molly and Jess is going through a rough patch. Lottie needs to act fast if she’s going to stop another catastrophic friendship fail. Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian (1981) With the Second World War looming, young Willie Beech is evacuated to the countryside and placed in the care of elderly widower Tom Oakley. Goodnight Mister Tom is a touching and thought-provoking portrait of how two people can find solace in each other in the midst of turmoil. Kay's Marvellous Medicine by Adam Kay & Henry Paker (2021) We loved learning all about the inner workings of the human body in Kay’s Anatomy. And now, former doctor Adam Kay is taking us back in time to when doctors knew far less about how our bodies worked than they do now. Did you know that it used to be illegal for medical students to dissect anyone? And that doctors used to operate WITHOUT any anaesthetic? We hope you have a strong stomach...
