Books ideal for readers aged 12+

Enter our latest competition for your chance to win one of four copies of Evan's Gallipoli, just click here. As the title would suggest, Evan's Gallipoli is set against the background of the now infamous campaign during World War I. Australian and New Zealand forces played an integral role, making this novel just to perfect to delve into as ANZAC Day approaches.

The Secret Hen House Theatre is an engrossing debut novel from writer Helen Peters. This novel, ideally suited to readers aged 10+, has a timeless quality to it. Helen Peter's wonderful narrative - the tone, atmosphere, sense of adventure - evokes fond memories of the novels I devoured when I was younger.

'I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid.' 'ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds.' Wonder by R J Palacio, has attracted much attention, including The Waterstones Children's Book Award 2013. Palacio has approached a delicate issue - the facial disfigurement of 10 year old August - with a high level of sensitivity and power. She has created a novel which has much to offer. 

Ketchup Clouds from Annabel Pitcher, is a stunning follow up to her highly acclaimed inaugural novel ... My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece. Ketchup Clouds won the prestigious Overall Winner category in The Waterstones Children's Book prize 2013.

In Fantastic Mr Dahl Michael Rosen (I'm Going on a Bear Hunt) combines his knowledge of Dahl with his talent for writing childrens' books to help him delve into what made Dahl such a wonderful, captivating writer. This is a great volume for both fans of Dahl and budding writers ... it contains many gems.

Ratburger by David Walliams is the latest novel from a UK author whose writing has already attracted comparisons to that of Roald Dahl. Praise indeed, and not without good reason. Ratburger bursts with fabulous characters and a fast paced plot.

"There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself. You may (possibly) all live to thank me yet.” The Hobbit is a legendary story of courage and friendship set in "Middle Earth" - a fantastic land of Goblins, Elves, Dwarves and most notably Hobbits, of course.

The Invisible Hero from Australian author Elizabeth Fensham is an intriguing novel about values and friendship. The author tackles themes prevalent in many school arenas - the in/out crowd, fitting in, and ultimately making decisions for yourself. 

'We make these BIG pages to light small fires of response.' The BIG Kids Magazine, now on it's third issue, has never been a magazine to be confined by convention. This is a magazine with a big heart, big ideas and big ways of listening to their young readers.

Pennies for Hitler challenges perceptions and prejudice looking at the events of WW2 from the perspective of Georg, part Jewish with English heritage, living in Germany and being swept up by the impact of the Fuhrer.