Sophie Kirtley’s bestselling debut novel, The Wild Way Home was Waterstones Children’s book of the month and was shortlisted for the Joan Aiken Future Classics prize. Now she’s picking her favourite books for under-13s.
Wild Journey by AM Dassu, illustrated by Joe Lillington
Is an interlinked collection of stories about five children in different parts of the world who are connected by the captivating flight of starling murmurations. I love how Dassu weaves her stories together with such empathy and kindness.
Robin by Sarah Ann Juckes
A warm-hearted story about the healing power of nature – in a frozen wood troubled Eddie encounters a small red bird who helps him overcome the monster he fears. Lyrical, hopeful and spun with winter magic.
The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum
Is a spooky read, full of shivers and mystery. Fran’s unlikeable cousin, Imogen, has gone missing and Fran soon suspects that her disappearance is somehow connected to the 12 statues in the hidden garden at Stillness Hall.
Up Above the City by Clare Weze
Is an original and thought-provoking story which combines themes of migration and displacement with gentle fantasy and wonder. It’s nearly Christmas when Jake spies a mysterious girl in an attic room across the road from his mum’s work. Who is she? And is she in danger? Jake sets out to help her.
Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson
A dazzlingly readable biography of the inimitable Josephine Baker. Dancer, singer, actress, movie star, civil-rights activist – Baker really did defy all expectations and norms and Johnson’s wonderful book explores her extraordinary life in an accessible and enlightening way.
