Get Reading: the best contemporary classics

You don’t have to go back to Dickens or Bronte to find classic fiction. These more modern best-sellers for pre-teens and young adults have all been published since the 1980s.
Niki Chesworth19 June 2013

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Dahl, who also brought us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG deserves his reputation as one of the most-loved children’s authors ever, and readers will never forget the colourful characters in this book particularly the bullying Mrs Trunchbull.

War Horse by Michael Morpugho

The former Children’s Laureate is a master story teller – and along with Private Peaceful and A Medal for Leroy – this moving tale is a way to introduce children to the difficult subject of war through Joey, the much-loved horse of young Devon farm boy Albert.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Admittedly this is actually three books, but once you start the trilogy which begins with The Northern Lights you will just have to go on to read The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass which are truly epic and fantastical tales. One for older children (and adults).

Harry Potter by J K Rowling

From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone through to the finale in the series, the Deathly Hallows, these are must reads that contain so much more detail than the films. Children will be missing out if they do not read at least one in the series.

Billionaire Boy by David Walliams

Walliams’ use of humour (you will hear them chuckling as they read) in this touching tale of the boy who has everything but a friend, deservedly propelled him to the bestseller list. They will then have to read Gangsta Granny, Ratburger, The Boy in The Dress and Mr Stink.

Stormbreaker by Antony Horowitz

Spies, suspense, daring chases, gadgets and a 14-year old orphan forcibly recruited to MI6, make Alex Rider (a junior James Bond), the perfect hero for young boys aged 10 to 14. There’s plenty in the series so then move onto Point Blanc.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon

Many think of this as an adult book, but it was in fact written for children. However as it does contain swearing so you might want to read it first (you will enjoy it). Although it starts with a mystery (the dead dog), this tale of Christopher Boone, a 15 year old with Asperger’s is also a story of dealing with being different, the big wide world and the impact of parental separation.

The Boy in Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

Another book that adults have enjoyed as much as children. A moving story about the extermination of Jews in WWII concentration camps told through the eyes of a 9-year-old German boy whose father is sent to become Commandant of Auschwitz. It avoids graphic detail so is suitable for children from 10 up.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The first in the trilogy is said to be by far the best although the three books combined (which include Catching Fire and Mockingjay) have outsold Harry Potter’s seven on some book lists. Although about children, the violence (they have to fight to the death) makes them more suited to 13+.

Discworld series by Terry Pratchett

Fantasy novels may be topping the teen best selling charts today, but they are nothing new. The Discworld tales of wizards, witches and wee free men are now 30 years old and started with The Colour of Magic. With 40 books in the series they have become much-loved by more than one generation.

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