Books for 10 to 14 years must be authentic.  Even for avid book-worms, the plot, narrative and dialogue must be convincing.  But even reluctant readers will be drawn into these stories.

SOME KEY TITLES:  The Beech Bank Girls series starts with Every girl has a story.  Each chapter is as if written by a different girl, recounting her own perspective.  But all these accounts come together to make up the overall story.  The girls are very different and from varied backgrounds, but become firm friends.  This is one of the many Christian themes  – acceptance rather than rejection.

Revenge of the flying carpet is a fantasy adventure.  But it’s not just a great story, for it explores issues of resentment and forgiveness.  in this case Paul cannot stand his sister.  But intriguingly they meet characters from Bible times.  This book has been written for 10 to 14 years, but so many of have been hurt or betrayed that this book would challenge us all whatever our age.

As A new me starts, Jess’ Dad has finally left them due to his problem with alcohol.  They are threatened with eviction from their home because there isn’t the money for the rent.  But it turns out that there is hope after all.  The only way is a gripping story, with a subtle Christian message.  It is a starkly real tale, and allegorical on many levels.  It is very suitable as the basis for discussion in a youth group or in a school setting.