Good Books for Tough Times 9-12

Foreword by Michael Morpurgo Good Books for Tough Times

Books for children aged 9-12

PARTNERSHIP FOR

Good mental health for children - for life Good Books for Tough Times 9-12

Books for children aged 9-12

Edited by Caroline Egar Books selected and reviewed by Caroline Egar and Chris Bale Partnership for Children

PARTNERSHIP FOR

Good mental health for children - for life

26-27 Market Place Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 1JH Tel: 020 8974 6004 email: [email protected] www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk

Registered in England and Wales No. 4278914 Registered charity number: 1089810

Published by Partnership for Children

Designed by Helen Danby, Partnership for Children Printed by Principal Colour, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6DQ Cover photo by Helen Danby

therapy there is, other than talking to to talking than other there is, therapy mum or dad. will find this guide I hope that you that useful and, more importantly, and be helped by children will enjoy reading the books it recommends. children as if they’re stupid or don’tchildren as if they’re understand, they understand; they do is, and books can know what the deal and give anxiety help them to deal with them a sense of perspective. Tough for Good Books That is why an important and useful is such Times will help parents, it because idea, to find the librarians and teachers are right books to help children who or situations difficult dealing with the best is probably Reading feelings. The worst thing to do is to treat The worst thing to do

FOREWORD

Children’s Laureate 2003-2005 Laureate Children’s Foreword Michaelby Morpurgo a truth in a way that a simple factual that a truth in a way account cannot. the story, but it always starts with a it always but the story, truth. Sometimes a good story can help to feel something or understand you All my books are based on something All my seen or heard, true – something I have learned, someone I a new fact I have most of met. Of course, I invent have that nothing has changed. Children Children has changed. nothing that story. good a love Today when I visit schools, talking to to talking I visit schools, when Today see readings, I children and giving them a story. Within ten seconds, Within ten seconds, them a story. interested and one of them was every attention. paying different, all with their own likes and and likes own different, all with their they all enjoyed thing The one dislikes. the day the end of at the time was I told the floor and on sat when they Many years ago I was a school teacher a school teacher ago I was years Many very all 35 children, with a class of 3 FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE 10+ 10+ 2007 Andersen Press Abela and Rosa have very have Rosa and Abela Berlie Doherty 9781842707258 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level and death are part of life, Rosa life, Rosa are part of and death cosy life with her Mum in a enjoys with trips to the skatingSheffield, her week.of highlight the rink of the shock girls face both But to wants mum change – Rosa’s Abela isand adopt another child, she’s everything uprooted from byEngland to sent and known ever Uncle Thomas.her unscrupulous disruption andface girls Both livestheir until disappointment is This a finally come together. readable and ultimatelyhighly story. uplifting Review in a Abela lives lives. different where disease village in Tanzania Publisher Published ISBN Abela

9+ 9+ FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP 2001 Walker Books Walker Kate DiCamillo Kate India Opal Buloni is lonely. is lonely. India Opal Buloni

9780744578294 Author Reading age Interest level Publisher Published ISBN Review She and her dad (the preacher) to a new town, where moved have and it she doesn’t know anyone, her mum (who left her miss makes more. three) even when Opal was that But all that changes the day Opal goes to the grocery store and dog. comes back with a stray but Winn-Dixie is big and smelly, appealing smile. he has a very help Opal to His winning ways bring Opal and friends, and make her dad – and a surprising group of people – together. Because of Because of Winn-Dixie

8+ 8+ 2008 Puffin Classics First published in 1911, First published in Frances Hodgson Burnett Frances 9780141321066 ISBN believed he was going to die’. going to die’. he was believed This is both a gripping story, and and suspense, full of mystery an optimistic tale of how children, and damaged both physically the can be healed by mentally, power of nature and human goodness. Publisher Published Reading age Interest level Review a classic recounts this children’s seem far from the tale that may its with youngsters, of today’s lives 100 manor house with over grand rooms, and small children attended cast of servants. a large by with will identify many However, the loneliness of ‘a hard, little, who boy girl and a sickly unloving The Secret Garden The Secret Author FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP

9+ 8+ 2009 Frances Lincoln Frances This is a collection of This is a collection Tony Bradman Bradman Tony 9781847800022

ISBN Publisher Books Children’s Published of children forced to find safety in a of children forced to find safety foreign land. These stories will appeal both to undergone have those who may and those who a similar journey, to understand the experience want Sudan are poignant, shocking and Sudan are poignant, shocking and heartwarming. refugees from the Congo, Eritrea, Eritrea, refugees from the Congo, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Kurdistan, Iraq, Somalia and Zimbabwe, Kosovo, getting under the skin of children forced to seek asylum in London or elsewhere. The stories of Interest level Review authors, all different stories by Editor Reading age Give Me Shelter Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP 2 5 FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE 9+ 9+ 1997 Jason Cockcroft Hodder Children’s Books Hodder Children’s Elizabeth Laird Rafaella comes fromcomes Rafaella 9780340664735 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Illustrator Reading age Interest level The girls at her new school make make school new at her The girls except – all miserable pretty her life secret Rafaella’s She is Lucy. school, butat her ignoring friend, home and getting to visiting her at aher buys Lucy her family. know schoolpresent, but when Christmas Rafaella holiday the after resumes friendshipsecret not there. The is ended in tragedy. has and simpleshort This deceptively written and beautifully story is warmth infused with and illustrated, and honesty. Review ears andhas big another country, aloof. and seems quiet Publisher Published ISBN Secret Friends Secret Friends

10+ 10+ FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP Macmillan 2003 Elizabeth Laird This excellent novel, novel, excellent This 9780330415026 Author Reading age Interest level this is ultimately a positive and a positive is ultimately this read. inspiring Publisher Books Children’s Published ISBN Review MedalCarnegie the shortlisted for ArtsScottish the and winner of is Award, Year the Book of Council follows the storyEthiopia. It set in opposite ends offrom boys two of both endwho the social spectrum, the capital,up on the streets of spoilt Dani Wealthy, Ababa. Addis tyrannical from a away running is is while plucky orphan Mamo father, labour. slave of a life escaping doesn’t The author shrink from harshthe some of describing but Ethiopian poverty, of realities The Garbage King The Garbage

10+ 9+ Bloomsbury 2006 Chris’s older brother Wills older Chris’s Sally Grindley 9780747590958 Published ISBN control. This is a good insight into the tensions of living with someone as Chris tries to be who has ADD, support his Mum, spend himself, time with his Dad, and still be the brother that supportive Wills needs. Publisher Interest level Review Deficit Disorder has Attention bang, wallops (ADD), and crash, a hurricane. through the house like out, things get When Dad moves worse, and Chris retreats to even for some privacy the public library friends track nasty – until Wills’s out of spiral him down and events Hurricane Wills Hurricane Author Reading age FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP

10+ 10+ 2010 David Fickling Books David Andi gets a giant shock Andi gets a giant Candy Gourlay 9781849920391

Publisher Published ISBN basketball can overcome prejudice, can overcome basketball and a reminder that people are not what they seem. always magic powers. This is a story of how family, of friendship and a shared love gradually learns that Bernardo has gradually a remarkable story to tell – and he has think some people even Other children mock him as a clumsy giant who can speak But Andi English. only broken steps off a plane from the eight feet tall! Philippines – he’s Review Bernardo when her half-brother Author Reading age Interest level Tall Story Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP 4 7 FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE 9+ 9+ 2001 Bloomsbury Alem’s father is Ethiopian Alem’s Benjamin Zephaniah 9780747550860 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level they’re caught between both sidesthey’re caught between The are at war. countries the while asAlem follows gripping narrative England,in a refugee he becomes care and startsfoster into taken is he while even However, school. life, heof way new to his adjusts andescape the conflict cannot country. divided his of tragedy thought- a touching and This is the authorbook; as provoking to know like would ‘I says, himself who reads the book anyone that accusethey before would think ride.’ free for a looking refugees of Review mother Eritrean, andand his Publisher Published ISBN Refugee Boy Refugee Boy

9+ . When Lisa, the Lisa, the When . FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP 9+ Quentin Blake 2008 HarperCollins Vogue In most respects, most respects, In Walliams David 9780007279043 Author Illustrator Reading age Interest level the reader laughing out loud, while the reader laughing out loud, while the right of everyone it celebrates to be themselves. Publisher Books Children’s Published ISBN Review other boys. many like is Dennis a in house boring in a lives He and with his Dad boring town for football plays and brother, has But Dennis team. school the he loves – another secret passion reading he girl at school, suggests cool her dresses, it sets of one on try that events chain of hilarious a off a school football in culminates other... no like match This appealing comic tale will have The Boy in the Dress The Boy in 9+ 9+ 2007 Bloomsbury level

Bradley Chalkers is the Chalkers Bradley Louis Sachar 9780747589525 ISBN until a new school counsellor him and gives appreciates Bradley the confidence to change. Ignore the misleading title – this story that will touching is a funny, children resonate with younger be feeling isolated. who may Publisher Published Reading age Interest Review in the class who has only boy He a gold star. been given never doesn’t do his homework, tells lies and is rude to just outrageous No wonder his about everyone. him. fun and bully classmates poke Things go from bad to worse, There’s a Boy in the There’s a Boy Girls’ Bathroom Author FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP

10+ 10+ Christian Birmingham HarperCollins 2010 Aman and his mother Michael Morpurgo 9780007339594

ISBN Publisher Books Children’s Published It’s an enthralling read and the an enthralling It’s are few but beautiful. illustrations friendship and the importance of believe standing up for what you when all seems lost. in, even (or leads?) them on the first stage (or leads?) them on the first stage of their journey. This is a story of injustice, Shadow is an army sniffer dog, a Shadow is an army faithful spaniel who accompanies are then seized in a dawn raid raid in a dawn are then seized officials and told immigration by they’ll be sent back to Afghanistan. escape from Taliban brutality in brutality escape from Taliban Afghanistan, build a new life for and in Manchester, themselves Reading age Interest level Review Author Illustrator Shadow Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for FRIENDSHIP AND DIFFERENCE AND FRIENDSHIP 6 9 BULLYING 11+ 11+ 2006

Macmillan Children’s Books Children’s Macmillan “Doing a Steph Landry” Meg Cabot 9780330444064 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level since Steph spilled the red Super white D&G Lauren’s Big Gulp over So years ago. entire miniskirt five starts to be liked, Steph, desperate fighting back with the help of an old manual: ‘How to be Popular’. the heart right to gets Cabot Meg girls’ need to be accepted, of from doesn’tshe and away shy friendship and real family tackling embarrassing dilemmas, from an old with to first love parents and witty friend. This is a warm, that will book written cleverly over. 11 and girls of appeal to Review ever for being uncool, is a byword Publisher Published ISBN How to be Popular How to be BULLYING 9+ 9+ 2005

Corgi Yearling Corgi Yearling Narrated in a variety of in a variety Narrated Malorie Blackman 9780440866152 Author Reading age Interest level badly for both of them. But in in them. But of both for badly Sam bittersweet conclusion the gained also has realises that he precious through very something knowing Davey. Publisher Published ISBN Review forms, Cloud Busting verse playful of an unlikely is an exploration friendship between two very Sam is the Class different boys. is who Davey, Bully and he makes – a born instinctive imaginative, poet, in fact – the Class Idiot. relationship a close But gradually between them, and the develops – but become Best Friends boys only in secret. to acknowledge reluctance Sam’s and to protect him ends Davey Cloud Busting 10+ 10+ 2000

Red Fox Fox Red Benjie Flowers – known to Betsy Byars 9780099408673 Published ISBN possibly fatal. This is the story of how one small confronts and eventually boy his worst fear. overcomes Publisher Reading age Interest level Review has done a as Mouse – everyone silly thing. very that Marv He wrote on a wall in Hammerman, the biggest boy the school, is Neanderthal. Now his revenge Marv is about to take to be painful, going – and it’s The Eighteenth The Eighteenth Emergency Author BULLYING

9+ 9+ Dave McKean Dave 2009

Walker Books Walker This is a fascinating and David Almond David 9781406319859

ISBN Publisher Published memorable evocation of the the of evocation memorable emotional effects of bereavement the imagination. the power of and concerned that the spelling the spelling concerned that story would Blue’s in mistakes readers, but hesitant confuse a brilliant and is that aside, this imaginative writings. imaginative be Some teachers might His father has recently died and his fury at the taunts of the school bully prompts his increasingly unusual book, a mixture of straight unusual book, a mixture of straight and story within a story, narrative protagonist, Blue. the written by Interest level Review Author Illustrator Reading age The Savage Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for BULLYING 8 11 BULLYING

9+ 7+ Karen Donnelly Karen 2009

Barrington Stoke Barrington Stoke Shawn is cool. He’s is cool. He’s Shawn Catherine MacPhail 9781842997956 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Illustrator Reading age Interest level all the girls. in the is the smallest boy Percy class, wears cheap plastic trainers food splattered over and has baby says Shawn No wonder his blazer. is the best fun ‘Picking on Percy without a football.’ can have you But then a magic machine makes and Shawn lives, swap the boys life is like. what Percy’s discovers or This is a story for younger less able readers, as helpful for bullies as for children who have been bullied. Review in the the best football player (almost) school and is chased by Publisher Published ISBN Picking on Percy Picking on BULLYING

10+ 9+ 2004

Corgi Yearling Corgi Yearling Gareth’s world falls apart Gareth’s Pete Johnson Pete 9780440864585 Author Reading age Interest level Publisher Published ISBN Review turns the Jake when new boy whole class against him. He faces weeks of bullying and rejection, until the memory of his his Avenger and Grandad beloved him new strength. mask give and exposes Jake He overcomes – but then faces an even tougher challenge. This is a highly readable and revenge friendship, of story moving and forgiveness. Avenger

12+ 12+ 2003

Orion Children’s Books Orion Children’s Elliot hopes that a new Elliot hopes that Graham Gardner Graham 9781842552087 Published ISBN survive in a world of adolescent survive while remaining true brutality to himself. well- A compelling, affirmative, exploring issues of written story, and morality. courage identity, Publisher Interest level Review school will mean a new start – but there are bullies here too, and all-powerful the mysterious Guardians. This is not a comfortable read and is recommended only for will boys older readers, but many struggle to with Elliot’s identify Inventing Elliot Inventing Author Reading age BULLYING

9+ 9+ 2007

Puffin Books Diminutive Matilda is Diminutive Roald Dahl Roald 9780141322667

ISBN Publisher Published age laugh out loud. book. A marvellous invoking supernatural powers supernatural invoking – but her story will hearten any also child who is being bullied. It’s any readers of make to guaranteed recommended – Superglueing hat to his head, stuffing dad’s a parrot up the chimney and Matilda decides to get her own back. Her tactics can’t be her stupid mother and her ghastly her stupid mother and her ghastly headmistress and terrifying Miss Trunchbull. Review father, her crooked being bullied by Author Reading age Interest level Matilda Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for BULLYING 10 13 FAMILY ISSUES

9+ 9+ 2007 Puffin Books Cathy Cassidy succeeds Cathy Cathy Cassidy Cathy 9780141322100 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

easy-to-read story about Jude, her easy-to-read on and Kevin family, embarrassing rollerblades who fancies her. novel Inside this apparently frothy about a girl and her life at school and home, the story tackles Jude’s worries: about her dad and his increasing gran’s her new partner, especially her mum, and frailty, up promising to give who keeps smoking and drinking, but never quite manages it… Author Reading age Interest level Review a lot of brilliantly in covering serious issues in a funny, Publisher Published ISBN Sundae Girl FAMILY ISSUES FAMILY 10+ 10+ Siobhan Parkinson 2010 Little Island Eleven year-old Karo lives lives Karo year-old Eleven Renate Ahrens Renate 9781848409446 Interest level huge change in family life. Author Translator Reading age Review just always with her mum – it’s and been the two of them together, it. But one day how she likes that’s up man turns a strangely-dressed her he’s saying at the front door, has he been all her Where father. her say did her mum life, and why he dead? And how dare father was life come and intrude on her happy with mum? Against the background of the fall this in Germany, of the Berlin Wall as she gripping story follows Karo struggles to come to terms with a Publisher Published ISBN Over the Wall Over the Wall 9-11 9-11 2009

Corgi Children’s Corgi Children’s Beauty thinks her name is Beauty Jacqueline Wilson 9780552558310 Published ISBN cope on their own? of Jacqueline Wilson’s so many Like is immensely heroines, Beauty girls will and younger likeable, with her struggles and identify her quiet triumphs. enjoy Publisher Interest level Review The girls at her posh school silly. and she and her call her Ugly, in constant fear of her mother live and violent father. irascible party birthday When her lavish and goes horribly wrong, Beauty home. But where her mum leave can they go? And how will they Cookie Author Reading age BULLYING

9+ 9+ 2004

Hodder Children’s Books Hodder Children’s When Indigo returns to When Indigo returns Hilary McKay 9780340875797

ISBN Publisher Published and humour. this is as much a boys’ book as this is as much a boys’ with an appealing cast of a girls’, it tackles the issue and characters, of bullying with warmth has been missing in his own. Despite the misleading cover, helps him to challenge his own finds the fears, and in turn, Tom family that he in Indigo’s warmth he must face up to the bullies he for him. He knows will be waiting who Tom, teams up with new boy Review school after a long bout of illness Author Reading age Interest level Indigo’s Star Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for BULLYING 12 14 FAMILY ISSUES Published Publisher parental separation brings. the difficultiesandturmoil that glossovernote, butdoesn’t home. Thebookendsonahopeful start toplanhowbringher away to‘beherselfagain’, they As theylearnthatmumhasgone their situation. shock andbewildermentof their ownway struggleswiththe a differentchildinturn,aseach adore. Eachchapterisrelatedby abandonment by amumthey and emotionaleffectsofsudden to tryanddealwiththepractical Grace andConorareleftwithDad Mum walks out,Greg,Lucy, Review Interest level Reading age Author No Goodbye for Books Good Tough Times 9-12 ISBN 9780862783624 MaritaConlon-McKenna ‘She’s gone!’ When TheO’BrienPress

1994 9+ 9-12

FAMILY ISSUES ISBN Published Publisher and thetruenatureoffriendship. about copingwithangerandfear, This isashort,easytoreadstory are almosttragic. takes revenge theconsequences of hisdad’s situation,butwhenhe Two ofJosh’s classmatesmake fun treat hisburns. white maskassurgeonsworkto disfigured faceishiddenbehinda stepping onalandmine.His serving inIraq, badlyinjuredafter Review Interest level Reading age Illustrator Author Fire Mask 9781842997628 Franzeska G.Ewart Josh’s dadreturnsfrom BarringtonStoke 2010 DylanGibson 9-12 9-12

Good Books for Books Good Tough Times 9-12 15 17 FAMILY ISSUES 9-12 9-12 Jessica Meserve 2005 Corgi Yearling Jason is on an Intercity Jason is on an Intercity Keith Gray Keith 9780440866565 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

he’s left home, skipped school he’s with his older and is going to stay brother. he meets another On the train, claims to travel Jam, who boy, avoiding the country, all over inspectors and stealing ticket Jam’s by food. Jason is attracted independence – but the world of is not what it seems. the Runner This short and beautifully story will resonate with illustrated children who feel the need to escape from a difficult situation. Author Illustrator Reading age Interest level Review Tired bound for Liverpool. train, of his parents’ endless arguments, Publisher Published ISBN The Runner FAMILY ISSUES FAMILY 10+ 10+ 2005 Bloomsbury Ever since Mum died, Ever Elizabeth Fensham Elizabeth Fensham

9780747575498 Interest level Author Reading age Review been on and his Dad have Pete Now they’re living in the move. an abandoned shed at the bottom of a garden, taking care to cover hiding whenever and their tracks Dad says helicopters appear. a secret they’re being pursued by is beginning organisation, but Pete his doubts. to have and this is a warm Set in Australia, boy compelling story of a young coming to terms with his father’s says, as Pete – or, schizophrenia disease.’ ‘Skiz-whatever-you-call-it Publisher Published ISBN Helicopter Man Helicopter If you would like to order would like If you further copies of our booklets Times ‘Good Books for Tough 5-8’ or ‘Good Books for they are Times 9-12’, Tough for from Partnership available Children, price £2.50 each Please email nfo@ plus p&p. partnershipforchildren.org.uk, or call 020 8974 6004, stating name and address and the your number of copies required. ALSO AVAILABLE ALSO

www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk

– Librarian, Rutland – Librarian, – Parent, Surrey – Parent,

A PDF of this booklet is available on our website. parents. What a great choice of books!’ ‘It will be very useful in dealing with enquiries, especially from ‘The suggestions are very useful and it is a great bank of ideas.’ Derbyshire – Head Teacher, looking for. This is a good and sensitive guide for modern family life.’ ‘Very informative, easy to read and ‘Very informative, easy to read and precise. Set out in colour sections, so you can easily find what you’re Books for children aged 5-8 Good Books for Good Books Tough Times Also available from Partnership for Children: for Partnership from available Also Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for ALSO AVAILABLE ALSO 16 19 FAMILY ISSUES 10+ 10+ 2010 Puffin Books Leo has a secret – his a secret – his Leo has David Yelland David 9780141330037 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

about and since she went things things she went since about and worse. Just got much have a glimpse occasionally he catches who used one the old Dad, of the football before pyjama play to sees a mostly he but breakfast, and shouts, yells who stranger up. smashes things truly been a What could have disheartening tale turns out to be surprisingly uplifting as Leo finally shares his burden and opens the future. door to a more positive this difficult Skilful writing makes issue accessible to children. Author Reading age Interest level Review before alcoholic. Even is an dad spoken never was it Mum died Publisher Published ISBN The Truth About Leo The Truth FAMILY ISSUES FAMILY

11+ 11+ 2007 Corgi Yearling This book has won many many This book has won Jacqueline Wilson 9780440867814 Interest level This is a bold, perceptive and This is a bold, perceptive sometimes shocking story, brought to a satisfying, unsentimental conclusion. Author Reading age Review Book Children’s including awards, and rightly so. of the Year, the story of Dolphin, her It’s sister Star and their heavily tattooed single mum, Marigold, who seems at first to be merely but is gradually unconventional to be manic depressive. revealed to cope with The two girls have mental illness at the their mother’s same time as coming to terms with of their the discoveries own fathers. Publisher Published ISBN The Illustrated Mum The Illustrated

10-12 10-12 2010 Corgi Yearling Hetty Feather is another Feather Hetty Jacqueline Wilson 9780440868354 ISBN for life as a servant. But Hetty, But Hetty, for life as a servant. as is as fiery whose temperament has other ideas. her red hair, This is an engaging, uncompromising but ultimately story of a young heartwarming to find her mother struggle girl’s – and to find herself. Publisher Published Reading age Interest level Review redoubtable of Jacqueline Wilson’s appealing young and very heroines. Abandoned at birth in 1876, she by a family in the firstly is raised but is then returned to country, the harsh regime of the Foundling Hospital in London, to be prepared Hetty Feather Hetty Feather Author FAMILY ISSUES FAMILY

10+ 10+ 2007 HarperCollins This wonderful story will This wonderful story Michael Morpurgo 9780007230587

ISBN Publisher Books Children’s Published Beautifully written, harrowing this is a and heartwarming, gripping read. whom he left behind in England. He builds a boat and his daughter, Auntie Kitty. Allie, sails off to find and approaching the end of his life, and approaching the end of his life, he recalls good times as well as bad, and wonders about the sister Australia with other orphans at the with other orphans at the Australia in terrible age of six and raised later years sixty conditions. Now, up apart from their birth parents. up apart from their birth parents. shipped to Arthur Hobhouse was Interest level Review inspire children who are growing Author Reading age Alone on a Wide, Alone on a Wide Sea Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for FAMILY ISSUES FAMILY 18 21 BEREAVEMENT

10-12 10+ 2001 Walker Books Walker For Rob, finding the tiger finding the Rob, For Kate DiCamillo Kate 9780744589641 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level master of the art of not thinking about things - especially at school where he is horribly bullied. Things meets start to change when Rob Sistine: eccentric, stubborn, and Sistine doesn’t believe angry, very quiet. in keeping and Sistine become As Rob friends, he finds himself opening up to feelings that he had kept the tiger in its up – like locked cage. Should he open the cage and set the tiger free? Review After in the woods is miraculous. become has he funeral mother’s his Publisher Published ISBN The Tiger Rising The Tiger BEREAVEMENT 9-12 9+ 2003 Corgi Yearling The Bindi sisters seem to seem The Bindi sisters Narinder Dhami 9780440865124 Author Reading age Interest level in particular will enjoy. in particular will enjoy. Publisher Published ISBN Review well following the be coping very They are death of their mother. popular at school and manage the father buys their housekeeping; they want. them anything from When their aunt comes over India to look after them, they resent the intrusion and resolve This, however, to get rid of her. to be difficult, and they proves begin to realise that in fact their are not so perfect. Although lives these are serious themes, Narinder Dhami has a light touch which girls Bindi Babes 9-12 9+ 2005 Faber Children’s Books Children’s Faber Janet Lee Carey When seven year-old year-old When seven 9780571223534 Published ISBN the effects of grief on his family, the effects of grief on his family, he also writes with humour about and life and the scrapes everyday conflicts he gets embroiled with. the tone matter- Carey keeps never yet in this moving, of-fact account of the effect of mawkish, on a family. bereavement Publisher Reading age Interest level Review brother and her 11 year-old Wenny little a truck, the Will are hit by girl is killed and her older brother hospitalised. Will has a near- to death experience and, afraid his about it, records tell anyone feelings about the accident and its aftermath in letters to his younger While the letters explore sister. Wenny Has Wings Wenny Has Author BEREAVEMENT

8-12 9+ 2009 Bloomsbury Just before Kirsty’s Just before Kirsty’s Elen Caldecott 9780747599197

ISBN Publisher Published grieving in an accessible and way. sensitive excitement and an underlying excitement and also explores poignancy, and the nature of bereavement museum and hold it to ransom. museum and hold it to ransom. This is a beautifully written story humour, which has warmth, and she formulates an ingenious, plan intricate and almost believable to steal an elephant from the local other ideas. Finding herself up is against official opposition, Kirsty her promise, determined to keep him a promise - that she will look after his allotment. Unfortunately, Mr Thomas from the council has Interest level Review she makes dies Grandad beloved Author Reading age How Kirsty Jenkins How Kirsty Stole the Elephant Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for BEREAVEMENT 20 23 BEREAVEMENT

11+ 11+ 1998 Puffin Classics Willie has been badly Willie badly has been Michelle Magorian Michelle Magorian 9780141329703 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level evacuated from London, to lodge evacuated with an old countryman, Tom. but pair, They’re an unlikely grows in Willie gradually new confidence, discovering talents and learning to accept the deaths of both his mother and his whose wife and best friend. Tom, newborn son died 40 years caring finds new purpose in ago, for Willie. story is This heartwarming about turning past sadness into future hope. Review but at his mother, abused by is II he War the start of World Publisher Published ISBN Goodnight Goodnight Mister Tom BEREAVEMENT 9+ 9+ 2008 Macmillan Children’s Macmillan Children’s Tom Kelly’s debut novel debut novel Kelly’s Tom Tom Kelly Tom 9780330444552 Author Reading age Interest level novel about loss. novel Publisher Books Published ISBN Review combines humour with heartbreak, until readers guessing and keeps We know that the the final pages. distress is Finn, cause of Danny’s what we discover and gradually in a quirky, lies behind it. Written the author acutely comic style, both understands and portrays and the the turmoil driving Danny fascination ten year-olds irreverent with bodily functions. have Chapters are short (sometimes just making direct, a list), and the style but profound this an easy-to-read The Thing with Finn The Thing

9+ 9+ 2010 Puffin Books Something terrible has has Something terrible Suzanne LaFleur 9780141327044 ISBN feels, Aubrey starts to come to feels, Aubrey lost and terms with all that she’s what she might regain. This is a beautifully written novel about loss, understanding and hope and ultimately, forgiveness, for the future. Publisher Published Reading age Interest level Review finds happened, and Aubrey than herself left alone. Rather just face the truth, she’d rather and fend for herself. hide away won’t let that happen, But Gram to and insists in taking Aubrey with the Gradually, with her. stay and the new friends help of Gram, how she letters she writes to say Love, Aubrey Author BEREAVEMENT

9-11 9+ 2005 Bloomsbury Spilled Water is the story is the Spilled Water Sally Grindley 9780747571469

Publisher Published ISBN Children’s Book Prize Gold Award. Gold Award. Book Prize Children’s better. This powerful novel is a This powerful novel better. sad but utterly compelling read, winner of the Nestlé and a worthy Lu Si-Yan is determined to escape Lu Si-Yan and get back to her mother and but she must go through brother, worse trials before things can get an unpaid domestic servant and an unpaid domestic servant bride-to-be. of her mother and the family’s of her mother and the family’s her horror, To descent into poverty. be her uncle to she is sold by whose happy home life is bluntly home life is bluntly whose happy sudden her father’s terminated by the illness death, followed by Interest level Review Chinese girl a young of Lu Si-Yan, Author Reading age Spilled Water Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for BEREAVEMENT 22 25 COMING OF AGE 10+ 9+ 2005 Puffin Books Hannah has been best Hannah Cathy Cassidy Cathy 9780141320212 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level Hannah’s big brother, the dynamics big brother, Hannah’s of their relationship begin to change and Hannah finds it hard the same time, she to adjust. At that her own brother is discovers at school in bullying Paul involved because he is ‘different’. goes missing, the When Paul and police become involved come out secrets everyone’s a rather open. Despite into the touching this incongruous cover, be enjoyed would story funny and and girls. boys both by Review When forever. friends with Joey Joey acquires a foster brother, with and then falls in love Paul, Publisher Published ISBN Driftwood COMING OF AGE OF COMING 11+ 10+ 2005 Corgi Children’s When Saskia goes to visit When Saskia goes Theresa Breslin 9780552548656 Author Reading age Interest level Publisher Published ISBN Review far Alessandra, her great-aunt of on the north-east coast away Scotland, memories return of time spent there as a child, and Saskia realises that her domineering things father has been keeping gradually As the truth is from her. Saskia helps her great- revealed, aunt come to terms with her to make past and begins unhappy her own decisions about the future. This is a gripping story in which the powerful imagery and lyrical prose bring the sea and its effect on the vividly to life. whole community Saskia’s Journey 9+ 9+ 2007 Corgi Yearling This is a bold and a bold and This is Jacqueline Wilson 9780440867807 ISBN Many books tackle bereavement, bereavement, books tackle Many but this one is particularly helpful friends of lost for girls who have their own age. Publisher Published Interest level Review a girl about story imaginative death to terms with the coming is who Vicky, of her best friend, home walk they car as a by hit from school. As Jade mourns and tries to move appearing beside on, Vicky keeps her – but is she a guardian angel or an unhelpful ghost? Vicky Angel Author Reading age BEREAVEMENT

9+ 9+ 2010 HarperCollins When Lauren’s mum dies, dies, mum When Lauren’s Jean Ure 9780007281732

ISBN Publisher Books Children’s Published struggling to cope with the shock with the shock struggling to cope change. and of bereavement So she freezes, like an ice lolly, an ice lolly, like So she freezes, what know will so that no one and feeling. A poignant she’s girl a young touching story about But Auntie Ellen doesn’t like pets, doesn’t Ellen But Auntie pets, like feels desperately Lauren and home. new place in her out of cat, and the books that she and her mum used to read together. cousins Michael and Holly. All she cousins Michael and Holly. with her from her old has to take old her beloved life are Mr Pooter, Review with Uncle live she has to go and Ellen, and her Mark and Auntie Author Reading age Interest level Ice Lolly Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for BEREAVEMENT 24 27 COMING OF AGE

9+ 8+ 2004 Hodder Children’s Books Hodder Children’s An excellent book that An excellent Vic Parker 9780340878286 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

Author Reading age Interest level friendly’, and tackles the main friendly’, worries around their physical to that they are likely development at this age. Half of this 100- have page book is about periods, and ‘a the remainder is about having and good, sensible beautiful bod’, advice about losing and keeping a first boyfriend, friends, having family. and getting on with one’s It is written in language that a girl will find accessible and young friendly without being patronising. Review very ‘user- girls will find young Publisher Published ISBN Girls Only! Girls Only! and All about periods growing-up stuff COMING OF AGE OF COMING

9-12 9-12 2008 Cider Mill Press This excellent book is full book This excellent Kelli Dunham Kelli 9781604330045 Author Reading age Interest level Publisher Published ISBN Review of wise advice without being too a readable, reassuring serious. It’s all guide covering illustrated explaining both aspects of puberty, and emotional changes. physical academic pressures, It also covers feelings, dealing with out-of-control and family relations, ‘mean girls’, stressful situations such as parents laid out in It’s getting divorced. short, clear sections, making it accessible and easy to read. The Girl’s Body Book The Girl’s need to Everything you up YOU know for growing

9-12 9-12 2007 Cider Mill Press An ideal book for 9-12 Kelli Dunham Kelli 9781933662749 Published ISBN on bodily changes and staying on bodily changes and staying and also looks at healthy, emotional changes and relationships with family members and friends, all presented in a friendly and reassuring way. Publisher Author Reading age Interest level Review who are getting boys year-old ready to deal with changes in well laid bodies and emotions. It’s out in short, readable sections, and is easy to read without being patronising. factual information clear, It gives The Boy’s Body Book The Boy’s need to Everything you up YOU know for growing COMING OF AGE OF COMING

10+ 10+ 2005 Bloomsbury At 12, Annie is being 12, Annie is At Sharon Creech 9780747571476

ISBN Publisher Published A heartwarming, delightful book. A heartwarming, family, friends and love – and friends and love family, tackles them all with sensitivity. This short story, written in blank This short story, with footnotes, addresses verse some big issues – life, death, Other girls think Max is cute, but to Other girls think Max is cute, but to just her moody friend and her he’s running partner. is dying. Her school wants her to is dying. Her school wants though join the running team, even she is not interested in winning. confronted by a lot of changes. confronted by Grandpa Mum is expecting a baby. Reading age Interest level Review Author Heartbeat Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for COMING OF AGE OF COMING 26 29 ALSO RECOMMENDED 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ Tony Ross Tony 2007 2002 Bloomsbury Andersen Press This easy, funny read will funny This easy, Leo finds refuge from a big Leo finds refuge from Jeanne Willis Sharon Creech 9780439862035 9781842701102 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for

COMING OF AGE OF COMING Publisher Published ISBN Mark Two Author Illustrator Reading age Interest level Review approaching puberty. appeal to boys her son – until mum despairs of Mark’s room tidy his Mark 2 appears, keeping and studying hard. Which is the real thinking not Mark? This will get boys just about who they are but about daring to change. Publisher Published ISBN Replay Author Reading age Interest level Review playing by reality family and teenage through acting at being someone else, A funny as a hero. and his fantasy life book which will strike and moving who has been a chord with anyone with squabbling part of a busy family, and sneering cousins. relatives ALSO RECOMMENDED ALSO 11+ 11+ 11+ 11+ 2004 2004 HarperCollins Children’s HarperCollins Children’s Macmillan Children’s Books Macmillan Children’s Daniel’s mother is manic mother Daniel’s When Jack goes looking for his Gwyneth Rees Mimi Thebo 9780007142798 9780330437288 FAMILY ISSUES FAMILY Long buried memories of domestic is a resurface. There violence gradually lot going on here, but this is a gripping tale about the sad fact that not all Dads are heroes. Publisher Books Published ISBN Author Reading age Interest level Review of the time, she is Most depressive. overseas, has to go fine, but when Dad strangely very she starts to behave sympathetic indeed. This sensitive, to understand story can help children it can affect a mental illness and how middle-class family. happy Publisher Published ISBN Hit the Road, Jack Author Reading age Interest level Review the cold, he is disillusioned by father, man he finds. alcoholic, manipulative My Mum’s from My Mum’s Pluto Planet Also recommended but but recommended Also print in currently not

2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Bloomsbury Bloomsbury 9781408810606 9781408810590 9781408810583 9781408810569 9781408810576 ISBN Published ISBN Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Publisher Published ISBN Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Publisher Published Publisher Published ISBN Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Publisher Published ISBN Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Publisher Harry Potter and the Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban ALSO RECOMMENDED ALSO

9+ 9+ Bloomsbury 2010 2010 Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury Publishing These best-selling books These best-selling JK Rowling 9781408810552 9781408810545

Publisher Published ISBN Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Publisher Published ISBN Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 Times Tough GoodBooks for older readers too. challenges. A wonderful series,challenges. into getting 9-12 year-olds ideal for muchbut appealing to reading, up, bereavement and loneliness, as bereavement up, adventureshis Harry matures and darker deeper and him into take quirky inventiveness, suspense and suspense inventiveness, quirky brilliantly They also deal excitement. growing friendship, of with issues Review Hogwartsat wizard about a young fun,Wizardry are full of School of Reading age Interest level Publisher Harry Potter series Harry Potter Author ALSO RECOMMENDED ALSO 28 30 Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 THANKSPARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

Thanks

The development of this booklet was made possible by a generous grant from a charitable foundation. The foundation prefers to remain anonymous, but we publicly record our thanks for its support.

We also acknowledge The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation, which supported both this edition and an earlier one that recommended books for younger children.

We particularly thank the many family and friends who have given donations in memory of Howard Mak. Howard died in late 2009, aged just 22. His dream was to run a bookshop, and so this booklet which encourages young children to read is a particularly fitting way to celebrate his life.

Our selection of books was informed by Booktrust, an independent national charity that encourages people of all ages and cultures to discover and enjoy reading.

Booktrust’s website contains thousands of children’s book reviews, along with author interviews and teachers’ resources. Visit www.booktrust.org.uk to find out more.

booktrust THANKS Good Books for Tough Times 9-12 PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN Good Books for Tough Times 9-12

Partnership for Zippy’s Friends Children

Partnership for Children is an independent charity that works to promote the emotional wellbeing of children and young people around the world. It provides resources, advice and training to teachers and parents. It manages the Zippy’s Friends programme, which teaches coping and social skills to young children, and provides information online on a variety Zippy’s Friends is a programme taught of topics related to children’s wellbeing. in schools to 5-7 year-old children. It teaches them how to cope with You can find articles, activities everyday difficulties: expressing and links to help with the issues feelings, communicating with others, covered by this booklet at friendship and conflict, change and www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk. loss. It has been rigorously evaluated

and recognised by both the World PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN Health Organisation and OFSTED.

Zippy’s Friends is running in schools in England and in many other countries, and has already helped over half a million children. Training and teaching materials are provided by Partnership for Children.

For more information, visit www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk.

PARTNERSHIP FOR

Good mental health for children - for life Good Books for Tough Times

Books for children aged 9-12

Children read for all sorts of reasons – to be entertained, to be informed, to be thrilled and surprised. And if they’re worried about something – a friendship issue, change in the family, growing up – books can be a great comfort as well. It’s good to read a story about someone who has gone through a similar experience and come through it.

This booklet is an independent guide to excellent books for 9-12 year-olds who may be having a tough time. We have arranged our reviews under the following topics:

• Friendship and Difference • Bullying • Family Issues • Bereavement • Coming of Age

Whether the books are read to a child by an adult, or read by the children themselves, these are books to be enjoyed because they are a great read – and they might really help a child who’s having a hard time at home or at school.

The books have been chosen by Partnership for Children, an international charity which promotes children’s emotional wellbeing. This is a companion booklet to ‘Good Books for Tough Times: Books for children aged 5-8’.

This booklet is also available on our website, where all the books can be ordered online.