Introduction
There is a broad range of maturity and reading ability in the twelve to fourteen age group, perhaps more so than in any other category since these readers are bridging the gap from childhood to adolescence. Some twelve-year-olds are precocious readers who may enjoy adult fiction as well as young adult books, while some are still at the primary school reading stage; similarly, some fourteen-year-olds may feel they have outgrown teenage books, while others will quite happily read teen series. The books recommended in this section are intended to appeal to as broad a cross section of younger teenagers as possible, as well as having all the attributes of an excellent young adult book -- a strong, compelling story line, credible characters and high quality writing. Family stories and stories of young people facing everyday issues in the modern world are represented alongside funny, well-written ‘chicklit.' There are books about talented, passionate girls, thoughtful, introspective boys, and young people from centuries past who lived very different lives. Whether they deal in fantasy or gritty realism, all the books chosen have something to say to young people today.
A note for 12-14 year old readers from author Oisin McGann.
If you are reading this, then either you are already an adult, or you soon will be. If you are a young reader, then relish this time. Your first few years of reading novels will be a revolutionary period. You are growing beyond the control of your parents and your teachers. You will be exercising your own judgement now, rather than just trusting in theirs.
This will be the most exciting time in your life for reading. Your imagination is still a fertile wonderland; you have the maturity to tackle difficult plots, subjects and ideas, but you haven't started drinking coffee and watching the news. You have many questions and you are still prepared to listen to more than one answer. You will make up your own mind.
Books had their most exciting effects on me at your age - the stories that I read then changed my life. Maybe I could have that effect on someone someday... that's my dream. What's yours?
There is a world of books waiting out there for you. You won't always like the ones you choose - but what matters is that you make your own choices.
Download our recommended reads for 2009 here: age12-14
Download our recommended reads for 2008 here: ages_12-14_guide_2008Our Top Choices for 2009:
MARCUS SEDGWICK REVOLVER
ORION 2009, £9.99 (HBK), 1SBN 9781842551866
Set in the Arctic Circle 1910, Sedgwick tells a spell-binding tale of suspense. A powerful read with cinematic imagery of the landscape, desolation and desperation of the Alaskan gold rushes.
SARAH REES BRENNAN THE DEMON'S LEXICON
SIMON & SCHUSTER 2009, £6.99 (PBK) ISBN 9781847382894
This engrossing tale of two teenage brothers on the run with their mother blends magic, necromancy and demonology to create a story with twists and turns guaranteed to appeal to fans of gothic fantasy.
JANE MITCHELL CHALKLINE
WALKER BOOKS 2009, £5.99 (PBK), ISBN 9781406315172
Rafiq is taken from his family and recruited as a boy soldier to fight for the freedom of Kashmir. Mitchell deals sensitively with difficult issues in this heartbreaking and uplifting book.
OISÍN McGANN
STRANGLED SILENCECORGI, £6.99 (PBK), ISBN 9780552558624
SEPTEMBER 2008
It is only paranoia if they aren’t after you. In Oisín McGann’s new book, Strangled Silence, they most certainly are after Amina, Chi and Ivor. Amina, a young journalism student, Ivor, a war veteran in his twenties and Chi, a hacker on a quest to uncover UFOs, are an unlikely trio to stop one of the world’s largest conspiracies. Strangled Silence is an exciting intriguing thriller with more twists than a Curly Wurly and one to keep you looking over your shoulder as you read. Age: 12 – 14 years
COLMÁN Ó RAGHALLAIGH
STRAINSÉIRI
CLÓ MHAIGH EO, € 8.00 (BOG), ISBN 9781899922390
Cairdeas agus ciníochas, flaithiúlacht agus fuath ag suí lámh le lámh le chéile agus scríofa i mbealach an-speisialta. Lámhsaíonn an t-údar téamaí móra le tuiscint is le goilliúnachas a chruthaíonn scéal a théann i bhfeidhm go mór ar an léitheoir. Tá clúdach álainn ar an leabhar is tá usáid pictiúirí ó lár an chéid seo caite an-éifeachtach ar fad. Ní minic a déarfá gur fiú go mór agus gur chóir do gach déagóir leabhar a léamh – ach is eisceacht é seo. Tá píosa oibre álainn ar leith cruthaithe ag an údar. Aoisghrúpa: 12 – 14 years
KATE THOMPSON
CREATURE OF THE NIGHT
THE BODLEY HEAD, £10.99 (HBK), ISBN 9780370329291
A gritty tale about angry fourteen-year old Bobby, whose mother moves himself and his brother from a tough Dublin estate to the countryside. He fights with everyone on his personal journey to a reluctant realisation that country life holds some opportunity for his redemption. The characters are completely authentic and it is easy to understand Bobby’s frustrations as he deals with his struggling mother’s incompetence. With Kate’s signature hint of fantasy and supernatural, it is an original and very satisfying read. Age: 12 – 14 years