11 must-read classics for 9 to 12-year-olds

Stig of the Dump by Clive King & Edward Ardizzone (1963)

Who wouldn’t want a caveman as their best friend? That’s exactly what young Barney gets when he stumbles across stone-age Stig who lives in the dump at the bottom of an old chalk pit. Despite being unable to communicate with language, the pair quickly become friends. Barney helps Stig improve his den, and Stig teaches Barney how to hunt and fend off bullies. Nobody believes Barney when he tells them about Stig but maybe it’s better that way – Barney gets to have Stig all to himself!

Watership Down by Richard Adams & illustrated by David Parkins (1972)

This epic story follows a band of rabbits as they seek out a new, safe home. Young rabbit Fiver is plagued by a frightening vision that shows the destruction of the Sandleford warren. His brother Hazel knows Fiver’s visions are never wrong and so the brothers and nine other rabbits leave immediately. Their journey is long and perilous; from evading predators such as badgers and cats, to coming up against the fearsome General Woundwort, Watership Down is a thrilling read for all book lovers. This 50th-anniversary edition of Watership Down has a foreword from author Madeline Miller.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton (1952)

Have you ever found yourself misplacing small items at home and wondering where they’ve got to? It might just be that you have small beings called Borrowers living in your home. But let’s get one thing clear – Borrowers never steal, they only borrow. In Mary Norton’s timeless tale, we’re introduced to a family of Borrowers; Pod, Homily, and Arrietty Clock. Pod is a skilled Borrower, and his daughter Arrietty can’t wait for the day when she can finally prove herself to her father. But rule number one of being a Borrower is to never let a human bean spot you!

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper (1973)

The second book in The Dark is Rising Sequence, The Dark is Rising begins with 11-year-old Will Stanton having strange experiences just before Christmas. He later learns that he is one of the Old Ones – a clan of warriors who help battle the evil magic of the Dark. Will is thrust into a quest to help find the four Things of Power so that the Light may vanquish the Dark for good. This series is perfect for fans of fantasy adventures.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (1976)

Set in Mississippi during The Great Depression, Cassie Logan and her family live during a time when racism was still very prominent. Unlike most other Black families in the area, Cassie’s parents own the land on which they live. And unfortunately, they receive mistreatment from many of the white townsfolk for this. Over the course of a year, Cassie comes up against frequent injustices for the colour of her skin but like a true heroine, she stays outspoken and brave. This classic is just as relevant today for the themes it tackles and deserves a spot on everyone’s bookshelf.

Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah (1989)

Adeline Yen Mah’s autobiography makes for a difficult but triumphant read. Two weeks after she was born, her mother died causing the family to see Adeline as bad luck. Her father remarries a cruel woman who regards Adeline and her four older siblings with distaste – she only ever shows love for her own children. Despite a difficult home life, Adeline excels at school and eventually wins a playwriting competition that offers her the chance to study abroad.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (1962)

It’s been 60 years since The Wolves of Willoughby Chase was first published and this fast-paced adventure is still just as exciting. Set in Dickensian times, young Bonnie Green’s parents are off on a holiday in the Mediterranean to help Lady Green’s ill health. Whilst away, Bonnie’s cousin Sylvia comes to stay as does distant fourth cousin Letitia Slighcarp. Letitia as it turns out is evil. Not only does she take over the household, but she also tampers with Bonnie’s father’s legal papers and sends the girls to an awful orphanage. Will Bonnie and Sylvia be able to stop Letitia and get back to the grand halls of Willoughby Chase?

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968)

If you like J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, then you’ll love Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea. The first book in the series introduces us to a young boy called Ged – nickname Sparrowhawk – as he discovers immense power within himself. Ged travels to the island of Roke which is home to The School of Magic. Here among other wizards, he studies and hones his craft. But when a spell backfires and releases a shadow creature that attacks him, Ged must decide whether to flee or confront this mysterious being.