24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

From timeless classics to graphic novels; marvellous mysteries and trips back in time, these books deserve a spot on everyone's bookshelf.

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Image: Alicia Fernandes/Penguin

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NationTerry Pratchett

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Nation by Terry Pratchett (2008)

All of Terry Pratchett’s books are essential reading. But if there’s one that you simply must read, it’s Nation. Proclaimed by the late Terry Pratchett himself that ‘…Nation is the best book I have ever written’, we can’t disagree. This coming-of-age story sees Mau (an indigenous boy of the Nation) and Daphne (an English governor’s daughter) come together to form a lifelong friendship. A terrible tsunami has decimated Mau’s village and all the people in it and caused Daphne’s ship to crash into the island. Although the two can’t even communicate with each other at first, they manage to work together to build a new home. Then others start to arrive on the island, good and bad – will Mau and Daphne be able to defend their Nation?

24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

V&A Children's Classics 3 for £21

The best new Puffin books out in 2022

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