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Children's reading lists

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

A Wilder than Midnight Story

Swifter than Starlight

From celebrated children's author Cerrie Burnell comes a new, wonderfully inclusive, magical tale set in the whimsical world of Wilder than Midnight. 
 
Long ago, on a winter's eve, two sisters walked into a wolf-wild wood but only one returned. . . 
 
The Faraway Wood is full of twisting thorns and sharp teeth. Stirring with myth and music. It's the perfect place for bandits, thieves and secrets to hide. 
 
Until a prince goes missing. 
 
Lilac is a strong girl, happy with her found family, yet searching for her sister. 
Clover is a determined girl, eager to find what's been lost to her, though scared to leave her village. 
Hester is a smart girl, one step ahead of trouble, and ready for adventure. 
 
Together, they will unite the realm. 
 
Praise for Wilder than Midnight: 
 
'Guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it' - Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs 
 
'Pure fairytale magic with so many twists' - Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha and the Spirit Bird 
 
'[a] book about love and friendship and driving your own destiny in the face of prejudice. But mostly, it's a story of girls, glorious girls, in all their feisty, feminine brilliance' - Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Praise for Wilder than Midnight: 'Guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it'

Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs

Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and ambassador. During her time on CBeebies she broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcame discrimination to become one of the most visible disabled presenters on children's television. She is also the author of thirteen children's books including her award-winning non-fiction title, I Am Not A Label.

Long ago, on a winter's eve, two sisters walked into a wolf-wild wood but only one returned. . . 
 
The Faraway Wood is full of twisting thorns and sharp teeth. Stirring with myth and music. It's the perfect place for bandits, thieves and secrets to hide. 
 
Until a prince goes missing. 
 
Lilac is a strong girl, happy with her found family, yet searching for her sister. 
Clover is a determined girl, eager to find what's been lost to her, though scared to leave her village. 
Hester is a smart girl, one step ahead of trouble, and ready for adventure. 
 
Together, they will unite the realm.

Wilder than Midnight

"An absolutely enchanting tale . . . I adored it." Tamzin Merchant, author of The Hatmakers 
 
A bold and evocative new adventure novel from Cerrie Burnell, celebrating difference and found family. Perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Katherine Rundell and Catherine Doyle. 
 
Silverthorne is a place of secrets. A forest of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and whispers of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and unknown. But something is stirring in the leaves . . . 
 
Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules. 
Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she's told awaits her. 
Wild Rose is a fierce girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and fearlessness and cunning. 
 
 
Together, they will change life in Silverthorne forever. 
 
"Wildly exciting and wickedly whimsical . . . a story as warming and delicious as stolen porridge." Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables 
 
"One of the most delightful stories I've read in years. Burnell's writing sparkles like starlight, guiding you through a wild fairy tale brimming with friendship, magic and hope." Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows series 
 
"A story of girls, glorious girls, in all their feisty, feminine brilliance." Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

This story is just the sort I would have loved as a girl - I adored its sparkling words, feisty heroines and spirited narrative as well as its message of loving the body we're born with - pure fairytale magic with so many twists. From the very first turn of the page it swept me under its powerful spell...I would happily have lived there for a hundred years!

Wilder than Midnight is my new favourite fairy tale adventure; magnificent as a starry sky, and guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it.

Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and ambassador. During her time on CBeebies she broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcame discrimination to become one of the most visible disabled presenters on children's television. She is also the author of thirteen children's books including her award-winning non-fiction title, I Am Not A Label.

Silverthorne is a place of secrets and stories. A forest full of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and murmurs of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and whispered. And something is stirring in the leaves . . . 
 
Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules. 
Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she's told awaits her. 
Wild Rose is a fearless girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and cunning. 
 
Together, they will change Silverthorne forever.

Cerrie Burnell

Cerrie Burnell has crafted a bright and breathtaking fantasy with two unforgettable leads. Aria and Neva are a glorious pair, and I can't wait to see what happens next. A heroic and heartfelt read!

A thrilling story of secrets, magic and royal antics that will have your heart racing and your fingers flying through the pages. You will fall in love with Aria and Neva and their misadventures.

Connie Glynn, author of Undercover Princess

From author and disability ambassador Cerrie Burnell comes an unforgettable tale of spellbinding magic, courage and friendship, all set in a reimagined Venice - perfect for fans of Connie Glynn’s Undercover Princess and the Twin Crowns series. 
 
Princess Aria is heir to the throne, in a realm protected by powerful royal magic. But few know that she has lost almost all of her powers. 
 
Neva is a talented thief, but she finds herself indebted to a notorious criminal gang. Although she longs for a different life, she lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight. 
 
Then one fateful midsummer night, the girls meet and realize that they look so alike they could be mistaken for twins. Or better yet, each other... 
 
"A thrilling story of secrets, magic and royal antics that will have your heart racing and your fingers flying through the pages. You will fall in love with Aria and Neva and their misadventures." - Connie Glynn 
 
"A heroic and heartelt read!" - Elle McNicoll

Cerrie Burnell

Praise for The Princess and the Thief

Cerrie Burnell has crafted a bright and breathtaking fantasy with two unforgettable leads. Aria and Neva are a glorious pair, and I can't wait to see what happens next. A heroic and heartfelt read!

A thrilling story of secrets, magic and royal antics that will have your heart racing and your fingers flying through the pages. You will fall in love with Aria and Neva and their misadventures.

Books by Cerrie Burnell

Series by Cerrie Burnell

The Princess and the Thief1 Book

Wilder Than Midnight2 Books

Articles featuring Cerrie Burnell

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

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