S2 (Year 8) Reading List

This reading list is designed for boys in S2 in Scotland (and Year 78 throughout the rest of the UK.) But don't worry if you don't fit into any of these catergories you are still allowed to read these books...you rebel...

PALMER, Tom

Foul Play (Football Detective 1) 
 

Danny is obsessed with two things: football - especially City Football Club - and investigating crimes. So when England and City footballing hero Sam Roberts is reported missing the day after Danny saw him being taken, blindfolded, into the bowels of the City FC stadium late at night, he's determined to get to the bottom of it. But is Danny getting into something he can't handle?

 

EASTHAM, Ruth

The Messenger Bird

Nathan's father has been arrested. He works for the Ministry of Defence and is accused of leaking top secret information. But as he is dragged into a police car, he gives Nathan a message. It leads to a riddle, but it's not from Dad. It's from an ex-Bletchley Park employee, Lily Kenley, and was written in 1940. Nathan begins to follow the clues left behind by Lily. But how can this war-time story link to his father's fate? Hope for Dad's appeal is fading fast. He must solve the puzzle. Time is running out.

 

REEVE, Phillip

Goblins
 

A wild world of magical creatures and heroic adventure from the extraordinary imagination of Philip Reeve. The squabbling goblins who live in the great towers of Clovenstone spend their time fighting and looting. Only clever young Skarper understands that dark magic created by a vanquished sorcerer is rising again. From th lands of men come fortune-seekers - and trolls, giants, cloud-midens, boglins, swamp monsters, tree-warriors and bloodthirsty goblins are swept into a fabulous magical conflict to thrill all fantasy fans.

COTTERLL BOYCE, Frank

Chitty Chitty Bang Flies Again

When the Tooting family find a vast abandoned engine and fit it to their camper van, they have no idea of the adventure that lies ahead. The engine used to belong to an extraordinary flying car – and it wants to be back on the road again . . . fast! The Tootings can haul on the steering wheel and pull the handbrake as hard as they like, but their camper van now has a mind of her own. It’s not long before they’re hurtling along on a turbocharged chase as Chitty tracks down her long-lost bodywork. But there are sinister forces at work too. When it comes to a car as special as Chitty, everybody wants a piece of her . . .

The first-ever sequel to Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, written by bestselling author Frank Cottrell Boyce and endorsed by the Fleming family.

WALLIAMS, David

Mr Stink

"Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…”  It all starts when Chloe makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. Yes, he smells a bit. But when it looks like he might be driven out of town, Chloe decides to hide him in the garden shed.  Now Chloe's got to make sure no one finds out her secret. And speaking of secrets, there just might be more to Mr Stink than meets the eye… or the nose.

The second original, touching, twisted, and most of all hilarious novel for children from David Walliams, beautifully illustrated by Quentin Blake.

 

SHARPE, J D

Oliver Twisted

"Flesh," the woe-begotten moaned at Oliver, baring teeth which were ragged and black. "Flesh" came another moan, and he turned to see two more behind. They began to shuffle towards him, barefoot.

 

The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless, orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods and if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you forever. On the advice of a corpse, Oliver flees his ghastly orphan life to seek his destiny in the dark streets of old London Town, despite the perils of the woe-begotten zombie-infested journey. There he meets the shadowy Dodger, the evil old soul-stealer Fagin, and the menacing Bill Sikes, who is more beast than man. But will Oliver Twisted be the world's salvation, or its downfall?!

 

COUSINS, Dave
Fifteen Days Without a Head

A compelling thriller filled with some hilarious and surreal moments. Fifteen Days Without a Head is a tender, honest story about family, forgiveness and hope.

HUTCHISON, Barry
The 13th Horseman

An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.

LAIRD, Elizabeth
The Prince Who Walked with Lions

Based on a true story, this is a sweeping epic about a prince torn from his home.

PALACIO, R J
Wonder

What a gem of a story. Moving and heart-warming. This book made me laugh, made me angry, made me cry Malorie Blackman

GARDNER, Sally
Maggot Moon

Narrated against the backdrop of a ruthless regime determined to beat its enemies in the race to the moon, this is the stunning new novel from award-winning author Sally Gardner.

IBBOTSON, Eva
The Abominables 

It’s both hilarious and heart-breaking, and anything but straightforward.

PICHON, Liz
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

Fans of The Wimpy Kid will delight in the hilarious adventure of Tom Gates! Fantastic fun told in words and pictures. A delight of a reading experience.