Teenage Recommended ReadsWelcome to the Teenage Recommended Reads page - we hope that you will take a chance on some of these great titles. To find a copy in a library near you please check our  online catalogue. Don't forget that it is free to order any book if you are 17 or under.
The Dare Game
Jacqueline Wilson
 "The Dare Game" is the second of three books featuring the character Tracy Beaker. This book is highly recommended by avid reader Rachael who uses Grove Vale Library
"Tracy has moved in with her foster-mum. The foster mum turns out to be horrible. Tracy bunks off school and goes to a secret place and plays a Dare Game. This is my favourite of all the Jacqueline Wilson books".
Holes
Louis Sachar
 "Holes" was first published in 1999 and has already become established as an out-and-out classic. In 2003 it was made into a successful film.
Our reviewer is Emma - a 15 year old reader who uses Peckham Library. Emma says
"I liked the book very much - especially when Zero ran away. I liked how they all had to dig a hole a certain width and length so they could finish for the day. It is a really good book!"
You can find out more about Louis Sachar's books at the author's own website.
Night Rise
Anthony Horowitz
 Anthony Horowitz is one the most exciting authors around. He is versatile too - turning his hand to comedy, horror or adventure - always with entertaining results. He reached new levels of fame when the first novel in his Alex Rider series was turned into the movie "Stormbreaker".
Our reviewer is Faruk - a 13 year old reader from Peckham Library. Faruk says "Night Rise is a fast moving and very exciting story based on a supernatural event. I guarantee you that this is a worthwhile book".
Shrinking Violet
Jean Ure
 "Shrinking Violet" is one of the "Secret Diaries" series of books from Jean Ure. Other titles in this popular series include "Boys Beware" and "The Secret Life of Sally Tomato"
Our reviewer is Brittiny who reviewed the book while taking part in The Big Wild Read at Peckham Library. Brittiny says "It was a fantastic book about two twins. One twin loved to socialise and the other one was shy. I really liked it because at the end the shy twin had found a real friend".
The Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan
 The Lightning Thief is the first in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
"It is about a 12 year-old boy called Perseus “Percy” Jackson, (who by the way is actually a half blood – all is revealed in the book and no it is nothing to do with Harry Potter!), who with his two friends, Annabeth and Grover, must find Zeus’s (yes Zeus’s) Master lightning bolt before the summer solstice in order to prevent World War III (yes World War III). By the way the Greek Gods are alive and well and living in New York. So our heroes embark on a quest in the time honoured fashion and
encounter a range of characters from Greek Mythology – both good and bad.
It is a rollercoaster of a ride with scares and humour mixed in with betrayal, loyalty, danger and friendship. It is a great read and a wonderful addition to the growing and exciting list of fantasy books for children and this ones tests your knowledge of Greek Mythology along the way." Review by Sandra Agard - Peckham Library's resident Book Doctor.
Oranges in No Man’s Land
Elizabeth Laird
 "This extremely tropical book looks at the increasing conflict in the Middle East with Lebanon being the central focus and through the eyes of the most vulnerable – children.
Ten year old Ayesha has no idea why her country is at war with itself and to make matters worst her father is out of the country. When her mother is killed during a bomb raid, Ayesha along with her grandmother and her two little brothers become refugees in a crowded squat along with a host of other refugees hiding from the
fighting. However when her grandmother falls seriously ill, Ayesha makes a dangerous decision and so embarks on a journey that puts her in even more greater danger.
A moving book that portrays both bravery and tragedy, it is a must read for both children and adults alike". Review by Sandra Agard - Peckam Library's resident Book Doctor.
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