The Best Children’s Books For 8-12s

My Greek Myths book published by Scholastic UK in September last year for 8-12s (I also wrote it with adults in mind) has blown my mind in terms of feedback from schools, teachers, parents and importantly children (as have the sales).

As it is the National Year of Reading, an important initiative by the Department of Education this year, and as an avid reader, writer and former teacher myself, I wanted to share not only my book (because I need to self promote more) but others too I hope you will consider for your kids (aged 8+).

Reading for pleasure is one of the greatest joys they (and you) can experience in life and from an educational perspective, reading is the foundation to success across every subject. Even ten minutes a day can have a profound impact.

As I remind my own children, books, comics, heck even cereal packets should be read daily. Reading needs to become a natural part of life as whilst there is a place for screens, they should not usurp books!

Here’s my list and yes I popped mine down first (hehe)!

Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends

A collection of 20 myths, many well known along with some rare finds I unearthed, I spent a year researching and retelling these age-old stories with a more feminist and egalitarian perspective, bringing to life the weird and wonderful world of Ancient Greece. From Atalanta, the girl raised as a bear to the original spider woman, Arachne; King Midas, Jason and the Golden Fleece and many more fables (on the curriculum to boot), your child will be entertained by these cineamatic and often bonkers stories of dieties, monsters and gorgons, the Ancient Greeks spoke then wrote down for posterity over 3000 years ago! The Sunday Times recommended my book which was very nice of them, and the great Deborah Meaden kindly said it was, ‘a brilliant book’! You can buy my Greek Myths book here.

Lottie Brooks series

This laugh out loud funny series of Lottie Brooks’ diary with funny illustrations, by fellow OG blogger Katie Kirby is a must-read. Charting Lottie’s journey from primary to high school, childhood to puberty with all the wit Katie possessed during her Hurrah for Gin! blogging days, this is a million book selling collection parents as well as children will fall in love with. I’m on book two and can’t wait for my daughter, Florence, 4, to become old enough to read them!

Tom Gates series

Another diary based series with hilarious illustrations, by Liz Pichon, is one boys tend to veer towards but both sexes would relate to. They remind me of the Adrian Mole books I devoured as a child with their coming of age stories and misadventures.

Cookie series

Konnie Huq’s series is another diary style format that is first person, intimate and intentionally chaotic, following tween Cookie as she navigates school, friendships and family woes whilst celebrating STEM subjects. Unlike other similar series Cookie is British Bangladeshi with book 3 exploring her identity more as her Bangladeshi grandmother comes to visit.

The Boy Who Fooled The World 

An enthralling mystery by Lisa Thompson, tells the story of Cole, a boy whose family are struggling to make ends meet who suddenly sells paintings for a fortune!

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Selling over 300 million books is no mean feat for Jeff Kinney but once you read the utterly relateable Wimpy Kid aka Greg Heffley’s musings, it’s easy to see why. That’s the thing about these successful children’s books, they’re written in a way that seems effortless and easy when writing for anyone, especially discerning children with only a 3 second attention span as we’re told, at that, might just be the toughest crowd to entertain so hardest to write for.