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1 A handy guide to help you pick which author/series to try next.
1
A handy guide to help you pick which
author/series to try next.
2
The purpose of this leaflet is to help you pick what
you would like to read next. It is often a problem if
you have read all of the books by your favourite
author, or just finished a good series, you can be
unsure of what to pick up next.
This leaflet has been created from Miss Lang’s
knowledge and has had a lot of input from the
invaluable book ‘Who Next—A Guide To Children’s
Authors’ (available to look at as a reference item in
the School Library) and using the website
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk.
This leaflet is intended to be a thorough guide to
assist you in using the School Library so it is aimed at
boys of secondary school age. It is not an exhaustive
list but hopefully a useful tool and a pointer in the
right direction.
Some authors are recommended but do not have a
dedicated page—this is due to the School Library
only holding a few titles. Only authors stocked by
the School Library are recommended.
3
Authors are listed alphabetically from the first page with
other ideas on how to choose, as well as information on
the Carnegie Shadowing Scheme at the back.
If you like an author and want to read their books in order
there is no better resource than
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk which lists authors’ work
within series and in order rather than retail websites such
as Amazon which often list by publication date—which
the publishing of hardbacks and paperbacks can throw
4
Douglas Adams
1952-2001
Most famous for: ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’
series
Writes: Fantasy
Want to try some of Douglas Adams work?
The order of the Hitchhikers Guide series:
1. The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979)
2. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (1980)
3. Life, the Universe and Everything (1982)
4. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (1984)
5. Mostly Harmless (1992)
6. And Another Thing... (2009) (with Eoin Colfer)
5
Authors to try next:
Isaac Asimov
Eoin Colfer
Tom Holt
Terry Pratchett
Want to find out more?
www.douglasadams.com
6
Alison Allen-Gray
Writes: Family, mystery, science fiction
Want to try some of Alison Allen-Gray’s work?
So far Alison has written 2 novels, both of which the
School Library has:
Unique (2004)
Lifegame (2009)
7
Authors to try next:
Alan Gibbons
Marcus Sedgwick
Scott Westerfield
8
David Almond
Most famous for: The Fire Eaters, Skellig,
My Name is Mina
Writes: Family, fantasy, friends, ghost/supernatural, social
issues
Want to try some of David Almond’s work?
All of David’s books are stand alone novels—apart from
‘Skellig’—for which he wrote a prequel—’My Name is
Mina’.
Awards
Carnegie Medal: Skellig
Whitbread Children's Award: Skellig, The Fire-eaters
Smarties Award Silver Medal: Kit’s Wilderness
Smarties Gold Award: The Fire-eaters
9
Awards Nominations and Commendations.
‘Kit’s Wilderness’ was highly commended for the Carnegie
Medal and was shortlisted for the Guardian Award.
‘The Fire-eaters’ was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
‘Clay’ was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book award
and the Carnegie Medal.
Authors to try next:
Tim Bowler
Sonya Hartnett
Louis Sachar
Marcus Sedgwick
Robert Swindells
Want to find out more?
www.davidalmond.com
10
Bernard Ashley
Writes: Adventure, slavery, social issues, thrillers, war
11
Authors to try next:
Jim Eldridge
Alan Gibbons
Keith Gray
Andy McNab and Robert Rigby
Mal Peet
Malcolm Rose
Robert Swindells
Want to find out more?
www.bashley.com
12
Malorie Blackman
Children’s Laureate 2013-2015
Most famous for: ‘Noughts and Crosses’ Series
Writes: Dystopia, family, romance, social issues, thrillers
Want to try some of Malorie Blackman’s work?
As well as stand alone novels there is the ‘Noughts and
Crosses’ Series
1. Noughts and Crosses (2001) aka Black & White
2. An Eye for An Eye (2003)
3. Knife Edge (2003)
4. Checkmate (2005)
5. Double Cross (2008)
13
Authors to try next:
Kevin Brooks Gennifer Choldenko
Mark Haddon Elizabeth Laird
Andy Mulligan Kate Thompson
About the awards Malorie has won. The following is
taken from Random House publishing’s website:
“The novels in her Noughts & Crosses sequence have won several
awards, including the Children's Book Award, and she has won
many other awards for her books for the Random House list. Both
Hacker and Thief! won the Young Telegraph/Gimme 5 Award -
Malorie is the only author to have won this award twice - while
Hacker also won the WH Smith Mind-Boggling Books Award in
1994. Her work has appeared on screen, with Pig-Heart Boy, which
was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, being adapted into a BAFTA
-award-winning TV serial.
In 2005, Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in
recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of chil-
dren's books.
In 2008, she was then honoured with an OBE for her services to
Children's Literature.
Want to find out more?
www.malorieblackman.co.uk
14
Pseudonymous Bosch
Most famous for: ‘Secret’ series
Writes: Adventure, magic, mystery
Want to try some of Pseudonymous Bosch’s work?
Secret Series
1. The Name of This Book Is Secret (2007)
2. If You're Reading This, It's Too Late (2008)
3. This Book Is Not Good for You (2009)
4. This Isn't What It Looks Like (2010)
5. You Have to Stop This (2011)
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Authors to try next:
Henry Chancellor
Eoin Colfer
Neil Gaiman
Pittacus Lore
Rick Riordan
J K Rowling
Angie Sage
Want to find out more?
www.pseudonymousbosch.com
16
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Most famous for: ‘Cosmic’, ‘Framed’, ‘Millions’
Writes: Detective mysteries, family, humour, school
Want to try some of Frank Cottrell Boyce’s work? All of
the books by Frank that are stocked by the School Library
are stand alone novels so can be read in any order.
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Awards and nominations Frank’s books have received.
2011 Costa Children's Book Award, ‘The Unforgotten Coat’, shortlist
2010 Blue Peter Book Award: The Book I Couldn't Put Down,
‘Cosmic’, shortlist
2009 Carnegie Medal, ‘Cosmic’, shortlist
2008 Roald Dahl Funny Prize, ‘Cosmic’, 7-14 years shortlist
2008 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, ‘Cosmic’, shortlist
2007 Blue Peter Book Award: The Book I Couldn't Put Down, ‘Framed’,
shortlist
2005 Whitbread Children's Book of the Year, ‘Framed’, shortlist
2005 Carnegie Medal, ‘Framed’, shortlist
2004 Carnegie Medal, ‘Millions’
Authors to try next:
Sharon Creech
Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
Mark Haddon
Eva Ibbotson
Paul Jennings
Jeff Kinney
Louis Sachar
David Walliams
18
Kevin Brooks
Most famous for: ‘Martyn Pig’
Writes: Crime, family, friends, social issues
Want to try some of Kevin Brook’s work?
Although Kevin has written some series, such as ‘Johnny
Delgado’ and ‘PI John Craine’ all of his books in the School
Library are stand alone novels.
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Awards Kevin Brooks has won.
‘Martyn Pig won’ the Branford Boase Award in 2003 and
was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
‘Lucas’ was shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction
Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize, it won the North East
Book Award.
‘Candy’ won the Angus Book Award in 2007.
‘I-boy’ won the Angus Book Award in 2012.
Authors to try next:
Malorie Blackman
John Brindley
Siobhan Dowd
Sally Gardner
Alan Gibbons
Keith Gray
Sonya Hartnett
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Bob Cattell
Most famous for: Glory Gardens Series
Writes: Other cultures, sport
Want to try some of Bob Cattell’s work?
Glory Garden
1. Glory in the Cup (1995)
2. Bound for Glory (1995)
3. The Big Test (1996)
4. World Cup Fever (1996)
5. League of Champions (1997)
6. Blaze of Glory (1996)
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Authors to try next:
Rob Childs
Dan Freedman
Alan Gibbons
Michael Hardcastle
Tom Palmer
22
Lee Child
Most famous for: Jack Reacher novels
Writes: Crime, adventure, thriller
Want to try some of Lee Child’s work?
The majority of his books are part of his Jack Reacher
series.
1. Killing Floor (1997)
2. Die Trying (1998)
3. Tripwire (1999)
4. The Visitor (2000) aka Running Blind
5. Echo Burning (2001)
6. Without Fail (2002)
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Awards
Lee Child has won a lot of awards and it is quite hard to
keep up—so sorry if any are missing.
His debut ‘Killing Floor’ won an Anthony Award.
Other honours include Barry, Dilys and Macavity awards
for Killing Floor (1997), WH Smith Thumping Good Read
Award for Die Trying (1998), Dilys and Ian Flemming Steel
Dagger awards for Without Fail (2002), another Ian
Flemming Steel Dagger Award for Persuader (2003), Dilys
Award for The Enemy (2004) and The Bob Kellogg Good
Citizen Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Internet
Writing Community in 2005.
Most recently the Crime Writers Association award Lee
the 2013 Diamond Dagger in July 2013.
Authors to try next:
David Baldacci Linwood Barclay
Harlan Coben Michael Connelly
Patricia Cornwell James Patterson
Sarah Paretsky Kathy Reichs
24
Eoin Colfer
Most famous for: Artemis Fowl series
Writes: Detective mysteries, fantasy, humour, thrillers
Want to try some of Eoin Colfer’s work?
The library stocks some of Colfer’s stand alone novels
such as ‘Half Moon Investigations’ but the first few in his
popular Artemis Fowl series are listed below.
1. Artemis Fowl (1999)
2. The Arctic Incident (2002)
3. The Eternity Code (2003)
4. The Opal Deception (2005)
5. The Lost Colony (2006)
6. The Time Paradox (2008)
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Awards
Eoin has won multiple awards including a Bisto Book of
the year award, a WH People’s Choice Award, an Irish
World Literature Award, a Red House Children’s Book
Award and a Carnegie Medal.
Authors to try next:
Jason Bradbury Gennifer Choldenko
Joseph Delaney F E Higgins
Anthony Horowitz Derek Landy
Katherine Langrish Graham Marks
Kenneth Oppel Christopher Paolini
Terry Pratchett J K Rowling
Angie Sage Kate Thompson
Mark Walden Rick Yancey
Want to find out more?
www.eoincolfer.com
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Suzanne Collins
Most famous for: The Hunger Games Trilogy
Writes: Adventure, dystopia, mystery, science fiction
Want to try some of Suzanne Collin’s work?
The library stocks Suzanne’s other books such as ‘Gregor
the Overlander’. The order of her most famous work, ‘The
Hunger Games’ is:
1. The Hunger Games (2008)
2. Catching Fire (2009)
3. Mockingjay (2010)
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Authors to try next:
Eoin Colfer
John Flanagan
Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
Michael Grant
Pittacus Lore
James Patterson
Want to find out more?
www.suzannecollinsbooks.com
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Michael Connelly
Most famous for: Harry Bosch detective series
Writes: Crime, mystery, thriller
Want to try some of Michael Connelly’s work?
Michael has written books focusing on 3 other
protagonists— Jack McEvoy, Terry McCaleb and Mickey
Haller. His most famous creation, Harry Bosch has the
most books and the first in that series are listed below.
1. The Black Echo (1992)
2. The Black Ice (1993)
3. The Concrete Blonde (1994)
4. The Last Coyote (1995)
5. Trunk Music (1997)
6. Angels Flight (1998)
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Awards and nominations:
Anthony Awards Best Novel winner (1997) : The Poet
Macavity Awards Best Novel nominee (1998) : Trunk Music
Anthony Awards Best Novel winner (1999) : Blood Work
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Blood Work
Macavity Awards Best Novel winner (1999) : Blood Work
Dagger Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : City Of Bones
Anthony Awards Best Novel winner (2003) : City Of Bones
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (2003) : City Of Bones
Macavity Awards Best Novel nominee (2003) : City Of Bones
Anthony Awards Best Novel nominee (2006) : Lincoln Lawyer
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (2006) : The Lincoln Lawyer
Macavity Awards Best Novel winner (2006) : The Lincoln Lawyer
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (2006) : The Lincoln Lawyer
The Richard and Judy Best Read of the Year Best Novel nominee (2006) : The Lincoln Lawyer
Anthony Awards Best Novel winner (2009) : The Brass Verdict
Authors to try next:
David Baldacci Linwood Barclay
Lee Child Harlan Coben
Patricia Cornwell Simon Kernick
James Patterson Kathy Reichs
Want to find out more? www.michaelconnelly.com
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Roald Dahl
1916-1990
Most famous for: Many things! The ‘BFG’. ‘Charlie and
the Chocolate Factory’, ‘James and the Giant Peach’,
‘Matilda’.
Writes: Fantasy, humour
Want to try some of Roald Dahl’s work?
Apart from Charlie, who went in a great glass elevator
after visiting a chocolate factory, all of Roald Dahl’s books
are stand alone novels so can be read in any order.
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Awards
Roald Dahl won the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement
award in 1983.
Author Michael Rosen set up an award in Dahl’s name,
the Roald Dahl Funny Prize celebrates and honours the
most hilarious children’s authors every year.
Authors to try next:
Enid Blyton
Neil Gaiman
Philip Ridley
Lemony Snicket
David Walliams
Want to find out more?
www.roalddahl.com
32
Joseph Delaney
Most famous for: ‘Spook’s’ Series aka ‘The Wardstone
Chronicles’
Writes: Ghost/supernatural, magic
Want to try some of Joseph Delaney’s work?
1. The Spook's Apprentice (2004) 2. The Spook's Curse (2005) 3. The Spook's Secret (2006) 4. The Spook's Battle (2007) 5. The Spook's Mistake (2008) 6. The Spook's Sacrifice (2009) 7. The Spook's Nightmare (2010)
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Joseph Delaney has been shortlisted for the Lancashire
children’s book of the year award 3 times.
Authors to try next:
Eoin Colfer
John Flanagan
Charlie Fletcher
Robin Jarvis
Derek Landy
Rick Riordan
Angie Sage
Marcus Sedgwick
J R R Tolkien
Pat Walsh
Want to find out more?
www.spooksbooks.com
34
Chris D’Lacey
Most famous for: Last Dragon Chronicles
Writes: Adventure, fantasy
Want to try some of Chris D’Lacey’s work?
Last Dragon Chronicles
1. The Fire Within (2001)
2. Icefire (2003)
3. Fire Star (2005)
4. The Fire Eternal (2007)
5. Dark Fire (2009)
6. Fire World (2011)
7. The Fire Ascending (2012)
35
Authors to try next
Eoin Colfer
Cressida Cowell
Joseph Delaney
John Flanagan
Cornelia Funke
Elizabeth Kay
Rick Riordan
Mark Robson
Want to find out more?
www.icefire.co.uk
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Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
1859-1930
Most famous for: Sherlock Holmes
Writes: Adventure, detective, mystery
Want to try some of Conan Doyle’s work?
His Sherlock Holmes novels can be easily understood in
any order but the first ones were:
1. A Study in Scarlet (1887)
2. The Sign of Four (1890)
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)
4. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1893)
5. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)
6. The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905)
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Authors to try next:
Dan Brown
Lee Child
Agatha Christie
Michael Connelly
Charles Dickens
Alexandre Dumas
Want to find out more?
www.sirarthurconandoyle.com
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Jim Eldridge
Most famous for: ‘Black Ops’ Series, ‘Malichea Quest’
Writes: Action, adventure, war
Want to try some of Jim Eldridge’s work?
Black Ops
1. Jungle Kill (2011)
2. Death in the Desert (2010)
3. Urban Assassin (2011)
Malichea Quest
1. The Invisible Assassin (2012)
2. The Deadly Game (2012)
3. The Lethal Target (2013)
4. The Last Enemy (2013)
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Authors to try next:
Bernard Ashley
Anthony Horowitz
Sam Hutton
Andy McNab
James Patterson
Chris Ryan
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Ian Fleming
1908-1964
Most famous for: James Bond
Writes: Adventure, spy
Want to try some of Ian Fleming’s work?
Although Ian Fleming’s created spy, James Bond, features
in all the novels it is technically a series, they do not
follow on from each other and all work as stand alone
novels.
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Authors to try next:
Lee Child
Ken Follett
Frederick Forsyth
Robert Ludlum
James Patterson
Want to find out more?
www.ianfleming.com
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Cornelia Funke
Most famous for: Inkheart
Writes: Adventure, fairy/folk, fantasy
Want to try some of Cornelia Funke’s work?
Inkheart
1. Inkheart (2003)
2. Inkspell (2005)
3. Inkdeath (2008)
Reckless
1. Reckless (2010)
2. Fearless (2013)
43
Authors to try next:
Chris D’Lacey
Eva Ibbotson
Elizabeth Kay
Philip Pullman
Rick Riordan
Mark Robson
J K Rowling
Angie Sage
Want to find out more?
www.corneliafunke.com
44
Alan Gibbons
Most famous for: ‘Total Football’ ‘Hell’s Underground’
Writes: Family, fantasy, horror, social issues, sport
Want to try some of Alan Gibbon’s work?
As well as multiple stand alone novels there are 2 key
series within the School Library.
Total Football
1. Some You Win... (1997)
2. Under Pressure (1997)
3. Divided We Fall (1998)
4. Injury Time (1998)
Hell's Underground
1. Scared to Death (2007)
2. The Demon Assassin (2008)
3. Renegade (2009)
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Awards and nominations:
Taken from Alan’s official website: “He is the winner of the
Blue Peter Book Award 2000 'The book I couldn't put down' for his
best-selling book ‘Shadow of the Minotaur’. He was a judge of the
2001 Awards.
He has also been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2001 and
2003 and twice for the Booktrust Teenage Prize. He has won the
Blue Peter Book Award 'The Book I Couldn't Put Down', the Catalyst
Award, the Leicester Book of the Year, the Leicester Short Novel of
the year, the Angus Book of the Year, the RED Award, the Stockport
Book Award, the Birmingham Chills Award, the Salford KS4 Award,
the Hackney Short Novel Award and the Salford Librarians' Special
Award.”
Authors to try next:
Alison Allen-Gray
Bernard Ashley
Kevin Brooks
Mal Peet
Benjamin Zephaniah
Want to find out more?
www.alangibbons.com
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Morris Gleitzman
Most famous for: ‘Misery Guts’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Toad’, ‘Deadly’
‘Once’
Writes: Animals, family, humour, war
Please note: Morris’s books vary greatly—he produces
easy to read, humorous books as well as serious books
dealing with subjects such as the Holocaust for older
readers.
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Awards and nominations.
Morris has won multiple awards in his native Australia and
has received nominations for the Carnegie Medal.
Authors to try next:
(Due to the large variety of genres covered by Morris this
list also covers a wide range).
Frank Cottrell Boyce
John Boyne
Paul Dowswell
Mark Haddon
Paul Jennings
Judith Kerr
Jeff Kinney
Louis Sachar
Robert Westall
Want to find out more?
www.morrisgleitzman.com
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Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
Most famous for: ‘Tunnels’ Series
Write: Adventure, horror, science fiction
Want to try some of Gordon and Williams’ work?
Tunnels
1. Tunnels aka The Highfield Mole (2005)
2. Deeper (2008)
3. FreeFall (2009)
4. Closer (2010)
5. Spiral (2011)
6. Terminal (2013)
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Authors to try next:
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Suzanne Collins
John Flanagan
Neil Gaiman
F E Higgins
Rick Riordan
Want to find out more?
www.tunnelsthebook.com
50
Michael Grant
Most famous for: ‘Gone’ Series, ‘BZRK’ Series
Writes: Dystopia, fantasy
Want to try some of Michael Grant’s work?
Gone
1. Gone (2008)
2. Hunger (2009)
3. Lies (2010)
4. Plague (2011)
5. Fear (2012)
6. Light (2013)
BZRK
1. BZRK (2012)
2. BZRK Reloaded (2013)
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Authors to try next:
Suzanne Collins
Anthony Hororwitz
Connor Kostick
Pittacus Lore
Sophie McKenzie
Robert Muchamore
James Patterson
Neil Shusterman
Andrew Smith
Want more information?
www.themichaelgrant.com
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Jack Higgins
Jack Higgins mainly writes for adults but has written a
series with Justin Richards aimed at a younger audience.
Most famous for: His war and action novels.
Writes: Adventure, thrillers
Want to try some of Jack Higgin’s work?
The School Library has a selection of his senior novels,
the first one in his ‘Rich and Jade’ series for younger
readers is ‘Sure Fire’.
Rich and Jade (with Justin Richards)
1. Sure Fire (2006)
2. Death Run (2007)
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Authors to try next:
Mark Bowden
Jack Coughlin
Clive Cussler
Anthony Horowitz
Andy McNab (both alone and with Robert Rigby)
James Patterson
Richard North Patterson
Chris Ryan
54
Charlie Higson
Most famous for: ‘Young Bond’ Series, ‘Enemy’ Series
Writes: Adventure, thrillers
Want to try some of Charlie Higson’s work?
Young Bond
1. Silverfin (2005)
2. BloodFever (2006)
3. Double or Die (2007)
4. Hurricane Gold (2007)
5. By Royal Command (2008)
Enemy
1. The Enemy (2009)
2. The Dead (2010)
3. The Fear (2011)
4. The Sacrifice (2012)
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Charlie Higson has been nominated for many awards for
his children’s books. His previous work with scripts and
screenplays have produced award winning films and TV
series that have earned accolades such as BAFTAS.
Authors to try next:
H M Castor
Anthony Horowitz
Derek Landy
Andy McNab and Robert Rigby
Robert Muchamore
Philip Reeve
Chris Ryan
Darren Shan
Want to find out more?
www.charliehigson.co.uk
www.youngbond.com
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Nick Hornby
Most famous for: ‘High Fidelity’, ‘About a Boy’ ‘Fever
Pitch’
Writes: Humour, family, social issues
Want to try some of Nick Hornby’s work?
All of Nick’s books are stand alone novels so can be read
in any order. Just have a look and pick your favourite!
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Authors to try next:
Alan Bennett
Helen Fielding
John Grisham
Ian McEwan
Want to find out more?
www.penguin.co.uk/nickhornby
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Anthony Horowitz
Most famous for: ‘Alex Rider’ and ‘Power of Five’ Series.
Writes: Adventure, horror, humour, thrillers.
Want to try some of Anthony Horowitz’s work?
Anthony has written multiple series and many novels.
Below the first few in the most popular series are listed.
Alex Rider
1. Stormbreaker (2000)
2. Point Blanc (2001)
3. Skeleton Key (2002)
4. Eagle Strike (2003)
5. Scorpia (2004)
6. Ark Angel (2005)
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Power of Five / Gatekeepers
1. Raven's Gate (2005)
2. Evil Star (2006)
3. Nightrise (2007)
4. Necropolis: City of the Dead (2008)
5. Oblivion (2012)
Authors to try next:
David Gilman Jack Higgins with Justin Richards
Charlie Higson Sam Hutton
Derek Landy Andy McNab
Robert Muchamore Tom Palmer
Rick Riordan Mark Walden
Want to find out more?
www.anthonyhorowitz.com
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Sam Hutton
Sam Hutton is a pseudonym that has only been used to
write one series.
Most famous for: ‘Special Agents’ Series.
Writes: Action and adventure.
Want to try some of Sam Hutton’s work?
Special Agents
1. Deep End (2004)
2. Final Shot (2003)
3. Countdown (2003)
4. Kiss and Kill (2004)
5. Full Throttle (2005)
6. Meltdown (2005)
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Authors to try next:
M G Harris
Jack Higgins with Justin Richards
Charlie Higson
Anthony Horowitz
Derek Landy
Robert Muchamore
Mark Walden
62
Brian Jacques
1939-2011
Most famous for: ‘Redwall’ Series
Writes: Adventure, fantasy
Want to try some of Brian Jacque’s work?
Redwall
1. Redwall (1986)
2. Mossflower (1988)
3. Mattimeo (1989)
4. Mariel of Redwall (1991)
5. Salamandastron (1992)
6. Martin the Warrior (1993)
7. The Bellmaker (1994)
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Awards won:
Brian Jacques Redwall, Mossflower, and Salamastron have all
won the Lancashire Libraries Children’s Book of the Year
award. Redwall, Mattimeo, and Mossflower have been
nominated for the Western Australian Young Reader’s
Award. All four of the books received the Carnegie Award.
Authors to try next:
Suzanne Collins
Kenneth Grahame
Robin Jarvis
Terry Pratchett
Jonathan Stoud
J R R Tolkien
Want to find out more?
www.redwall.org
www.redwallabbey.com
64
Paul Jennings
Most famous for: ‘Gizmo’ ‘Deadly’ and ‘Wicked’ Series.
Writes: Fantasy, humour
Want to try some of Paul Jennings’ work?
Wicked! (with Morris Gleitzman)
1. The Slobberers (1997)
2. Battering Rams (1997)
3. Croaked (1997)
Deadly! (with Morris Gleitzman)
1. Nude (2000)
2. Brats (2000)
3. Stiff (2000)
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Paul has won so many awards they will not fit on the
page. If you are interested in the awards he has won
please visit his website where he has a dedicated
‘Awards’ tab.
Authors to try next:
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Morris Gleitzman
Dick King-Smith
Jeff Kinney
Lincoln Peirce
Liz Pichon
Philip Ridley
David Walliams
Want to find out more?
www.pauljennings.com.au
66
Stephen King
Most famous for: A lot—Stephen has written over 100
horror books, including ‘The Shining’ ‘Green Mile’ ‘Pet
Semetary’ ‘Misery’ ‘It’ ‘Cell’ ‘Misery’ ‘Bag of Bones’
Writes: Horror
Want to try some of Stephen King’s work?
There are a lot of stand alone novels, ‘Dark Tower’ is the
longest series currently:
The Dark Tower
1. The Gunslinger (1982)
2. The Drawing of the Three (1985)
3. The Waste Lands (1991)
4. Wizard and Glass (1997)
5. Wolves of the Calla (2003)
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Awards
It was impossible to attempt to fit all of Stephen King’s
awards on one page— it would have taken up most of
this booklet. It is safe to say he is a prolific and well
recognised and awarded writer. Details of his awards can
be found online at www.fantasticficiton.co.uk
Authors to try next:
Robert Harris
Thomas Harris
Dean Koontz
Lars Kepler
Stieg Larsson
Koushun Takami
Want to find out more?
www.stephenking.com
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Jeff Kinney
Most famous for: ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series
Writes: Diaries, family, humour
Want to try some of Jeff Kinney’s work?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007)
2. Rodrick Rules (2008)
3. The Last Straw (2009)
4. Dog Days (2009)
5. The Ugly Truth (2010)
6. Cabin Fever (2011)
7. The Third Wheel (2012)
69
Authors to try next:
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Tim Collins
Paul Jennings
Anthony McGowan
Jonathan Meres
Lincoln Peirce
Liz Pichon
Sue Townsend
Want to find out more?
www.wimpykid.com
70
Elizabeth Laird
Most famous for: ‘Crusade’ ‘Oranges in No Man’s Land’
Writes: Adventure, historical, other cultures, other lands,
social issues
Want to try some of Elizabeth Laird’s work?
All of Elizabeth’s work aimed at Ermysted’s pupils age
group are stand alone novels so can be read in any order.
71
Awards
Elizabeth has won multiple local and national awards for
her books, including receiving the 2006 Young Adult
Literature Award from Middle East Outreach Council,
‘Oranges In No Man’s Land’ won the Hull KS2 award as well
as been shortlisted for the Sheffield Children’s Book Award.
Elizabeth has been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal
three times. She has also won the Children's Book
Award and the Smarties Young Judges Award.
Authors to try next:
David Almond
Paul Dowswell
Deborah Ellis
Adeline Yen Mah
Andy Mulligan
Michael Morpurgo
Beverley Naidoo
Want to find out more?
www.elizabethlaird.co.uk
72
Derek Landy
Most famous for: Skulduggery Pleasant
Writes: Ghost/horror
Want to try some of Derek Landy’s work?
Skulduggery Pleasant
1. Skulduggery Pleasant (2007)
2. Playing with Fire (2008)
3. The Faceless Ones (2009)
4. Dark Days (2010)
5. Mortal Coil (2010)
6. Death Bringer (2011)
7. Kingdom of the Wicked (2013)
73
Awards
‘Skulduggery Pleasant’, won the Bord Gais Energy Irish
Book of the Decade Award and the Red House Children's
Book Award.
‘Playing With Fire’ won an Irish Book Award for Children's
Book of the Year
Authors to try next:
Eoin Colfer
Joseph Delaney
Neil Gaiman
Charlie Higson
Anthony Horowtiz
Pittacus Lore
Robert Muchamore
James Patterson
Terry Pratchett
Chris Priestley
Rick Riordan
Want to find out more?
www.skulduggerypleasant.com
74
C.S Lewis
1898-1963
Most famous for: Chronicles of Narnia
Writes: Fantasy
Want to try some of C.S Lewis’ work?
Chronicles of Narnia
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)
2. Prince Caspian (1951)
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
4. The Silver Chair (1953)
5. The Horse and his Boy (1954)
6. The Magician's Nephew (1955)
7. The Last Battle (1956)
75
Awards
Carnegie Medal Best Novel winner (1957) : The Last Battle
Authors to try next:
J M Barrie
Lewis Carroll
Arthur C Clarke
Charlie Fletcher
Ursula Le Guin
Anne McCaffrey
George R R Martin
Christopher Paolini
Philip Pullman
Rick Riordan
J K Rowling
J.R.R Tolkien
Want to find out more?
www.cslewis.com
76
Pittacus Lore
A pseudonym used by James Frey, Jobie Hughes.
The explanation given about Pittacus Lore:
‘Pittacus Lore is Lorien's ruling Elder. He has been on
Earth for the last twelve years, preparing for the war that
will decide Earth's fate. His whereabouts are unknown.’
Most famous for: ‘Lorien Legacies’
Writes: Adventure, fantasy
Want to try some of Pittacus’ work?
Lorien Legacies
1. I Am Number Four (2010)
2. The Power of Six (2011)
3. The Rise of Nine (2012)
4. The Fall of Five (2013)
77
Authors to try next:
Eoin Colfer
John Flanagan
Charlie Higson
Anthony Horowitz
Derek Landy
Andrew Lane
Robert Muchamore
James Patterson
Rick Riordan
Alex Scarrow
Want to find out more?
www.iamnumberfour.co.uk
78
Sophie McKenzie
Most famous for: Girl Missing, Medusa Project, Blood
Writes: Adventure, crime, romance, science fiction
Want to try some of Sophie McKenzie’s work?
Sophie has written a selection of stand alone novels as
well as multiple series, some of which are listed below:
Girl, Missing
1. Girl, Missing (2006)
2. Sister, Missing (2011)
3. Missing Me (2012)
Blood
1. Blood Ties (2008)
2. Blood Ransom (2010)
Medusa Project
1. The Set-Up (2009)
2. The Hostage (2010)
3. The Rescue (2010)
79
Awards
Sophie’s work has been both shortlisted for, and won,
many awards, the full details of which are available on her
website. The following books are the ones that have
received the awards: ‘Girl Missing’ ‘Blood Ties’ ‘Six steps
to a girl’ and ‘The Set-Up’.
Authors to try next:
Anne Cassidy
Michael Grant
James Patterson
Meg Rosoff
Alex Scarrow
Want to find out more?
www.sophiemckenziebooks.com
80
Andy McNab
Andy McNab is a highly decorated ex-SAS operative who
still gives lectures to both the US and UK intelligence
agencies—hence the secretive photo.
Most famous for: ‘Bravo Two Zero’, ’Boy Soldier’
Writes: Adventure, thrillers, war
Want to try some of Andy McNab’s work?
Nick Stone—Adult Seriers
1. Remote Control (1997) Last Light (2001)
2. Crisis Four (1999) Liberation Day (2002)
3. FireWall (2000)
Boy Soldier (with Robert Rigby) - Junior fiction
1. Boy Soldier (2005)
2. Payback (2005)
3. Avenger (2006)
4. Meltdown (2007)
81
DropZone—Junior fiction
1. Dropzone (2010)
2. Terminal Velocity (2011)
Andy McNab has produced many best sellers, including
‘Bravo Two Zero’ which has been transformed into a film
by the BBC—but has not yet won any literary awards. Since
he was the most highly decorated soldier ever when he left
the SAS in February 1993, he probably isn’t too upset
about it though.
Authors to try next:
Bernard Ashley
Lee Child
Joe Craig
Jim Eldridge
Jack Higgins (with Justin Richards for junior titles)
Charlie Higson
Anthony Horowitz
Chris Ryan
Want to find out more?
www.andymcnab.co.uk
82
Michelle Magorian
Most famous for: ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’
Writes: Family, historical, war
Want to try some of Michelle Magorian’s work?
All of Michelle’s books function as stand alone novels so
can be read in any order.
83
Awards
‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ has won multiple awards, most
notably the Guardian Children's Fiction Award. It has also
been made into a film. ‘Just Henry’ won the Costa award.
Authors to try next:
Theresa Breslin
Nigel Hinton
Linda Newberry
Mal Peet
K M Peyton
James Riordan
Want to find out more?
www.michellemagorian.com
84
George R R Martin
Most famous for: Game of Thrones (aka Songs of Ice
and Fire)
Writes: Fantasy
Want to try some of George R R Martin’s work?
Song of Ice and Fire
1. A Game of Thrones (1996)
2. A Clash of Kings (1998)
3. A Storm of Swords (2000)
4. A Feast for Crows (2005)
5. A Dance with Dragons (2011)
85
Awards
The awards George R R Martin have won are too many to
fit in this brochure—a comprehensive guide can be found
on his author page on www.fantasticfiction.co.uk
Authors to try next:
Daniel Abraham
Terry Brooks
Jim Butcher
David Eddings
Robin Hobb
Robert Jordan
Anne McCaffrey
Jonathan Stroud
Want to find out more?
www.georgerrmartin.com
86
Michael Morpurgo
Most famous for: Private Peaceful, War Horse, Why the
Whales Came, My Friend Walter
Writes: Animals, historical, war
Want to try some of Michael Morpurgo’s work?
Apart from ‘Farm Boy’ which is a follow up to ‘War
Horse’, all of Morpurgo’s novels are stand alone books so
can be read in any order.
87
Awards
Michael does not list his awards on his website so the
most reliable information has been found via ask.com:
‘Michael Morpurgo won more than eight awards. They in-
clude Whitbread Children's Book Award, Red House Chil-
dren's Book Award, Nestlé Smarties Book Prize Bronze
Award, Whitbread Children's Book Award 2004 and 2005.
He was also shortlisted in many awards.’
Authors to try next:
John Boyne Mal Peet
Gillian Cross James Riordan
Judith Kerr Sandi Toksvig
Elizabeth Laird Robert Westall
Kenneth Oppel
Want to find out more?
www.michaelmorpurgo.com
88
Chris Mould
Most famous for: Something Wickedly Weird Series
Writes: Adventure, ghost/supernatural, humour, magic
Want to try some of Chris Mould’s work?
The library stocks the ‘Something Wickedly Weird’ series.
Something Wickedly Weird
1. The Wooden Mile (2007)
2. The Icy Hand (2007)
3. The Silver Casket (2007)
4. The Darkling Curse (2008)
aka The Curse of the Wolf
5. Smugglers' Mine (2008)
6. The Treasure Keepers (2008)
89
Awards
Chris has won the Nottingham Children’s Book Award and
has been nominated for the Sheffield Award.
Authors to try next:
Adam Gidwitz
Chris Priestley
Marcus Sedgwick
Lemony Snicket
Want to find out more?
Chris writes a blog which can be accessed at:
chrismould.blogspot.co.uk
90
Robert Muchamore
Most famous for: Cherub and Henderson’s Boys
Writes: Adventure, crime, friends, thrillers, war
Want to try some of Robert Muchamore’s work?
CHERUB
1. The Recruit (2004)
2. Class A (2004) aka The Dealer
3. Maximum Security (2005)
4. The Killing (2005)
5. Divine Madness (2006)
6. Man Vs Beast (2006)
7. The Fall (2007)
8. Mad Dogs (2007)
9. The Sleepwalker (2008)
10. The General (2008)
11. Brigands M.C. (2009)
12. Shadow Wave (2010)
Most popular
author in
Ermysted’s Library
91
Henderson's Boys CHERUB 2
1. The Escape (2009) 1. People's Republic (2011)
2. Eagle Day (2009) 2. Guardian Angel (2012)
3. Secret Army (2010) 3. Black Friday (2013)
4. Grey Wolves (2011)
5. The Prisoner (2012)
6. One Shot Kill (2012)
7. Scorched Earth (2013)
Awards
Robert Muchamore has won 15 awards so far, the details of
which can be found on his website.
Authors to try next:
Joe Craig John Flanagan
Michael Grant Charlie Higson
Anthony Horowtiz Derek Landy
Sophie McKenzie Andy McNab
James Patterson Rick Riordan
Malcolm Rose Chris Ryan
Mark Walden Rick Yancey
Want to find out more?
www.muchamore.com
92
Patrick Ness
Most famous for: Chaos Walking Series
Writes: Dystopia, science fiction, social issues, war
Want to try some of Patrick Ness’ work?
Chaos Walking
The New World (2009)
1. The Knife of Never Letting Go (2008)
2. The Ask and the Answer (2009)
3. Monsters of Men (2009)
All of Patrick’s other books are stand alone novels.
93
Awards
The following was taken from Patrick’s website which hasn’t
had the awards section updated for a while:
‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ won the Guardian Children’s Fiction
Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the James Tiptree Memorial
Prize. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
‘The Ask and the Answer’ won the Costa Children’s Book of the Year
Prize and was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the
Booktrust Teenage Prize.
‘Monsters of Men’ won the Carnegie Medal and was shortlisted for
the Arthur C Clarke Award and the Galaxy National Book Award.
‘A Monster Calls’ won the Galaxy National Book Award and is
currently (Jan 2012) shortlisted for the RedHouse Book Award.’
‘A Monster Calls’ also won the Carnegie Medal.
Authors to try next:
Pittacus Lore Garth Nix
Rick Riordan Kate Thompson
Want to find out more?
www.patrickness.com
94
Garth Nix
Most famous for: Old Kingdom, Keys to the Kingdom
Writes: Adventure, fantasy
Want to try some of Garth Nix’s work?
Old Kingdom
1. Sabriel (1996)
2. Lirael: Daughter of the Clayr (2001)
3. Abhorsen (2003)
4. The Creature in the Case (2005)
Keys to the Kingdom
1. Mister Monday (2003)
2. Grim Tuesday (2003)
3. Drowned Wednesday (2004)
4. Sir Thursday (2006)
5. Lady Friday (2007)
6. Superior Saturday (2008)
7. Lord Sunday (2010)
95
Awards
Garth Nix has won two Aurealis awards.
Authors to try next:
Eoin Colfer
Joseph Delaney
Sturart Hill
Anthony Horowtiz
Ursula Le Guin
Pittacus Lore
Christopehr Paolini
Rick Riordan
Angie Sage
Scott Westerfield
Want to find out more?
Garth Nix maintains his own website at:
www.garthnix.com
He also recommends professionally maintained websites:
www.keystothekingdom.com.au; www.oldkingdom.com.au;
www.troubletwisters.com.au
96
Tom Palmer
Most famous for: Foul Play
Writes: Detective mysteries, friends, sport, thrillers
Want to try some of Tom Palmer’s work?
Football Detective
1. Foul Play (2008)
2. Dead Ball (2009)
3. Off Side (2010)
Squad
1. Black Op (2012)
2. White Fear (2012)
97
Awards
Tom has won many awards which he lists on a dedicated
‘awards’ tab on his website.
Authors to try next:
Rob Childs
Dan Freedman
Anthony Horowitz
Mal Peet
Helena Pielichaty
Want to find out more?
www.tompalmer.co.uk
98
Christopher Paolini
Most famous for: Inheritance series
Writes: Fantasy
Want to try some of Christopher Paolini’s work?
All of Christopher’s work is within one series:
Inheritance
1. Eragon (2001)
2. Eldest (2005)
3. Brisingr (2008)
4. Inheritance (2011)
99
Awards
Christopher Paolini has won the 2006 Quill Award which is
voted upon by the consumers not by the critics.
He also won the following awards:
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2006, for
Eragon; Quill Award, Young Adult/Teen category, 2006, for
Eldest.
Authors to try next:
Henry Chancellor
Suzanne Collins
Alison Goodman
Elizabeth Kay
Want to find out more?
www.alagaesia.com
100
James Patterson
Most famous for: Being one of the biggest selling
authors of all time. Out of his junior fiction he is most
famous for his Daniel X and Maximum Ride Series.
Writes: Everything, but the library stocks his adventure
and thriller novels.
Want to try some of James Patterson’s work?
Maximum Ride
1. The Angel Experiment (2005)
2. School's Out-- Forever (2006)
3. Saving the World: And Other Extreme Sports (2007)
4. The Final Warning (2008)
Daniel X
1. Dangerous Days of Daniel X (2008) (with M Ledwidge)
2. Watch the Skies (2009) (with Ned Rust)
3. Demons and Druids (2010) (with Adam Sadler)
4. Game Over (2011) (with Ned Rust)
101
Awards
In 2011, it was estimated that one-in-four of all hardcover
suspense/thriller novels sold was written by James Patterson. He is
the first author to achieve ten million ebook sales, and holds the
Guinness record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers of any
author.
James Patterson has won the Edgar Award, the BCA Mystery
Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year
award, and the Children's Choice Book Award for Author of the Year
so far.
Authors to try next
Junior fiction
Stephen Cole Suzanne Collins
Joe Craig David Gilman
Jack Higgins with J.Richards Charlie Higson
Anthony Horowitz Sophie McKenzie
Malcolm Rose Mark Walden
Senior fiction
David Baldacci Linwood Barclay Lee Child
Michael Connelly John Grisham Kathy Reichs
Want to find out more?
www.jamespatterson.com
102
Michelle Paver
Most famous for: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
Writes: Fantasy
Want to try some of Michelle Paver’s work?
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness
1. Wolf Brother (2004)
2. Spirit Walker (2005)
3. Soul Eater (2006)
4. Outcast (2007)
5. Oath Breaker (2008)
6. Ghost Hunter (2009)
103
Awards
Michelle won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for
Ghost Hunter.
Authors to try next:
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Peter Dickinson
Stuart Hill
Christopher Paolini
Want to find out more?
www.michellepaver.com
104
Mal Peet
Most famous for: Keeper, Penalty, Tamar
Writes: Other cultures, social issues, sport, war
Want to try some of Mal Peet’s work?
Paul Faustino
1. Keeper (2003)
2. The Penalty (2006)
3. Exposure (2008)
He has also written stand alone novels, including award
winning Tamar.
105
Awards
Mal won the Carnegie Medal for ‘Tamar’.
Authors to try next:
Bernard Ashley
Alan Gibbons
Michelle Magorian
Michael Morpurgo
James Riordan
Want to find out more?
www.malpeet.com
106
Liz Pichon
Most famous for: Tom Gates Series
Writes: Comedy
Want to try some of Liz Pichon’s work?
Tom Gates
1. The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (2011)
2. Excellent Excuses (and Other Good Stuff) (2011)
3. Everything's Amazing (Sort Of) (2012)
4. Genius Ideas (Mostly) (2012)
5. Is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things) (2013)
6. Best Book Day Ever (so far) (2013)
7. Extra Special Treats ( . . . not) (2013)
107
Awards
The ‘Tom Gates’ Series has won the Blue Peter Book
Award, Waterstones Children’s Prize and the Red House
Book Award.
Authors to try next:
Jeff Kinney
Jonathan Meres
Lincoln Peirce
David Walliams
Want to find out more?
www.lizpichon.co.uk
108
Terry Pratchett
Most famous for: Discworld Series
Writes: Fantasy, especially comical fantasy
Want to try some of Terry Pratchett’s work?
Discworld
1. The Colour of Magic (1983)
2. The Light Fantastic (1986)
3. Equal Rites (1987)
4. Mort (1987)
5. Sourcery (1988)
6. Wyrd Sisters (1988)
Please note, there are currently 40 Discworld books so this really is
just to get you started!
Bromeliad
1. Truckers (1989)
2. Diggers (1990)
3. Wings (1990)
109
Johnny Maxwell
1. Only You Can Save Mankind (1992)
2. Johnny and the Dead (1993)
3. Johnny and the Bomb (1996)
Awards
Terry Pratchett has won both a Carnegie Medal and a
Prometheus Award for Best Novel.
Terry Pratchett was the UK's best-selling author of the
1990s. He is currently the second most-read writer in the
UK. Terry Pratchett was knighted for services to literature
in the 2009 New Year Honours.
Authors to try next:
Please note these are a mixture of both Junior and Senior
Fiction.
Terry Brooks Eoin Colfer Raymond Feist
Neil Gaiman Terry Goodkind Robin Hobb
Tom Holt Brian Jacques Robin Jarvis
George R R Martin Jonathan Stroud
Want to find out more?
www.terrypratchettbooks.com
110
Philip Pullman
Most famous for: Sally Lockheart and Dark Materials
Writes: Fantasy, historical, thrillers, often deals with Vic-
torian social issues.
Want to try some of Philip Pullman’s work?
Sally Lockhart
1. The Ruby in the Smoke (1985)
2. The Shadow in the North (1986)
3. The Tiger in the Well (1990)
4. The Tin Princess (1994)
His Dark Materials
1. Northern Lights (1995)
aka The Golden Compass
2. The Subtle Knife (1997)
3. The Amber Spyglass (1999)
4. Lyra's Oxford (2003)
111
Awards
Philip Pullman has won a lot of awards—including record
breakers such as being the first ever children’s book to win
the Whitbread Award. Philip lists the awards in full on his
website.
Authors to try next:
Frank L Baum
Frank Beddor
Cornelia Funke
Sonya Hartnett
C S Lewis
Christopher Paolini
Chris Priestley
Philip Reeve
Justin Richards
J R R Tolkien
Karen Wallace
Want to find out more?
www.philip-pullman.com
112
Arthur Ransome
1884-1967
Most famous for: Swallows and Amazons
Writes: Adventure, family
Want to try some of Arthur Ransome’s work?
Swallows and Amazons
1. Swallows and Amazons (1930)
2. Swallowdale (1931)
3. Peter Duck (1932)
4. Winter Holiday (1933)
5. Coot Club (1934)
6. Pigeon Post (1936)
7. We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (1937)
8. Secret Water (1939)
9. The Big Six (1940)
113
Awards
Arthur Ransome was the first ever winner of the Carnegie
Medal, winning with Pigeon Post in 1937.
Authors to try next:
Enid Blyton
Clive King
Rudyard Kipling
Philippa Pearce
Want to find out more?
The Arthur Ransome Society (TARS) maintains a website:
www.arthur-ransome.org.uk
114
Philip Reeve
Most famous for: Here Lies Arthur, No Such Things As
Dragons, Mortal Engines Series
Writes: Dystopia, fantasy, historical
Want to try some of Philip Reeve’s work?
Philip has written a mixture of series and stand alone
novels, his most popular series has its first books listed
below.
Predator Cities
1. Mortal Engines (2001)
2. Predator's Gold (2003)
3. Infernal Devices (2005)
4. A Darkling Plain (2006)
115
Awards
Philip Reeve has made the shortlist of national wards
multiple times and has won the following awards:
2002—Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (Gold Award), Mortal
Engines, 9-11 Years category
2006—Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, A Darkling Plain
2008— Carnegie Medal, Here Lies Arthur
Authors to try next:
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Charlie Fletcher
William Nicholson
Kenneth Oppel
Philip Pullman
Paul Stewart
Kate Thompson
Chris Wooding
Want to find out more?
www.philip-reeve.com
116
Rick Riordan
Most famous for: Percy Jackson, Kane Chronicles,
Heroes of Olympus
Writes: Adventure, fantasy, historical, mythology
Want to try some of Rick Riordan’s work?
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
1. The Lightning Thief (2005)
2. The Sea of Monsters (2006)
3. The Titan's Curse (2007)
4. The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008)
5. The Last Olympian (2009)
Kane Chronicles
1. The Red Pyramid (2010)
2. The Throne of Fire (2011)
3. The Serpent's Shadow (2012)
117
Heroes of Olympus
1. The Lost Hero (2010)
2. The Son of Neptune (2011)
3. The Mark of Athena (2012)
4. The House of Hades (2013)
Awards
Many of Rick Riordan’s books have won awards—but he
has reported this rather haphazardly on his website—the
details are all on there but not in one convenient tab
unfortunately.
Authors to try next:
Adam Blade Pseudonymous Bosch
Chris Bradford Suzanne Collins
Henry Chancellor Kevin Crossley-Holland
Cornelia Funke M G Harris
Alex Scarrow
Want to find out more?
www.rickriordan.com
118
Meg Rosoff
Most famous for: How I Live Now, Just in Case
Writes: Adventure, dystopia, family, social issues, war
Want to try some of Meg Rosoff’s work?
All of Meg’s work are stand alone novels so can be read
in any order.
119
Awards
‘How I Live Now’ won the Guardian and Branford Boase
Awards and was short-listed for the Orange Prize for New
Fiction as well as the Whitbread. Meg Rosoff also won the
Carnegie Medal for ‘Just in Case’.
In addition to these Meg has also received the Michael L.
Printz Award, Der Luchs des Jahres Book Prize and the
Julia Ward Howe Prize (Boston Authors Club).
Authors to try next:
Theresa Breslin Lian Hearn
Anne Cassidy Jenny Valentine
Jennifer Donnelly Robert Westall
Siobhan Dowd Scott Westerfeld
Linzi Glass Jeanette Winterson
Want to find out more?
www.megrosoff.co.uk
120
J K Rowling
Most famous for: Harry Potter
Writes: Fantasy, magic, school
Want to try some of J K Rowling’s work?
Harry Potter
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
121
Awards
J K Rowling has won multiple awards and has even
received an OBE. A full list of her honours and awards can
be found on her website.
Authors to try next:
Pseudonymous Bosch
Suzanne Collins
Cornelia Funke
Diana Wynne Jones
Marcus Sedgwick
Ali Sparkes
G P Taylor
Want to find out more?
www.jkrowling.com
122
Chris Ryan
Most famous for: Alpha Force and Code Red Series
Writes: Adventure, social issues, thrillers—especially
SAS themed thrillers.
Want to try some of Chris Ryan’s work?
Alpha Force
1. Survival (2002)
2. Rat-Catcher (2002)
3. Desert Pursuit (2003)
4. Hostage (2003)
5. Red Centre (2004)
Code Red
1. Flash Flood (2006)
2. Wildfire (2007)
3. Outbreak (2007)
4. Vortex (2008)
123
Agent 21
1. Agent 21 (2010)
2. Agent 21: Reloaded (2012)
3. Agent 21: Codebreaker (2013)
Agent 21: The Wire (2013)
This is just a small selection of Chris’ work—he has written
many books for both adults and children.
Chris has not yet won any literary awards but was awarded
the Military Medal for the longest escape and evasion in
the history of the SAS.
Authors to try next:
Joe Craig Jim Eldridge
David Gilman Jack Higgins
Charlie Higson Andy McNab
Robert Muchamore Mark Walden
Want to find out more?
www.chrisraynadventures.co.uk
124
Louis Sachar
Most famous for: Holes
Writes: Humour, school, social issues
Want to try some of Louis Sachar’s work?
Louis has written a combination of both series and
stand alone novels but only one of his series is targeted
at the Ermysted’s age group:
Holes
1. Holes (1998)
2. Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake
(2003)
3. Small Steps (2006)
125
Awards
Louis Sachar's books have earned him many prestigious
awards and honours. ‘Holes’ has won the following:
National Book Award
New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of
the Year
New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Horn Book Fanfare Honor List
Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book
Publishers’ Weekly Best Book of the Year
Authors to try next:
David Almond Frank Cottrell Boyce
Gennifer Choldenko Jack Gantos
Morris Gleitzman Mark Haddon
Carl Hiaasen David Walliams
Want to find out more?
www.louissachar.com
126
Angie Sage
Most famous for: Septimus Heap Series
Writes: Animals, magic
Want to try some of Angie Sage’s work?
Septimus Heap
1. Magyk (2005)
2. Flyte (2006)
3. Physik (2007)
4. Queste (2008)
5. Syren (2009)
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Awards
Angie Sage won the Salford and North East Children’s
Book Awards for Magyk.
Authors to try next:
Pseudonymous Bosch
Susan Cooper
Joseph Delaney
John Flanagan
Lemony Snicket
Want to find out more?
www.angiesage.com
www.septimusheap.com
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Marcus Sedgwick
Most famous for: ‘My sword hand is singing’
Writes: Family, humour, magic
Want to try some of Marcus Sedgwick’s work?
Although Marcus has written a few series, all of his
work aimed at older readers is in the form of stand
alone novels.
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Awards
Marcus has received nominations for just about every
award possible for children’s books and has managed to
win the Branford-Boase award for best debut children's
novel as well as a Booktrust Teenage Book Award.
Authors to try next:
David Almond
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Neil Gaiman
Derek Landy
Chris Mould
Chris Priestley
J K Rowling
G P Taylor
Want to find out more?
www.marcussedgwick.com
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Darren Shan
Most famous for: Saga of Darren Shan series
Writes: Ghost/supernatural, horror, vampires
Want to try some of Darren Shan’s work?
Saga of Darren Shan
1. Cirque Du Freak (1999)
2. The Vampire's Assistant (2000)
3. Tunnels of Blood (2000)
4. The Vampire Mountain (2001)
5. Trials of Death (2001)
Demonata
1. Lord Loss (2005)
2. Demon Thief (2005)
3. Slawter (2006)
4. Bec (2006)
5. Blood Beast (2007)
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Saga of Larten Crepsley
1. Birth of a Killer (2010)
2. Ocean of Blood (2011)
3. Palace of the Damned (2011)
4. Brothers to the Death (2012)
Awards
There is a very long list of the awards Darren has won or
been nominated for in the ‘extra’s tab on his website.
Authors to try next:
Stephen Cole
Charlie Higson
Conor Kostick
Pittacus Lore
Derek Landy
Chris Wooding
Rick Yancey
Want to find out more?
www.darrenshan.com
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Lemony Snicket
A pseudonym used by Daniel Handler
Most famous for: Series of Unfortunate Events
Writes: Fantasy, humour
Want to try some of Lemony Snicket’s work?
Series of Unfortunate Events
1. The Bad Beginning (1999)
2. The Reptile Room (1999)
3. The Wide Window (2000)
4. The Miserable Mill (2000)
5. The Austere Academy (2000)
6. The Ersatz Elevator (2001)
7. The Vile Village (2001)
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Awards
Lemony’s website has a lot of information but no details on
any of his awards, the most thorough answer available is
found on Wikipedia: “The Bad Beginning won multiple literary
awards, including the Colorado Children's Book Award, the Nevada
Young Readers Award, and the Nene Award. Its sequels have contin-
ued this trend, garnishing multiple awards and nominations. Among
these are three IRA/CBC Children's Choice Awards, which it received
for The Wide Window, The Vile Village, and The Hostile Hospital re-
spectively; a best book prize at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards,
and a 2006 Quill Book Award, both for the Penultimate Peril.”
Authors to try next:
Philip Ardagh
Chris Mould
Angie Sage
R L Stine
Want to find out more?
www.lemonysnicket.com
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Paul Stewart (l) and Chris Riddell (r)
Most famous for: Edge Chronicles
Write: Fantasy, historical
Want to try some of Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell’s
work?
Edge Chronicles
1. Beyond the Deepwoods: First Book of Twig (1998)
2. Stormchaser: Second Book of Twig (1999)
3. Midnight over Sanctaphrax: Third Book of Twig (2000)
4. The Curse of the Gloamglozer (2001)
5. The Last of the Sky Pirates (2002)
6. Vox (2003)
7. Freeglader (2004)
8. Winter Knights: Book 2 of The Quint Saga (2005)
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Authors to try next:
Michelle Paver
Terry Pratchett
Philip Reeve
Steve Voake
Want to find out more?
www.stewartandriddell.co.uk
136
Robert Swindells
Most famous for: Stone Cold, Blitzed, Room 13
Writes: Adventure, ghost/supernatural, science fiction,
war.
Want to try some of Robert Swindell’s work?
Although Robert Swindells has currently published two
series, the majority of his work is in the format of stand
alone novels. All of his work stocked in the School
Library is in this format, so they can be read in any
order.
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Awards
The Other Award 1984 for ‘Brother in the Land’
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ Children’s Book
Award 1985 for ‘Brother in the Land’
The Carnegie Medal 1993 for ‘Stone Cold’
Category Winner in the Sheffield Children’s Book Award
1994 for ‘Stone Cold’
Children’s Book of the Year 1996 for ‘Unbeliever’
Category Winner in the Sheffield Children’s Book Award
1996 for ‘Unbeliever’
Angus Book Award 1998 for ‘Unbeliever’
Authors to try next:
David Almond Bernard Ashley
Keith Gray Pete Johnson
Malcolm Rose R.L Stine
Kate Thompson Robert Westall
Want to find out more?
Robert does not have his own website but there is a page
about him on both of the following sites:
www.penguin.co.uk
www.randomhouse.co.uk
138
J R R Tolkien
1892-1973
Most famous for: Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit
Writes: Fantasy
Want to try some of J R R Tolkien’s work?
Lord of the Rings
1. The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)
2. The Two Towers (1954)
3. The Return of the King (1955)
There are many other books, including
companions to his famous series and
some works that have been edited by
his children and released since his
death.
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Awards
Even though literary awards were not as common during
Tolkien’s life time he still managed to win a few awards
and picked up many honours. A full list of these is available
on the website listed below.
Authors to try next:
Terry Brooks
Trudi Canavan
Susan Cooper
Stuart Hill
Brian Jacques
Stephen Lawhead
Ursula Le Guin
Michelle Paver
Clive Woodall
Want to find out more?
www.tolkiensociety.co.uk
140
Sue Townsend
Most famous for: Adrian Mole Series
Writes: Diaries, humour
Want to try some of Sue Townsend’s work?
Adrian Mole
1. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 (1985)
2. The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole (1984)
3. The True Confessions of Adrian Mole (1990)
4. The Wilderness Years (1993)
5. The Cappuccino Years (1999)
6. Adrian Mole and the Weapons of
Mass Destruction (2003)
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Awards
Sue has written many books and plays which have
received awards, although none for her work for juniors.
Authors to try next:
Alan Bennett
Tim Collins
Jeff Kinney
David Walliams
Want to find out more?
www.suetownsend.co.uk
142
Mark Walden
Most famous for: H.I.V.E Series
Writes: Adventure, crime, social, thrillers
Want to try some of Mark Walden’s work?
H.I.V.E.
1. H.I.V.E.: Higher Institute of Villainous Education
(2006)
2. The Overlord Protocol (2007)
3. Escape Velocity (2008)
4. Dreadnought (2009)
5. Rogue (2010)
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Awards
H.I.V.E won Richard and Judy’s ‘Best Kids Book Ever’ for the
9+ category.
Authors to try next:
Dominic Barker
Jason Bradbury
Chris Bradford
Stephen Cole
Joe Craig
David Gilman
Robert Muchamore
Chris Ryan
Alex Scarrow
Want to find out more?
www.markwalden.net
144
David Walliams
Most famous for: Billionaire Boy, The Boy in the Dress,
Mr Stink
Writes: Friends, humour, social issues
Want to try some of David Walliams work?
All of David’s work functions as a stand alone novel so his
books can be read in any order.
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Awards
‘Mr Stink’ won the Lincolnshire Young People’s Book
Award, the inaugural People’s Book Prize and is currently
being adapted into a stage musical. ‘Billionaire Boy’
followed in 2010, and has won several prizes including the
Sheffield Children’s Book Prize and the Stockport Book
Award.
Authors to try next:
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Roald Dahl
Jack Gantos
Paul Jennings
Jeff Kinney
Louis Sachar
Want to find out more?
www.worldofwalliams.com
146
Robert Westall
1929-1993
Most famous for: Blitz, Machine Gunners, Stormsearch
Writes: Adventure, ghost/supernatural, war
Want to try some of Robert Westall’s work?
All of Robert’s work functions as a stand alone novel
and so his books can be read in any order.
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Awards
Robert was the first author to ever win the Carnegie
Medal twice, winning it with his debut novel ‘The Machine
Gunners’ in 1976 and again with ‘The Scarecrows’ in 1982.
He won the Smarties Prize for Blitzcat in 1989 and the
Guardian Award in 1990 for ‘Kingdom by the Sea’.
Authors to try next:
Charlie Fletcher
Anne Holm
Judith Kerr
Michelle Magorian
Ian Serraillier
Robert Swindells
Want to find out more?
www.robertwestall.com
148
Picking Your Next Book
If you want help picking a new book to read just ask!
Your English teacher will be happy to recommend a
book, ask your class mates what they have been reading
and ask Miss Lang for suggestions.
In addition to this booklet there are lots of ways to pick
your next book:
Look at displays which are sometimes themed and
often used to display new books.
There is a booklet listing authors by genre so have a
look at that for inspiration if you know what type of
book you feel like trying.
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In Years 7 and 8 you will have a ‘Reading Log’ use this
booklets ‘stepping stone’ illustrations with authors
and titles listed in order of difficulty under genre to
help you not only pick a new book that you will find
interesting, but also to try and stretch yourself by
making sure you are gradually trying harder books
and improving your reading.
Have a look at the library beanstalk! The
‘beanstalk’ covers fantasy, adventure/
crime/thriller, horror, sport, comedy and
human interest fiction—just pick the
genre ‘stalk’ you want and work your
way up the suggestions.
Try the following websites for inspiration:
www.lovereading4kids.co.uk
www.readingzone.com
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The Carnegie Medal
The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually
to the writer of an outstanding book for
children.
It was established in 1936 in memory of the philanthropist
Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).
The winning author receives a golden medal and £500
worth of books to donate to a library of their choice.
The medal is awarded by CILIP—the Chartered Institute of
Library and Information Professionals.
Ermysted’s and the Carnegie Shadowing Scheme
Every year all pupils in Years 7 and 8 are given the
opportunity to form a book group with Miss Lang and read
every book that is shortlisted for the Carnegie Award. This
runs from April to June. There is on average 8 books per
short list.
Boys read every book, submit book reviews, maintain their
own website and meet up to discuss their opinions on
each title. The grand finale is a free buffet lunch which
boys can attend by invitation only and look at displays oth-
er participants made to represent each short listed book.
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The Headmaster and Deputy Heads, as well as all of the
English Staff, are invited, and the boys do a presentation
on this years books before having their meal. They then
receive their certificates and merits if they completed
the scheme/put in an exceptional effort. The book
Ermysted’s voted to win is also announced.
The scheme is always extremely popular and previous
Carnegie winners are listed below for suggested titles to
try:
2006 - ‘Tamar’ by Mal Peet
2007- ‘Just in Case’ by Meg Rosoff
2008 - ‘Here Lies Arthur’ by Philip Reeve
2009 - ‘Bog Child’ by Siobhan O’Dowd
2010 - ‘Graveyard Book’ by Neil Gaiman
2011 - ‘Monsters of Men’ by Patrick Ness
2012 - ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness
2013 - ‘Maggot Moon ‘by Sally Gardner
Anyone wanting a bigger challenge please see Miss Lang
as she has a list of winners from when the award started
in 1936!
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Keep Reading!
And here’s why…
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”
The list of benefits is too long to fit on here, it is safe to
say they are plentiful.
As well as being fun if you have the right book, reading:
Provides mental stimulation
Reduces stress
Increases your knowledge
Expands your vocabularly
Improves your memory, focus and concentration
Gives you better analytical thinking skills
Improves your writing skills
It is a form of free entertainment
“So, please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw
your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a
lovely bookcase on the wall.” Roald Dahl
