Click on the images for a short review of these books.

Tales of Terror from the Black Ship – This is a collection of spine tingling tales. Although this book isn’t specifically aimed at Young Adults, it is pretty gruesome and unsettling.  If you have a vivid imagination and are prone to nightmares…give this a miss! On the other hand, if you love, and can cope with, edgy, scary stories, this is definitely for you!!

 

One of Us is Lying – 5 American High School pupils are on detention. Each one claims they shouldn’t be there, that they’ve been set up. Then one dies and the remaining four become murder suspects! This Young Adult audiobook kept my attention from the first to the last:-)

Code Name Verity – This is a stunning Young Adult book about a young Scottish woman who is sent on an espionage mission to France in World War 2.  She is captured almost immediately and interrogated by the Nazis.  This story is not for the faint hearted, it doesn’t shy away from what she has to endure at the hands of her captors but her indomitable spirit makes this one of the most amazing audiobooks ever!

The Cherry Pie Princess – Peony is a young princess who wants to do more than be obedient and polite.  She borrows a cookery book from the library only to discover her father has imprisoned the Librarian, in a dungeon, for speaking to her.  In light of this, Peony decides she has to stand up to her strict father and try and change the way the Kingdom is run for the better.

 

Here Be Monsters –  is a Box Troll story and it is crazy, amazing and charming all rolled into one!  Probably aimed at Primary aged children but if you are a bit older, and have a liking for the bizarre, don’t let that put you off:-)

 

Once and Future – an epic Sci-fi Young Adult book. Political intrigue, battles, romance and saving the universe are all part of the challenges faced by the 42nd reincarnation of King Arthur who, this time round, just happens to be a teenage girl!

 

Terry Deary’s Victorian Tales –  is another gem of a book.  True stories are brought to life as they are seen from the perspective of fictitious children.  Love this wee series.

 

Fortunately the Milk  – is a rollercoaster of a story involving aliens, pirates, sharks, dinosaurs, human sacrifice and time travel.  One for a younger audience but great fun nonetheless!

 

The Animals of Farthing Wood –  The animals have to move from their beloved home before it is bulldozed by humans.  This is a tale of courage, community, tolerance and friendship.

 

Curse of the Mystery Mutt – if you’re in need of a laugh this is the book for you! Told by a dog that believes there is a giant sausage monster on the loose…need I say more:-)

 

Spellslinger – is the first book in a series of 6.  It is a Young Adult novel but might appeal to confident upper primary readers.  The hero, Kellen, is approaching his 16th birthday and should be ready to show off his magic skills.  Unfortunately Kellen’s magic hasn’t sparked and he is in danger of disgracing himself and his family.

 

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict  – what a wonderful book! Nicholas is nine, he is an orphan, he has just arrived at a new orphanage and immediately gets on the wrong side of the reigning bullies, The Spiders!  As if this weren’t bad enough, Nicholas has a condition called narcolepsy which means he falls asleep, with very little warning, when he is stressed or excited.  However, Nicholas also happens to be an absolute genius!