Recommended Reads for First Years by the PDST

Author Title Publisher Comment
Almond, David The Savage Walker Books Beautiful mix of words and pictures
Blade, Adam Beast Quest Orchard Books Very popular – especially among boys
Boyne, John The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Transworld Poignant and dark. Great story
Donbavand, Tommy Uniform Barrington Stoke Spooky mystery with an open ending
Grisham, John Theodore Boone (series) Hodder & Stoughton Thriller. Popular with boys
Hurn, Roger Mystery Mob Series Rising Stars Short, simple stories that revolve around a group of friends
Jefferies, Cindy Fame School Usborne School drama. Easily accessible
Kiernan, Celine Into the Grey O’Brien Press Challenging read for more able students
Kinney, Jeff Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series Amulet Language is deceptively difficult. Main character is hapless and cynical. Endlessly popular.
McKenzie, Sophie Girl, Missing Simon & Schuster Very popular series
Morpurgo, Michael Warhorse Egmont Modern classic
Ness, Patrick A Monster Calls Walker Tissues needed for the ending!
Pichon, Liz Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic Scholastic Comic look at school life. Very funny book. For boys and girls
Shan, Darren Cirque du Freak Collins Best series ever according to some students!
Walliams, David Various titles Harper Collins Can’t go wrong with Walliams – always funny!