1. I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith
Cassandra may live in a castle, but her family are far from rich. When she and her sister meet two wealthy brothers, their lives are turned upside down. Whimsical, witty and wise.
Vintage Classics,
£6.99
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2. Nightrise, Anthony Horowitz
The third book in the Power of Five series, Nightrise is a thrilling tale of telepathic twins in gritty, modern-day Reno spliced with a deadly battle thousands of years in the past.
Walker Books, £6.99
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3. Animal Farm, George Orwell
Animal Farm is Orwell’s deceptively simple satirical allegory of Soviet rule and the danger of power. Bold, brutal and moving, it is a must-read for politically aware teens.
Penguin Classics, £7.99
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4. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
When the ever-capable Flora goes to stay at her aunt’s isolated farm in Sussex, she soon gets her eccentric relatives in order. This hilarious novel is enjoyable at any age.
Penguin Classics, £8.99
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5. Triskellion, Will Peterson
This spooky story sees New York dwelling twins Rachel and Adam sent to stay in an English village. Menacing locals, ancient legends and a mysterious boy make their visit a scary affair.
Walker Books, £6.99
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6. A Gathering Light, Jennifer Donnelly
Plucky Mattie Gokey stumbles upon a mystery when she is given a bundle of letters that turn out to be the property of drowned Grace Brown. A clever and compelling book.
Bloomsbury Publishing, £6.99
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7. Kiss, Jacqueline Wilson
Everyone thought that Sylvie and Carl would get married one day. But Carl has a new friend, Paul, and Sylvie is the last thing on his mind. A sensitive tale of sexuality and love.
Doubleday, £12.99
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8. Noughts and Crosses, Malorie Blackman
An inspired take on Romeo and Juliet, Blackman’s absorbing but alarming novel deals with themes of racism and prejudice without ever coming across as didactic. Unforgettable.
Corgi Children’s Books, £6.99
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9. Jimmy Coates: Sabotage, Joe Craig
Genetically engineered to grow into an assassin, Jimmy Coates is no ordinary boy. In his fourth adventure, he is on the run and trying to smash a secret plan. Dangerously exciting.
Harper Collins Children’s Books, £5.99
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10. Bog Child, Siobhan Dowd
When he finds the body of an Iron-Age girl in a peat bog, Fergus is not aware of how much he has in common with her. A harrowing story of choice and obligation, peace and politics.
David Fickling Books, £10.99
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7 February 2008, Chosen by Rebecca Armstrong
