Lists: Best of 2017 Younger Readers

And we’re off! My first list of favourite reads of 2017 are ones for younger teens. I am not going to write much about each book, but if I have reviewed it somewhere, I will link to that. These were the ones that I loved most for that 11 to 14 age group. It’s a difficult category because there are so many good books out there.

I plan to add 10 lists, posting one every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday over the next three weeks with my top 5 published on Boxing Day.

The Traitor and the Thief is by NZ author Gareth Ward. It was released in August by Walker Books Australia and the cover reflects its steampunk nature. Sin is a terrific main character and there are two courageous girls who assist him ably. There’s a excellent mystery to solve, and a rich fantastical layer of world building that enhances the story.

Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean was a surprisingly funny book about survival in the 1700’s on an island of birds. It’s very dark and totally immersive and explores many issues around faith, gender and power. Based on a true story, McCaughrean includes a long author’s note about her extensive research about what happened to the villagers, and why they never came back to collect the children. It’s an extremely poignant read. Also dense and quite literary.

The Fall by Tristan Bancks is fast paced, cleverly plotted, with extremely strong teen appeal. Sam is a brave protagonist, trying to emulate his father’s investigative skills. There is a lovely balance of action and reflection, with several literary and pop cultural references. The story is told over a 24 hour period, ensuring the tension rises dramatically, and the climax is edge-of-the-seat stuff. Highly recommended for action-oriented young readers.

Summerlost is written by Ally Condie whose previous books have been for older teens (The Matched series is possibly her most popular). It’s a gentle story that deals with grief and friendship. Our two main characters, Cedar and Leo bond over a small town actress, who hits the big time, but whose death remains a mystery. The setting is a Shakespearean Summer Festival, which is irresistable to an ex English teacher.

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone was always going to be a winner for me. Jaclyn Moriarty has a charming and lyrical way with words, and her ability to generate emotion is unequivocal. My review is here on the blog.

The Book of Secrets by A L Tait is the first book in her series, The Ateban Cipher, and it begins with a bang. I wrote a long, gushing review for Children’s Books Daily. I can’t wait for future titles.

My next list will be my favourite mysteries for older teens, posted on the 8th.