Culford School Fourth Form Reading List
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Award Winners When Faith's father is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she is determined to untangle the truth from the lies. Searching through his belongings for clues she discovers a strange tree. A tree that feeds off whispered lies and bears fruit that reveals hidden secrets. But as Faith's untruths spiral out of control, she discovers that where lies seduce, truths shatter… Winner of the Costa Book Award
Nobody Owens. known to his friends as Bod, is a perfectly normal boy. Well, he would be perfectly normal if he didn't live in a graveyard being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the world of the dead… Funny, wise and gripping, with one of the best opening chapters ever. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, the Newbery Award and the Booktrust Teenage Prize
Set in an alternative 1950s Britain, where Standish Treadwell and Gramps live with the rest of the undesirables in Zone 7, and all stand terrified under the brutal regime of the Motherland. But severely dyslexic Standish sees the world through different eyes to most, and through his vision and courage he has to track down his best friend Hector, who has disappeared completely, and ultimately find a way to bring down the oppressive forces of the Motherland. How can one boy stand against an all-powerful army? Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award and the Carnegie Medal
An imaginative sequel to E Nesbit’s Five Children and It, this book begins some years after the previous one. Despite the title, most of the action takes place in Kent and London, but the Western Front and the First World War are an ever present shadow as the children face the future. It is not necessary to have read the original before reading this, but I thoroughly recommend it anyway! Winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award
The first book in the Chaos Walking trilogy, this astonishing book introduces us to Todd, the only boy living in a world of men where everyone can hear your thoughts, all the time. Yet, even so, they manage to keep secrets from him—secrets so awful that Todd must run for his life. Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award and the Booktrust Teenage Prize
Laugh out loud hilarity from the reliably funny Louise Rennison, author of the Georgia Nicholson series. Tallulah’s summer school at a performing arts college does not go quite as she expects… Winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize
Information and biography The inspirational story of the girl who was shot by the Taliban and went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala’s extraordinary story shows her to be a young woman of remarkable wisdom, courage and determination.
How a skinny kid from Jamaica became the world’s fastest man. Bolt talks about his training, motivation and dedication, his childhood and family life, and his love of partying!
Temple Grandin’s book is a fascinating look at animal cognition and behaviour with many insights into human thinking and behaviour in both autistic and typical people. Essential reading for anyone interested in animals, veterinary sciences, psychology or medical or life sciences.
From taking risks to sleeping late, gender differences to depression, uncontrollable emotions to the effects of drugs and alcohol, Blame my Brain tells you everything you need to know about the biology and psychology behind the behaviour of teenagers. Non-judgemental and eye opening, this is essential reading for both teenagers and their parents.
Written by Joe Simpson, this is the true story of a mountaineering accident as well as being a description of a hideous moral dilemma. It's an edge-of-the-seat page-turner, made all the more amazing for being true.
“A visual exploration of every known atom in the universe” This stunningly illustrated book is fascinating even if you are not particularly scientifically inclined. Organised by the Periodic table, each element is presented with arresting photography and a wealth of interesting information. A companion volume on Molecules is also available.
Colonel Chris Hadfield has logged almost 4,000 hours in space and his guiding principle is “prepare for the worst—and enjoy every moment of it.” Through this entertaining book we learn about his training, his adventures, and what it is like to be an astronaut, while also gaining lessons for living our own lives ‘enjoying every moment.’
Classics My favourite Dickens: funny, exciting, scary and moving, full of incident and with some enduring and iconic characters. The language may take some getting used to but it is well worth making the effort as you will be rewarded with some of the best story telling ever.
Salinger's novel, first published in 1951, is a classic coming of age story and could be regarded as the first teenage novel, remaining a major influence on the Young Adult genre today. Holden Caulfield's sardonic and authentic first person narration is a joy to read.
Of Mice and Men
An enduring classic, Of Mice and Men is a short novel—just over 100 pages—with a big emotional heart. The novel tells the story of two men, street wise George and child-like Lennie, looking for work in the harsh environment of California in the Great Depression. It is a story about loneliness and friendship.
This retelling of The Iliad by Rosemary Sutcliff is a perfect introduction to the famous Greek poem. Sutcliff’s prose is precise, poetic and above all readable, while Alan Lee’s atmospheric illustrations add to the enjoyment of the timeless stories.
Science Fiction Years after a violent war destroyed much of the world, Kaspar has grown up in a society based on peace and harmony. But beyond the city walls, a vicious band of rebels are plotting to tear this peace apart. It is up to the Guardians - an elite peacekeeping force - to protect the city, without ever resorting to the brutal methods of their enemy.
Far in the future the World Controllers have created the ideal society through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational drugs. All its members seem to be happy consumers; Bernard Marx seems to be alone in harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. Although first published in 1932 this prescient novel remains relevant today raising important questions about personal freedom and responsibility.
Real Life Wonder by RJ Palacio is the story of August, a ten year old boy with significant facial deformity. He is about to start school after being home educated all his life. Narrated from various points of view—his sister, his friends, August himself—the book explores how much what someone looks like affects how we view them, how people can be both astonishingly kind and horrendously cruel, and the value of kindness and friendship.
Six months ago Eve's sister Rosie died after an unprovoked attack. Eve cannot imagine life without her. Six months ago Anthony witnessed a vicious assault. He did nothing to stop it. Six months ago, horror happened. Now Eve and Anthony meet and find it happening all over again. Inspired by the murder of Sophie Lancaster this is a story about love, loss, hate and forgiveness, standing up against prejudice, and believing in who we are.
Kitty dreams of a beautiful life, but that's impossible in suburban London where her family is haunted by her father's unexpected death. So when her mum suggests moving to Amsterdam to try a new life, Kitty doesn't take much persuading. Will this be her opportunity to make her life picture perfect? In Amsterdam she meets moody, unpredictable Ethan, and clever, troubled Theo. Two enigmatic boys, who each harbour their own secrets. In a beautiful city and far from home, Kitty finds herself falling in love for the first time. But will love be everything she expected? And will anyone's heart survive?
Historical
Marcus Zusak
Theresa Breslin
Narrated by the haunting voice of Death, The Book Thief is the story of a child called Liesel growing up in Nazi Germany, who is taught to read by her foster father. With no money to buy her coveted books, Liesel secretly snatches them. Soon Liesel is reading to her neighbours during bombing raids, as well as to her new Jewish friend who the family is hiding in their basement, who writes stories for Liesel on the painted pages of a copy of Mein Kampf.
Fleeing from the murderous brigand Sandino, the boy Matteo is rescued from drowning by the companions of Leonardo da Vinci and taken into his household. And so Matteo is at the Maestro's side as he carries out his work. But at this time, Leonardo is employed by Cesare Borgia, both cruel and ruthless. As Leonardo and Matteo travel across Italy, murder, deceit and revenge follow on their trail. For Matteo carries with him a secret - a secret that both the Borgia and Medici families would kill to obtain...
A deadly contagion races through England. Isabel and her family have nowhere to run from a disease that has killed half of Europe. When the world she knows and loves ends forever, her only weapon is courage...