Young people are now ready for more challenging subject matter as well as books that challenge in terms of length and language and may well be reading adult titles as well as children's. They will still be following the adventures of the likes of Artemis Fowl and Percy Jackson but will also be moved by writers such as Anne Fine, Meg Rosoff and Cathy Cassidy. Reading tastes are being formed now so be sure to suggest a wide-ranging collection of books to tempt them to experiment rather than sticking to favourite authors. Short stories continue to be a good way in for less committed readers - look at the Dahl collections.

Flour Babies » Anne Fine Carrying a bag of flour around and looking after it as if it were a baby is the set science project - Simon learns more than expected. A modern classic.

Granny the Pag » Nina Bawden A strong story of Catriona determined to stay with her Harley Davidson-riding granny instead of returning to her actor parents who have never had time for her.

Scarlett » Cathy Cassidy
A moving and funny book about a very individual girl who is packed off to live with her father in Ireland. Strong, sympathetic characters who will be long-remembered.

The Wish List » Eoin Colfer
An original story of a botched robbery and Meg's chance to save her soul. Brilliant, possibly Colfer's best novel so far.

Blood Red Horse
» K M Grant Set in the time of the Crusades - a would-be knight, a fair maiden and an exceptional horse together have an extraordinary adventure.

The Other Side of Truth
» Beverley Naidoo Two children arrive in England from political trouble in Nigeria and find themselves alone in what seems a very hostile environment. A sensitive and special story.

Endymion Spring » Matthew Skelton
A huge unputdownable book - an adventure that moves from the distant past to present day Oxford with danger, mystery or excitement all the way. A challenging read.

The Great Automatic Grammatizator and other stories » Roald Dahl Short stories originally published by adults but loved by teen readers - always unexpected.

Stuff » Jeremy Strong At last this author is writing for teenagers - boys will relate to the bemused young boy at the heart this story.

Chew on This » Eric Schlosser A young version of Schlosser's best-selling Fast Food Nation, this book is crammed with information about fast food and more.