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Thought I'd share this lovely selection of adventure stories that are new to our library. Each one has been loved and enjoyed and comes highly recommended by our young readers.
Katherine Rundell, author of the first book on the list has just been named the author of the year at the British Book Awards - the first time in six years that a children's author has received this prize.
I'm always excited to read a new book from this author and Impossible Creatures, has just won the prize for Children's Fiction Book of the Year at the same awards.
All the books in this list can be found in the Pinehurst Primary Library. Come in, browse and borrow.
Michele, Sharon and Deborah.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Two kids race to save the world’s last magical place in the first book of a landmark new fantasy series, from “a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination.” (Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass)
“Katherine Rundell is a phenomenon. She crafts original and brilliant books that delight readers of all ages and kinds.” ―Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medal Winner for The Graveyard Book.
“Katherine Rundell is a phenomenon. She crafts original and brilliant books that delight readers of all ages and kinds.” ―Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medal Winner for The Graveyard Book.
Wild by Ele Fountain
Jack craves adventure, even if it means getting into trouble at school. He thinks he can get away with it as his mum is too busy to notice. But then she suggests that he comes along with her on a work trip – and doesn't tell them where they're going.
But this will be no relaxing holiday. Soon Jack finds himself on an expedition deep into the rainforest, far from anything he's ever known. He wanted an adventure - but has he plunged into real danger?
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Even though her family moved across the country for a “fresh start” after her little brother’s death, eleven-year-old Zinnia Helinski still feels like she’s stuck waiting for her new life to begin. Then she spots her new neighbor, Kris, climbing down the fire escape of their apartment building. He’s wearing a black eye mask! And Spandex leggings. . . . And a blue body suit?
Soon Zinnia finds herself in a secret club for kids who want to be heroes. The Reality Shifters don’t have superpowers, but they do have the power to make positive change in their neighborhoods. And a change is just what Zinnia is looking for!
At first, she feels invincible. Zinnia finally has friends and is on the kind of real-life adventures her little brother, Wally, would have loved. But when her teammates lose sight of their goals, Zinnia must find the balance between bravery and recklessness, and learn to be a hero without her cape.
Soon Zinnia finds herself in a secret club for kids who want to be heroes. The Reality Shifters don’t have superpowers, but they do have the power to make positive change in their neighborhoods. And a change is just what Zinnia is looking for!
At first, she feels invincible. Zinnia finally has friends and is on the kind of real-life adventures her little brother, Wally, would have loved. But when her teammates lose sight of their goals, Zinnia must find the balance between bravery and recklessness, and learn to be a hero without her cape.
One thing that helps distract Jason from the hardships of his family life, is the urban legend about a beast in the valleys. A wildcat that roams the forest three villages up the river from their bridge. When Jason's friends learn of a reward for proof of The Beast's existence, they convince Jason this is the answer to his and his brother Richie's money problems. Richie can get himself out of trouble before it's too late and the brothers can stay together.
And so a quest begins ... Starting at the bridge of their village and following the river north, the four friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them ... forever.
And so a quest begins ... Starting at the bridge of their village and following the river north, the four friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them ... forever.
When animal lover Cora learns that Direspire's mysterious owner is looking for a new Creature Keeper, she realises this might just be the chance she's looking for to save her parents' farm. But Direspire Hall is a spooky place and the strange creatures who live there are nothing like Cora is expecting. As Cora settles into her new life, it soon becomes clear that Direspire has its secrets, and that somebody will do whatever it takes to keep them hidden.
An exhilarating edge-of-your-seat story of one brave girl and many wondrous beasts.
A beautifully-written survival story set on a Cambodian island, following a ship-wrecked girl named Lark, and a baby gibbon who becomes her companion. Together, they must evade poachers and find their way home.
'If you're reading this, hopefully you've come to rescue me. My name is Lark Taylor, and I've been shipwrecked on an island. The last mainland I was on was Cambodia, miles and miles away from home...'
'If you're reading this, hopefully you've come to rescue me. My name is Lark Taylor, and I've been shipwrecked on an island. The last mainland I was on was Cambodia, miles and miles away from home...'
The Adventure is now by Jess Redman
Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident. But when Milton plays his video game Isle of Wild, he becomes someone else--Sea Hawk, the brave and brilliant naturalist explorer who conquers danger at every turn.Then Milton's parents ship him off to the remote Lone Island for the summer, where his uncle Evan is an environmentalist researcher. The island is chock-full of spectacular species, and Milton realizes this is his chance to become the brave and brilliant naturalist he's always wanted to be--and even meet some fellow explorers!
But as it turns out, the future of the Lone Island is in some pretty serious peril, and the only thing that can save it is a field guide full of cryptic clues. If Milton and his unexpected new friends are going to protect the island, they'll have to trust each other, discover new truths, and embark on a wild and wondrous adventure all their own.
Siblings Orinthia and Séafra Shalloo accept a summer job from eccentric Grandy, who has collected a menagerie of furry and feathered posties known as animails.
The children are especially fond of Geronimo, a homing pelican. But when the big bird fails to return from a delivery, Taber – the youngest sibling – is devastated; so much so, he mails himself to New York, where Geronimo was sent.
Orinthia and Séafra follow suit, stealing a precious stamp and hopping in a freight crate – and soon all are embarked on an extraordinarily daring first-class adventure!
The children are especially fond of Geronimo, a homing pelican. But when the big bird fails to return from a delivery, Taber – the youngest sibling – is devastated; so much so, he mails himself to New York, where Geronimo was sent.
Orinthia and Séafra follow suit, stealing a precious stamp and hopping in a freight crate – and soon all are embarked on an extraordinarily daring first-class adventure!
Wild River by Rodman Philbrick
Daniel Redmayne is fast asleep on the first night of a white water rafting trip, when he's awoken by screams. The dam has failed. The river is surging, and their camp will be under water in a matter of moments.
As the shrieking roar of the river rushes closer, the kids scramble to higher ground. They make it to the cliffs to find their counsellors have been swept away behind them. Now they must make their own way down the river to find help and safety.
As the shrieking roar of the river rushes closer, the kids scramble to higher ground. They make it to the cliffs to find their counsellors have been swept away behind them. Now they must make their own way down the river to find help and safety.