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 | The Fish in Room 11 by Heather Dyer |
| An orphan boy tries to hide a mermaid with disastrous consequences. This appeals to boys and girls alike and encourages the reluctant reader with its illustrations throughout the story. Also from this author: The Girl with the Broken wing, The Boy in the Bisuit Tin and Ibby's Magic Weekend |
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 | Charlotte's Web by E.B. White |
| The story of a little girl, Fern, who loves a little pig called Wilbur. A story about how life changes yet remains hopeful. Still popular after 50 years. Also from this author: Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan |
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 | Harry and the Wrinklies by Alan Temerley |
| Harry's aunties and their friends aren't quite as he expects them to be. Aren't they too old to be driving fast cars and climbing trees? This will hold a reluctant reader's interest with its lively storyline. Also from this author: Harry and the Treasure of Eddie Carver |
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 | Sammy and the Starman by Anne Cassidy |
| Sammy has to hide an alien rocket from his nosy neighbour and get its occupant back home. This will win over reluctant readers with its fast moving story and clear presentation. | |
 | The Midnight Fox by Betsy Byars |
| Tom has to stay on his aunt's farm while his parents are away. He finds a rare black fox and her cubs in the forest and tries to save her from his uncle's gun. This sensitive and beautifully written novel will appeal to all young readers. | |
 | Astrosaurs: Riddle Of The Raptors by Steve Cole |
| The first in a brilliantly funny series starring the most intrepid dinosaurs you'll ever meet in space. | |
 | Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon |
| The antics of the irreverent Henry and his perfect brother Peter are funny, easy to read and will appeal to all ages. This hugely successful series has branched out from fiction to joke books, activitiy books and a new fact based series. | |
 | Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine |
| Poor Ellie is horrified when Tuffy drags a dead bird into the house. Then a mouse. But Tuffy can't understand what all the fuss is about. Who on earth will be the next victim to arrive through the cat-flap? Can soft-hearted Ellie manage to get her beloved pet to change his wild, wild ways before he ends up in even deeper trouble? The hilarious antics of Tuffy and his family are told by the killer cat himself. Also from this author: How to Write Really Badly and The Angel of Nitshill Road |
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 | The Giggler Treatment by Roddy Doyle |
| A very funny book that will keep children turning pages as the hilarity builds throughout the book. Also from this author: Rover Saves Christmas and The Meanwhile Adventures |
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 | How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell |
| Short chapters, clever slapstick, kid-pleasing character names (e.g., Fishlegs, Dogsbreath the Duhbrain) and fun illustrations will keep even reluctant readers turning these pages and chuckling as they go. First of a series of eight books. | |
 | Lion Boy by Zizou Corder |
| Charlie stows away on a circus ship bound for Paris to find his missing parents. This lively story will hold the interest of any reader. Children usually aske for the sequel (The Chase) after reading this. Also from Zizou Corder: Halo |
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 | Red Hugh by Deborah Lisson |
| Kidnap, dungeons, escape... the extraordinary true story of Red Hugh O'Donnell | |
 | Escape from War by James Riordan |
| This Second World War tale lets you read both sides of the story in an innovative flippable book | |
 | Robots Don't Cry by Bob Byrne |
| An entertaining story of group acceptance and overcoming bullies. Ideal for the reluctant reader. | |
 | An Buachaill Bo by Gillian Perdue |
| Is brea le Conor a chulaith Buachalla Bo. Is i culaith Conor an rud is fearr ar domhan. Ach an mbeidh se abalta i a caitheamh ar scoil? A thought provoking book that would be an easy irish read for most 9-11 year olds | |
 | The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events No.1) by Lemony Snicket |
| The Baudelaire siblings suffer all sorts of misfortunes in this, the first book of their adventures. If you get hooked on this story, there are thirteen books in all. | |
 | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling |
| The first book in the most successful children's book series of all time. A brilliant introduction to a world of magic and muggles. | |
 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney |
| Very funny. The diary format means it can be read in small doses which is an encouragement for reluctant readers. There are currently six books in the series. | |
 | Rotten School : The Big Blueberry Barf-off by R. L. Stine |
| Read about the riotous misadventures of the most horrible students a boarding school ever saw in this bestselling 12-book series. | |
 | The Fantastic Mister Fox by Roald Dahl |
| A classic, quirky read that will appeal to both boys and girls. Also by this author: The Twits, The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory |
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 | A Horse called El Dorado by Kevin Kiely |
| Pepe must flee from Columbia and leave his horse behind. How will his life change when he moves to Ireland where his father was born? | |
 | Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (Maybe) by Siobhan Parkinson |
| Beverly, Kevin, Gerard and Elizabeth visit the mysterious Lady Island. Nothing prepares them for the strange encounter with the inhabitants of the island. Also from this author: The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn't and Second Fiddle |
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 | When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr |
| Follow Anna in her family's journey to escape the Nazis. It is the start of a huge adventure, always exciting and often funny. This appeals to boys and girls alike. Also from this author: Bombs on Aunty Dainty and A Small Person Far Away |
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 | Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman |
| An unflinching and heartfelt story about racism and finding the strength to stand up for what's right. Set in the Deep South in the 1960s, this is a thought provoking book. Also from this author: My Best Friend and Jimmy's Stars |
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 | The Young Rebels by Morgan Llewellyn |
| Read the dramatic story of the 1916 Rising through the eyes of John and Roger as they grow up in Rathfarnham and attend St. Enda's school. | |
 | The Alchemyst (Secrets of Nicholas Flamel) by Michael Scott |
| The first book of the bestselling series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel - fast paced action, pin-sharp plotting and a hero and heroine to root for! | |
 | Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer |
| Fantastic stuff from beginning to end. The author has let his imagination run riot by combining folklore and fantasy in an outrageously devilish book. It is well written, sophisticated storytelling with enough high-octane attitude to make it a seriously cool read for anyone over the age of 10. And the first book in a long and successful series. | |
 | Noughts and Crosses by Marjorie Blackman |
| A gripping, absorbing novel where black and white are right and wrong. This book is excellent for the proficient reader. It is the first book in a successful trilogy. | |
 | Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D Taylor |
| "We have no choice of what colour we're born...what we so have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we're here." A powerful story of one family's passionate determination not to be beaten. Also by this author: The Land and Let the Circle be Unbroken |
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 | Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian |
| A young boy is relocated to the English countryside during the war. This appeals to boys and girls alike. Also by this author: A Spoonful of Jam and Back Home |
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 | The Year the Gypsies Came by Linzi Glass |
| A tale of a white family in South Africa and the bond between the children and the black servants. When vistors come to stay, the results are disastrous. This will appeal to the more mature child as there is some violence. It is however a gripping, moving read. Also by this author: Finding Danny and Ruby Red |
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 | Where the Red Fern Grows: The Story of Two Dogs and a Boy by Wilson Rawls |
| Having purchased two dogs for fifty dollars, young Billy is determined to create the valley's best hunting team. A well-written classic. Also by this author: Summer of the Monkeys |
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 | The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan |
| A thrilling, action-packed, best-selling series and modern take on Greek Mythology that will appeal especially to boys. | |
RELUCTANT READERS |
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 | Clarice Bean series by Lauren Child |
| These stories are good for children with a short attention span who are reluctant to read alone. The illustrations on each page break up the story and keep the reader interested. | |
 | Stink by Megan McDonald |
| The male version of the hugely popular Judy Moody series. With large print and illustrations throughout and a quick paced storyline, these books will hold any boy or girl's attention. The chapters are short, giving children a sense of satisfaction when they read them alone. | |
 | The Poison Factory by Oisin McGann |
| Meet the living dead, giant insects and the man with the most disgusting job in the world! This is a great book for newly independent readers. The content will amuse older readers as it is full of creepy and disgusting things! | |