As a writer of children’s books, I’m regularly asked to name my favourite children’s writers and what are the best young adult books?

The 9-12 year old age group is often the hardest to buy for because children in this group are in between. They’re too old for picture books and not yet old enough for some of the graphic, issues-based young adult novels currently on the market. Children in this age bracket are children who want the comfort of home on the one hand; and independence from parents on the other. They want to show their individuality but are desperate to be part of the group at school; and they long to be older, while having moments of fear about leaving the security of childhood.

Children of these ages love humour; boys, in particular, love toilet humour and fart jokes. They like to read books that are scary but not cruel or with graphic violence; and they like to identify with a hero who wins in the end.

Thinking about which books, or writers to recommend for 9-12 year olds and young adults is like being asked to name your favourite child. The Internet has dozen of sites containing lists of the most popular children’s authors for this age group but they can be overwhelming. That’s why I wanted to share my list with you…so here they are:

JK Rowling – who can go past the famous creator of Harry Potter, not least because he single-handedly brought young readers who had not read for years, back to books? Rowling’s series meets all of the requirements to engage readers in this age group, and those a little older. They are funny, scary and full of suspense. The main character is brave and daring, but not without faults, and he is forced to play for very high stakes. He has to save his world and keep his friends safe.

Roald Dahl – many parents worry about Roald Dahl’s books because they can be dark and include children being treated quite badly by adults – e.g. Matilda. What saves them, besides the dark humour, which children love, is that the children always win against the adults. Young readers, who often feel powerless in the adult world, delight in seeing the nasty adults getting their comeuppance.

C.S. Lewis – the Chronicles of Narnia are a favourite with many children, although I recommend it for more advanced readers in the 9-12 age group. The fact it is a 7 book series is reason alone to think of it for more accomplished readers. Put simply, it is a series about four children who travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to save it from those who would destroy it. Some children will enjoy it for the simple adventure and the bravery of the heroes, and the animals which help them. Others will see the complexity of themes and ideas that make this a series for adults as well as children.

Another reason why I like all of the above books is that they lend themselves well to parents reading a chapter a night to their children. Children in the 9-10 group usually still like to be read to, although they may not admit it.

Anthony Horowitz – regularly named as a favourite children’s author, particularly for boys, in the pre-teen age group, Horowitz’s mystery thrillers are hard to put down. The New York Times names him as ‘the most original and best spy-kids authors of the century’ and I have to agree. His books are full of action and suspense and see the hero fighting his way out of seemingly impossible situations – and winning.

Enid Blyton – somewhat dated now, and sometimes sexist and racist but still Blyton’s books seem to capture the attention of reluctant readers. Well worth a look, and can be valuable history lessons in talking to children about social change, or just to be enjoyed as great adventure stories.

Isobel Carmody – Carmody is a ‘literary’ writer with popular appeal. Her Little Fur series carries an environmental message and a half-elf, half-troll protagonist who is helped by a series of animal friends. She is distressed by parks being destroyed and in fear of her home and that of her friends being destroyed and must undertake a perilous journey to try to save it. Girls, in particular, will love these books.

Robyn Collins – I couldn’t complete this list without putting myself on it! I mentioned ‘favourite child’ earlier and it’s true that while no character is my ‘favourite’ each one seems real to me. In my latest book, “The Entwhistle Experiment Book 1: Glued”, for example, I have lived with Horatio Entwhistle, the main character for over 12 months so I feel that I know him and that his adventures and fears are real. Horatio’s book, and all my books, are suitable for boys and girls and my aim is to make the stories exciting and fast moving adventures while teaching about resilience, friendship and courage.

Please share with me below, the children’s books you have read and loved.