With the Christmas holidays upon us, we have swapped our weekly feature 'This Week I Am Reading...' for a compilation of recommended reads for each year group. Mrs Truran, our Librarian, will capture your curiosity and imagination with her thoughtfully selected book choices and bring some extra literary sparkle to the festivities. These books will make fantastic Christmas presents and there is even a recommended book for parents, so the whole family can join in.

For Years 7 & 8

The Good Bear by Sarah Lean

Set in a magical, snowy Norway, Thea meets a wild bear in the woods and they have an instant connection. But the bear needs help: he's alone and, after years in captivity, he doesn't know how to fend for himself. Readers will be desperate to turn each page to find out if Thea can help rescue the bear as external threats begin to close in. (Simon & Schuster)

Just a really lovely seasonal story. Mrs T

October October by Katya Balen

October, October is fierce with a wild love. It draws you in to its heart, shakes you with a fury, wraps you in a spell of storytelling. In lyrical prose, Katya Balen gives us a modern day heroine filled with courage. I loved every page. (Jackie Morris)

The cover of this book is stunning, as is the story. Mrs T

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

It is Midwinter's Eve, the night before Will's eleventh birthday. But there is an atmosphere of fear in the familiar countryside around him. Will is about to make a shocking discovery - that he is the last person to be born with the power of the Old Ones, and as a guardian of the Light he must begin a dangerous journey to vanquish the terrifyingly evil magic of the Dark.  (Booktrust)

A real classic for this time of the year. I try and reread this every Christmas. It’s dark and spooky, but a fabulous read. Mrs T

If you enjoy the book, you may also wish to watch the film adaptation currently available on Prime Video.

The Very Merry Murder Club by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens

Brimming with festive villainy, this joyous and unputdownable collection of Christmassy crime stories for young readers boasts contributions from the likes of Robin Stevens, Elle McNicoll and Nizrana Farook.(Waterstones)

Ideal for those who enjoy a shorter read. A whole batch of quality stories from top authors. Mrs T

For Years 9-11

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-lyimide

Ace of Spades is Gossip Girl meets Get Out, with a shocking twist. Buried secrets come to light when two students are targeted by an anonymous bully with an explosive agenda. (Scholastic Books)

If you like a full on read, this is the book for you. Mrs T

Medusa By Jessie Burton

Exiled to a far-flung island by the whims of the gods, Medusa has little company except the snakes that adorn her head instead of hair. But when a charmed, beautiful boy called Perseus arrives on the island, her lonely existence is disrupted with the force of a supernova, unleashing desire, love and betrayal. (Bloomsbury)

I absolutely love this book. The production is stunning, as are the illustrations.
Mrs T

For Parents, Guardians, Staff and Sixth-Form Pupils

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout

A very good novel, deft when it needs to be and ambivalent where certainty would be facile. Its celebration of the ungraspable riddles and sudden judgments of real life becomes compulsive... I cannot get Lucy Barton out of my head ― The Times

This is on my Christmas list. I have really enjoyed Elizabeth Strout’s previous books. Mrs T

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Prizewinning author Elif Shafak brings us a rich, magical tale of belonging and identity, love and trauma, memory and amnesia, human-induced destruction of nature, and, finally, renewal. (The Guardian)

A fabulous read. Takes you out of your comfort zone. Mrs T

Fifty Words for Snow by Nancy Campbell

Nancy Campbell describes her book as “A journey to discover snow in cultures around the world through different languages.” Fascinating.

A unique book to dip in and out of. Mrs T