Interesting Reads

(A) Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

In Malorie Blackman's groundbreaking novel, the population is divided into two: the white Noughts are second-class citizens, and the black Crosses are highly-revered and perceived as the superior race. 15-year-old Callum is a Nought, and his best friend, Sephy, as well as being a Cross, is also Q.8 the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country. The story focuses on their relationship, which is frowned upon by society, and explores the discrimination they encounter at every turn. By reversing traditional racial stereotypes and presenting the White population as the oppressed race, Blackman has Q.5 cleverly shown racial prejudice from a different perspective. As well as being a compelling tale of love and friendship, this is an outstanding and thought-provoking exploration of the futility of prejudice. A contemporary classic.

(B) The Owl Service by Alan Garner

Alison and her family are spending a holiday in Wales, in a bed and breakfast run by Gwyn and his mother. When Alison finds a curious dinner service in the attic, with Q.6 a strange pattern of floral owls that looks different depending on how it is arranged, the discovery sets off a strange chain of events that look set to effect everyone's lives. Soon, Alison, her step-brother Roger and Gwyn find themselves repeating Q.9 an ancient Welsh legend associated with the valley where they are staying. As tension begins to rise, can they break the pattern and avoid tragedy? Q.2 Winner of both the Guardian Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal, this extraordinary and powerful story is a modern classic. Blending together mystery, adventure, history and a complex set of human relationships, it will leave young readers eager to read more from master storyteller Alan Garner.

(C) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Seen through the eyes of Christopher, a mathematical genius and Sherlock Holmes fan, Q.10 who also has Asperger's syndrome, this bestselling novel opens with Q.3 the discovery of a murdered dog on the neighbour's lawn. In his search to discover the identity of the killer, Christopher uncovers some disturbing information about his own family, which throws his ordered world into chaos, and he embarks on a journey to London to find Q.7 the mother he thought was dead. This funny, touching and compelling novel was the winner of the inaugural Booktrust Teenage Prize. A must-read for adults and children alike, it is an adventure story unlike any other.

(D) Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

Lyra and her animal daemon Q.4 live a carefree life amongst the scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. Yet the destiny that awaits her will take her far from her home, to the magical frozen lands of the Arctic, amongst the witch-clans and ice-bears. Here, she will discover the truth about her identity, which will have immeasurable consequences reaching beyond her own world. This extraordinary fantasy is Q.1 the first book in Philip Pullman's multi-award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy. Exciting, original and enormously powerful, it is an incredible feat of imagination, and one of the classics of 20th century children's literature.

The Herald