Aussie Readers discussion

My daughter just read Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper and absolutely loved it. Now she's looking for more books like that - modern day, real-life people, not "girly" stuff. I've made suggestions to her, but I'm her mother, so what do I know? Maybe if I could get some suggestions here, she might be more accepting.

She has a reading age of 17, so books for YA or even adult are ok, as long as they're 'clean', if you know what I mean.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

by Rosanne Hawke. The link to the book is below. It's a YA book and it's clean. I really enjoyed it. It's set in Australia, too.

Zenna Dare

Hmm...The Tomorrow series?

How about Neil Gaiman Katie? I loved Stardust and Coraline. The Ocean at the End of the Lane was great as well. Then there's The Bellamy Bird by Aussie author Clare Havens, Forget Me Not and Remember Me by AA Stacey Nash - I've read a lot that I've loved. If you'd like to browse my Young Adult shelf, you're welcome:)

John Flanagan - Rangers Apprentice series

I recently gave Immagica by K.A. Last to a friend's daughter and she loved it. It's not contemporary though, but through-the-portal type fantasy.

I think she would really, really enjoy Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

If it doesnt have to be strictly real-life kind of thing, I'd highly recommend Unwind or Uglies, both dystopias but very well done. I'd second Brenda's recommendation of Stardust and Coraline, which are both more in the YA fantasy genre.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've downloaded The Ocean at the End of the Lane and when she's done with that, I'll come back for more! :D

Hope she enjoys it Katie:)

Katie wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I've downloaded The Ocean at the End of the Lane and when she's done with that, I'll come back for more! :D"
I have that on my TBR shelf - will be interested in her opinion :)

I've just read The Bellamy Bird by Clare Havens and it would be very suitable for an 11 year old girl. Reminded me of the sorts of adventure/mystery books I would have read at that age.

Carolyn wrote: "I've just read The Bellamy Bird by Clare Havens and it would be very suitable for an 11 year old girl. Reminded me of the sorts of adventure/mystery books I would h..."

I second that Carolyn!

The Neil Gaiman suggestion is a good one. But when is suggesting Neil Gaiman ever not good?

Unfortunately, I find "Modern day, real people" a little vague, so my recommendation might be way off, but one of my favourite series for young readers is the Skullduggery Pleasant books. Could be going in the wrong, speculative, direction though.

I adore Gaiman, though The Ocean at the End of the Lane probably isn't the book I'd recommend for an 11 year old. He has far better novels to start off with, Stardust and The Graveyard Book namely, plus Coraline for younger readers.

★ Jess wrote: "I adore Gaiman, though The Ocean at the End of the Lane probably isn't the book I'd recommend for an 11 year old. He has far better novels to start off with, Stardust and [book:The Gra..."
Loved all of those.

Back when I was about that age my best friend's favourite book was Bridge to Terabithia. Now I tend to recommend the Artemis Fowl Collection to younger readers (once even to a complete stranger in a bookshop) but that may be more fantasy based than your daughter would like. It's not girly at all but enjoyable by either sex.

Gaiman is really amazing. I would recommended the Percy Jackson series and then the second series that takes place after that. They would be as popular as Harry Potter if they didn't deal with Greek gods. Super fun and fast-paced.

I'd be seconding Artemis Fowl. I also recommend John Cgristopher's Tripod and Prince in Waiting series and John Wyndham's The Chrysalids and Chocky.

Thanks, everyone! As it happens, shortly after I downloaded her the Neil Gaiman book, she found Wonder by R.J. Palacio in the school library and is now happily reading that, so Mr Gaiman will have to wait. But it sounds as if she'll have plenty to go on with if she decides she likes his work.

David, I loved both John Christopher and John Wyndham when I was her age, but she just doesn't seem to like anything 'old'. I got her Playing Beatie Bow but she turned up her nose after a few pages. That's modern youth for you! ;)

Sarah wrote: "Back when I was about that age my best friend's favourite book was Bridge to Terabithia. "
That book I can't stand...We had to read it for a school studies in High School....Granted we read it to 'study' the book so it might be different than picking it up to just read it for reading sake. But I hated it so much it put me off reading any type of fiction for years! Lol :s

Laura wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Back when I was about that age my best friend's favourite book was Bridge to Terabithia. "
That book I can't stand...We had to read it for a school studies in High School...."

A rare case when I think the movie is better than the book.

Ingham movie is wonderful! It made me cry so hard, though! Lol.

Laura wrote: "That book I can't stand...We had to read it for a school studies in High School...."

Oh dear, I didn't mean to drag up bad memories! I never actually read it myself despite my friends insistence, as it wasn't my sort of read. We're still best friends many years later despite our vastly different tastes in books.

Sarah wrote: "Laura wrote: "That book I can't stand...We had to read it for a school studies in High School...."

Oh dear, I didn't mean to drag up bad memories! I never actually read it myself despite my frien..."

Lol..Sarah it's no problems at all :) It's crazy how much I dislike that book..lol xD

Katie wrote: "... but she just doesn't seem to like anything 'old'..."

I find this with my kids too, and it makes me sad, because there are so many wonderful books that meant a lot to me growing up that they are missing out on.

I know this an old book, but, perhaps she might like the wonderful (and true) Australian classic, A Fortunate Life by Albert Facey. Hope that helps. Cheers, Tanya

Katie wrote: "My daughter just read Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper and absolutely loved it. Now she's looking for more books like that - modern day, real-life people, not "girly..."

Hello mother of Katie,
I remember when I was about that age, I really enjoyed an adventure series by the author - Willard Price. Some of Homers mythological themed books were also good fun.
You know her better than anyone and hope my suggestions help. Cheers Paul :)

^ Yay! Another dislike for that book..ahaha

Okay....So, I know some children love The Adventures of Nanny Piggins (it's not really "real day" stuff storyline wise but I know most children laugh at it and this has been trialed from grade 1s up to grade 4s).

Carolyn wrote: "I had to read Bridge to Terabithia for school. I did not like it at all. I really liked The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I'm in Battle of the Books at school and I'm not real crazy about the books..."

Ha ha - I'm the complete opposite loved Bridge to Terabithia but loathed The Maze Runner. Not sure if the movie is out for it yet - but no doubt hubby will want to watch it.

Oh dear, I have to admit I've never read Bridge to Terabithia. I heard it was sad, so steered clear!

Laura, I think Nanny Piggins might be too young for her. As I said, her reading age is 17 so Grade 4 books just don't cut it! But I have some good suggestions to be going on with. Thanks everyone. :)

Possibly would be. I should of mentioned in my first post about it...

I've seen teachers enjoy the books (adult humour), children who are independent readers (as early as grade 1) and then children who've had it read to them by teachers.

So it's more of a mixed bag than anything. I think that explains it better than I did above..haha

I must find The Salt-Stained Book Clare...it sounds really good:)

Haha! Just what I need Clare - another series;)