James Lilley, 11, recommends the His Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman, comprising Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass because "they are all gripping reads which let you enter a different realm of activity for boys and girls. The author keeps you guessing till the very end, introducing new charcters in all three books." Of The Amber Spyglass he adds: "I couldn't get enough of it! It helped me to escape from the riots in my house and enter a different realm of activity. I read it for hours on end not wanting it to finish! This is a gripping thriller of the top quality. I couldn't dream of a better book!"

Georgia Richardson, 10, is a great fan of Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman: "Noughts & crosses is one of my most favourite books ever! It's a must read. It's emotional and it made me cry at the end. Sephie & Callum are the main characters, they are two friends, but Sephie is a cross (a black person) and Callum is a nought (a white person). And noughts and crosses can't live together in peace. They are always fighting. The ruling crosses are the rich side of the population, and Callum and Sephie just want to escape from all the disagreement between families...and race. 10 out of 10 for this book."

For Star Wars enthusiasts, Anthony Kent, 12, can recommend three Star Wars titles. About The Phantom Menace Anthony says, "I was disappointed with the movie and enjoyed the book far more because I let my imagination loose (which my mum says I do too often.)" The other two are Anakins Journal and The Rising Force about which Anthony says, "I found this book interesting because it was the start of the series in which Obi-Wan Kenobi receives his training which has been shrouded in mystery until now and since I saw this book . . . I have hungered for knowledge of his training."

Anthony Kent also recommends The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein: "My favourite part was the battle of the five armies although there are goblins, men elves, dwarves, wargs, wolves, bats, a hobbit and the eagles, which make it a total of nine." Anna Heale, 10, says, "This book is really magical and strange but at the same time breathtaking and exciting. The dangerous dragon with a wild sense of humour really is amazing." Emily Seymour, 10, likes this book because "it is full of surprises and I like the way Tolkein describes all the different places and things Bilbo meets along his journey", while Jessie Chalders first read it because her brother had said it was good and now she agrees.

Harlan Palfreyman says of The Lord of the Rings, sequel to The Hobbit: "The book starts on Bilbo Baggins's birthday when he slips away with the ring left behind, leaving Frodo the burden. This book has mysterious creatures, different lands like the mines of Moria and secret places of good and evil . . . There are also four Hobbits but the one that all their hope depends on is Frodo. This is suitable for people about nine years old and over. Everybody who reads it will enjoy it."

Philippa Marshall Smith also recommends The Lord of the Rings because it seems so flowing, unlike other books where there are bits that go on and on, and Lewis Mitchell, 13, says: "It is a thrilling and compelling fantasy story about wizards and monsters. I didn’t think I’d like it at first because of the thickness of the book, but once I had finished the first book I was hooked and now I’m on the second one." 11-year-old Sarah adds: "It will grip you from the start. It looks long but it takes you literally less than a week to read because you can't put it down! I have read it more than 5 times - alone that proves it is a great book! The description is astounding. It runs throughout the story and describes every inch of the different places and people."

Annam Ahmad, 11 recommends Wilma’s Wicked Revenge by Kaye Umansky "because it was like a puzzle book, like when her dad told her about her Aunt Maud who ran way when she was little. Also her mum is Queen of the Night and her two sisters are Queens too. Wilma is always left out of talk and is thrown out of her own bedroom by her sisters. She decides to get revenge."

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J K Rowling is recommended by Rosie Wainwright, 10, Anna Heale, 10, Kayleigh Crewe, 11, and Perla Bloom, 7: "The horrible Dursleys are so funny and my favourite part is when Harry goes to school." Joseph Bassilious reckons it’s so good that it made him want to read all the other books in the series. Emma Hendry, 11, likes the Harry Potter books because they are funny, scary and exciting. Caitlin Scott, another fan, said of all the Harry Potter books that they are a mix of comedy, horror, adventure and fantasy.

Lauren Sayer, 10, recommends Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Fiona Muir, 11, likes all four books so far published, but her particular favourite is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban because it takes many twists and turns. Emily Seymour rates Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which she thinks is the best so far. Portia Ellis agrees with her – she loved the danger and excitement of all the challenges Harry had to tackle and adds, "If you like nail-biting on-the-edge-of-your-seats books you should read Harry Potter."

Jessie Chalders, 11, admired Free Willy by Todd Strasser: "You grasp more from the book than you do from the film. The story is about Willy the whale and Jesse’s special friendship with him."

Emily Ong, 11, loved Whistle and I’ll Come by Jean Ure: "It shows that old animals need love too."

Charlotte’s Web by E B White made a great impression on Lauren Sayer, 10: "This is a book I can’t stop reading and I would be lost without it."

Emily Seymour, 10, loved Sniff by Ian Whybrow and Tony Ross: "It is absolutely hilarious and would always keep my hopes up if I felt sad. No matter how many times I read it it would be guaranteed to make me laugh! It would also remind me of my dog, who is bonkers, just like Sniff!"

Please Keep Off the Dinosaur by David Henry Wilson amused Emma Littlehalse, 10: "This book always makes me laugh whatever mood I’m in. I can go back time and time again and I always cheer up reading it."

How to Survive Summer Camp by Jacqueline Wilson was recommended by Georgia Barnett, 11: "This book is very funny. It teaches you how valuable your friends really are. The moral is teamwork and how important it is." And Anna Heale, 10, writes: "It really shows how dreadful your fears are and how bullies are a real pain!"

A big The Story of Tracey Beaker fan is Charlotte Sapier, 11: "I used to hate reading until I read this book and now I can’t read enough. Tracey is . . . a very naughty girl and I like her attitude."

Sophie Roberts, 11, likes The Dare Game, the next book about Tracey Beaker: "Tracy spends her childhood in and out of care waiting for her mum, when finally she got fostered. After just settling down, her mum gets in contact with her and asks her to live with her but will it go well or will she be left in tears? This book is hilarious. Tracy’s terrible times make you feel sorry her. Her dares are unbelievable. I would say any age should read it but it might be better to read The story of Tracey Beaker first."

Maxine Davies also recommended The Dare Game and The Story of Tracey Beaker ("I like the way this book is written in diary form"). Maxine also likes The Bed and Breakfast Star: "This book is really funny and it’s also quite rude . . . it seems to have a different sort of view every time you read it." Emily Ong, 11, Joseph Bassilious, 12 and Emma Littlehales recommended The Illustrated Mum. Emma wrote: "It is funny but it also makes me think about families that have less than me." Harriet Houlsby, 13, observes: "Not only does it have a really good plot but it also changes your mind about things.

Caitlin Scott also liked Girls in Love. Rachel, 11, and Annam Ahmad, 11, recommended Double Act. Annam writes, "It was funny and sad and I wanted to read more and more because it stopped at an exciting part." Zaynah Arshad says that Girls Out Late is important to her because "this book makes me understand why adults always come with us places and nag us about safety."

Aminah Belfikah thoroughly recommends The Suitcase Kid: "Andrea, Andy for short, used to live in Mulberry Cottage. But then her mum and dad split up. This is all very well, but what happens to Andy? She wants to stay with her mum and dad. I thought this book was fabulous, funny and very exciting." Rachel Bassettt, 10, also likes The Suitcase Kid and observes, "It is good for any age, even adults. The awkward and confusing life of Andrea will increase your imagination."

Sadie Farquharshon thoroughly enjoyed The Mum Minder, with all the complications Sadie struggles with as she takes care of her mum’s child-minding while her mum is in bed with 'flu.

The Worlds of Chrestomanci – Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones is recommended by Rosie Wainwright: "This book is good for people who enjoy Harry Potter because it is about a place where magic is as common as mathematics and twice as troublesome in the wrong hands."

Skellig by David Almond was recommended by Rachel Myerson who had never read a book like this before - she found it very different: "In parts of the book I shivered because there is something happening that you can't explain. The book is very moving and it makes you appreciate what you have."

Rosie Wainwright, 10, recommends The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks: ". . . it is about a fairy but not the sort with pink fluffy wings and wand . . . (she) just wants to do what she wants to do, so instead of all the pink fluffy tiaras and tutus she has pink spiky hair, tie-dye top and jeans."

A.N.T.I.D.O.T.E. by Malorie Blackman: ". . . the book is really hi-tech and fast! His mum is on the run from the police and Elliot and his friend Nosh plan to help! It's so quick and sometimes scary it's a joy to read." (Anna Heale, 10)

Hannah Fortune, 11, says of Are you there God? It's me, Margaret by Judy Blume: "I can empathise with Margaret as she feels the same feelings as I do. I sometimes read this book when I've had a bad day. It makes me feel that I can share my problems." Ruth Raynor agrees, "Her stories deal with issues that are important to everyone,from someone being bullied because they are over weight (Blubber) to a girl who worries about growing up and religion."

Lauren Sayer, 10, has a very personal reason for treasuring The Naughtiest Girl in the School by Enid Blyton: "This book has been passed down from my Grandma to my mum and now it has been passed down to me." Emma Bowen recommends Five On A Hike Together "because it has got clues to go with it. I like it when Dick heard the message though the barn window. It is an excellent book. I think you should read it."

Heartland/Coming Home by Lauren Brooke: "I love this book because I have always loved horses and when I am with them I always try to understand what they are trying to tell me by the position of their ears and body. It is a brilliant book and I feel warm inside every time I read it." (Danielle Hallam, 11)

Jessie Chalders, 11, quaked as she read The Corridor of Ghosts by Bill Butler: "I like scary stories. The book is about some bells on an old building . . . their wires were crumbling. Nothing could make them ring. Nothing human, that is . . . "

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot was recommended by a lot of you. Rachel Myerson, 11, says, "This (first book) is very funny. I loved the other books in this series but this is my favourite because it is like meeting Mia for the first time." Jemma Jenkins recommended The Princess Diaries Take Two.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer was recommended by Jessie Crabtree, 9: "It was a really good book. When I started I couldn't stop reading it. I especially liked the fairies (mostly Holly)." And also by Anna Heale, 10: "I have it all pictured in my mind: Butler the terrifying man that can snap a man's backbone with his bare hands and Artemis, the mind-boggling child that has the whole world at his feet."

Millie Riley, 11, wrote a brilliant review of Matilda by Roald Dahl – we only have space to print a little of it: "You see Matilda learn quickly and easily even though she had never been to school. Living with her parents, the Wormwoods and her brother Michael, Matilda is mistreated. But, to her delight, Matilda was finally given permission to go to school. Although making two friends, Matilda bumps into the headmistress of the school, Miss Trunchbull, who isn't very friendly with her. Matilda, after a few days at school, finds out she has magical powers. Join Matilda with her powers and adventures with the levitating chalk and the newt in the water. Matilda is a great book for young children, and catches the imagination with all of her adventures!"

Jemma Jenkins, 13, writes about Matilda, ". . . it shows that not all parents are great. She can do things that you would not even think of doing to your own parents." Jessie Crabtree adds, "I like this book because it was one of the first grown-up books that I read. I also like it because Matilda reminds me of me." Jessie also mentioned Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as another Dahl favourite, and Zaynah Arshad, 11, says: "Whenever I read it I can imagine that I am Charlie and the excitement felt by him. I always read this book because it makes me put a smile back on my face when he wins a golden ticket that he really wanted!"

Karen McGeachy is a great fan of the Puppy Patrol series by Jenny Dale and reports having read 22 of the 41 books in the series!

Books by Lucy Daniels appeal to most animal lovers. Kirsty particularly recommends Jess the Border Collie about a pup born with a twisted leg. Gail Anderson enjoyed Shetland in the Shed and says that if you like horses you will like this book.

Jessie Chalders, 11 loved Just Nuffin by Colin Dann: "Roger . . . found an abandoned puppy at the side of the road. But Dad is adamant that Roger must find a new home for him."

Margaret Davidson has written many books about Helen Keller, the remarkable woman who overcame profound deafness and blindness thanks to the vision and patience of a teacher who became her friend. Tracey Gillie recommends Helen Learns her Name, illustrated by Robynne Allen: it made a great impression on her.

Ewan Marshall likes The Spark Files series by Terry Deary - "they're funny. Any of the Horrible History, Geography, Science series is wicked."

Paddy Gamble recommended the action-packed The circle of death incident by Terrance Dicks: "Boys who like mystery and adventure stories should read this book."

The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine was Rosie Wainwright's favourite book and helped her win a Book Week competition. Helen Coney says Anne Fine's characters "are loveable in every sense of the word. I love The Angel of Nitshill Road. I have read it over and over again. Goggle Eyes, The Flour Babies and The Chicken Gave it to Me are equally wonderful!"

Monkey Island by Paula Fox: "It's so sad that Clay must live on the streets. Paula Fox really describes things well and makes you have the same feelings Clay has. The way Clay has to go to hospital really tore me apart and the whole book is interesting and strange." (Anna Heale, 10)

Humour was the appeal, too, for Darren Armstrong when he recommended Dad on the Run by Sarah Garland. He loved the comedy of the hopeless dad who without mum needed help to get dressed.

Like Anne Fine, Emily Seymour is a great fan of Eva Ibbotson and recommends The Secret of Platform 13 because it is a really good read and it reminds her of first reading it on a family holiday in Crete. Natalie Bowker, 10, also likes this book because it gets your imagination going!

Hannah Gledhill, 10, thoroughly enjoyed Lord Brocktree by Brian Jaques: " . . . an imaginative tale about a male badger journeying to Salamandastron, the mountain stronghold, to rule there. Although he does not know it, Salamandastron is ruled by his father, Lord Stonepaw. But Salamandastron is under siege by the Wildcat UngattTrunn and his hordes of sea rats . . . I liked this book because it has a good story line and it is all about animals." Hannah also recommends Redwall, Mattimeo, The Pearls of Lutra and Moss Flower by Brian Jaques.

Hannah Fortune, 11, is a fan of the Narnia Books by C S Lewis: "I especially love Aslan the lion. [The books] are always exciting and make you feel emotionally involved." Claire Dutton, 10, says of The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe: "Unlock the wardrobe door and enter the magical world of Narnia. Meet the lion who can be friend or foe, or dare a trip to see the White Witch, who can turn you into stone with a flick of her wand. Set in World War Two, in a vast old house, where even the owner doesn't know his way around, this book is sure to be a great read. Lucy, Susan, Peter and Edward are evacuated to the countryside, after fear that they might be bombed. While playing hide and seek, Lucy accidentally stumbles into the world of Narnia. Soon her brothers and sister discover this wonderful land too and that is when their adventures begin. Together, with a magical lion called Aslan, they end up fighting against the dark forces of the White Witch. It is a battle of good against evil. This brilliant book is great for children of all ages and most fun-loving adults. You will be glued to your chair for hours on end and will never want to put this exciting book down."

Zaynah Arshad, 11, says: "You could imagine that you were taking part yourself. This book is very special to me because I read it before I go to bed and then I will dream about the special things that take place in the story." Sadie Crew said of Prince Caspian that it was a good use of adventure and fantasy.

Maxine Davies, 10, writes about Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian: "A really soppy novel but I love it. It was my teacher who recommended it so THANK YOU MRS BARTLEY! I love it."

Extra Time by Jim Malcolm is for all those American football fans out there. Dean McGovern, 11, who recommended it, describes an action-packed match between American bulls and Sweden Sharks under-14s. Read it to find out who wins.

James Marshall's Fox All Week was a hit with Daniel Gillie: he liked the humour in it.

Joy Ann Kirkland enjoys the Mary Kate and Ashley books and particularly recommends Our Lips Are Sealed which involves a robbery and escape to Australia to flee the robbers when things get too hot to handle.

Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery: "I liked this book because I thought it was horrible when Anne made silly mistakes, or when she put flowers in her hat and got told off. She must have felt terrible when she got told off." (Annam Ahmad, 11)

Emily Ong thoroughly recommends two books by Michael Morpurgo: The War Horse "because it shows what it was like in the war from a horse's point of view," and The Butterfly Lion ("it is a lovely story").

Ewan Marshall recommended The Other Side of Truth by Beverly Naidoo.

The Windsinger by William Nicholson: "Kestrel, Mumpo and Bowman set out on a challenging journey when Kestrel causes commotion, in Amaranth, and she and her family get thrown out of their home in the Orange District, down to the dirty, poor streets of the Grey District. [. . . she] travels to find the lost enchanted Wind Singer to banish all tests and ratings in Amaranth. This book is aimed at older readers and young adults with its unexpected turns and exciting passages." (Charlotte Eaton, 11).

Danielle Hallam, 11, also recommends the second book in the trilogy, Slaves of the Mastery: " I loved [The Windsinger] and I love this one . . . I have always been touched by slavery – I think it is disgusting so this book proved it to me. It is also an excellent read."

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce has stayed with Philippa Marshall Smith, 11 "because of the clock. When I was little I sometimes waited until midnight and then listened to the clock chimes in the hall to make sure there were only 12."

Ruth Raynor says, "I love all of Philip Ridley's books. They're hilarious reads and Chris Riddell's illustrations fit in well and help you to imagine the host of funny and strange characters and settings. My favourite two books by him are Scribbleboy and Kasper in the Glitter. Both of these are about boys (Bailey and Kasper) who find themselves without any friends."

Ruth Raynor is also a great fan of the illustrator, Chris Riddell (have you seen his bookplate on this website?) and likes the work he did on the Edge Chronicles which are written by Paul Stewart. The Edge Chronicles "feature a land far away called the Edge. These are fantasy books with great added features that totally disobey science, like rocks that sink when hot and fly when cold. There are many different creatures to imagine in the Edge Chronicles like Oakelves, Gabtrolls and the feared Sky Pirates. These books are great reads and once you've read them two or three times it's possible just to dip in anywhere and start reading."

Comics

Classics need not always be Victorian novels. Lewis Mitchell, 13, thoroughly enjoyed the Oor Wullie and the broons annual (from the war years, 1939-1945): "I liked this book because it has comic strips of the famous characters from D C Thomson's during the war which showed me what people were doing during the war and how they got away from the horrors of war."

Two big Simpsons fans are Joseph Bassilious, 12, and Jack Harrison. Joseph rates Simpsons Spectacular/Simpsons Big Bonanza/Simpsons A-Go-Go by Matt Groening: "I want to read the whole series. I have read most already and reading these has made me a big comic fan." Jack likes the Simpsons' Guide to Life: "[It] tells the world about his life and cunning little schemes like how to stay up late and how to annoy your parents. This book includes comments from the entire town and some lies your parents tell you, like you will understand when you're older and I'll tell you later. Even Homer has got his own section were the seven wonders of HIS world are answered. Not many people would ask why the gum on stamps and envelopes tasted so nice. Bart Simpson's guide to life is suitable for all ages that enjoy comedy at it's best. Every page is jam packed with laughs and giggles."

Guard Dog by Philip Wooderson: "When Ryan's dad bought a stall on the market, Ryan saw some nasty looking people watching them. So when Ryan's dad's car is stolen he is determined to find the culprit. Ryan lives in a town with his friend Steve who together find out the truth. So when the scent leads to a pirating video factory their trail comes to an end. This book is a great adventure and has lots of action. The book is fun and is in comic strips if you like comics this is the thing for you." (Peter Hilditch)

Michaela White is a great Garfield fan. About Garfield Classics Volume 7 by Jim Davis she says "it's a hilarious book and every story gets funnier as you get deeper into the book . . ."

Non-fiction report

Jessie Crabtree said Archaeological Rome (no author given) was a favourite book: "I like this book because it has overlays to show what it was like in the past and what it is like now."

Another non-fiction recommendation comes from Michael Chippendale who is enthusiastic about My First Look at Karate which gives the basics of what to do and what you will learn. He found it "funny and educative" and notes that his dad's karate students also gave the book a good report.

Alastair McNicol, 11, also goes for non-fiction with Le Tour: the legend, the drama, the riders by Graham Fife, about the famous Tour de France bicycle race. The book is introduced by Eddie Merckx, five times winner of this race. He particularly liked the mix of pure fact with the mythology and anecdote surrounding the race.

Any more good non-fiction titles? What makes a good non-fiction book? Try to explain that in your reports.

Poetry Report

Three of you were keen that poetry shouldn’t be left out. Emily Ong recommends The Puffin Book of Utterly Brilliant Poetry edited by Brian Patten because it reminds her when she was in year four and she got this book as a prize.

Dalya Levine recommends The Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems because she loves poems and the book gives her something different to read every day.

Pariece Wilding, 11, loves Where The Sidewalk Ends! selected by Steven Turner: "Ever wondered how it feels to be in stitches? Read this poetry book and you'll find out. One of my favourite poems from this book is Sick!, about a girl called Peggy Ann Maque who doesn't want to go school. So she makes up some lies saying she's really sick . . . Another favourite is Captain Hook . . . about what he should beware of like shaking hands, playing cards, turning pages of a book and Captain Hook should remember to never pick his nose. People who love to laugh will love to read this book."