Christmas Gift Guide – Books for 11+

Posted on 15 December 2017

We’re recommending some of favourite books to buy teens this Christmas!

If they like The Hunger Games, they’ll love…

Who doesn’t love The Hunger Games? An incredible story about injustice, rebellion and hope – the whole series will have you on the edge of your seat! If your teen loves the series, why not try our recommendations?

The Maze Runner
Try James Dashner’s smash-hit Maze Runner series: the knock-out dystopian fantasy that’s conquered Hollywood. Unlock the mystery of the maze, and explore the dark secrets behind it.

Show Stopper
In this tense dystopian novel, migrants are forced to perform in a brutal circus act. But who’d watch a show like this? Answer: rich people like Ben, the teenage son of a brutal politician. But on his first trip to the circus, Ben falls for a performer. This was not part of the plan.

A Shiver of Snow and Sky
The sky speaks on the frozen island of Skane. Beautiful lights appear on clear nights, and their colours have meanings. Green means all is well, and the Goddess is happy. Blue heralds a snow storm. And then there’s red. A red alert: rare and frightening. A warning…

Exodus
It’s 2099. The Arctic ice has melted and the oceans have risen. The land is rapidly vanishing under storm-tossed waves. The tiny island of Wing, where Mara lives, is shrinking. There’s no choice about it: her people must escape.

Satellite
Leo might be human, but he’s no Earthling. He’s never even set foot on his home planet. He was born and raised with twins Orion and Libra on the Moon 2 Space Station. They’ve had a strange and unique childhood. But they’re not kids anymore. Now it’s time for the trio to make their first trip to Earth.

If they like John Green, they’ll love…

John Green is one of the most talked-about YA authors today. His award-winning novels really resonate with teens. So what should they read next?

Turtles All the Way Down
Did you know that John Green has recently released his hotly anticipated latest novel? The story starts with a fugitive billionaire and a cash reward for finding him. Question is: where will it all end for troubled teenage sleuth Aza…?

Wonder
Have you seen the film? The book will take your heart on a wondrous rollercoaster ride. Born with a terrible facial deformity, Auggie has been taught at home all his life. Now he’s going to school. He’ll have to expose his face to the world. Will anyone see past it?

The Lines We Cross
Love across the battle lines! Michael’s family hate immigrants. But Michael really likes Mina, who is an Afghan refugee. As tensions rise and lines are drawn, they’ve all got to decide what they want their world to look like…

Unconventional
You can plan parties. You can plan careers. But if you know how to plan falling in love, please let Lexi know! This wonderful, witty romantic comedy has been hailed by Meredith Russo as ‘the ultimate love story for the age of the fandom’.

If they like Harry Potter, they’ll love…

It can be hard finding a book to beat Harry Potter, but we’re going to give it a go with our recommendations for Harry Potter fans. It definitely helps that there are plenty of new Harry Potter books out now too! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If they haven’t already seen the new Harry Potter play, the script is the next best thing! Being Harry Potter was never easy, and that’s not changed now that he’s all grown up. These days Harry is an overworked employee at the Ministry of Magic, with three school-age kids to provide for. But while Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus struggles with the weight of his dad’s great legacy.

J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: A Magical Yearbook
Imagine if you could travel through the eras of J. K. Rowling’s Wizarding World! What would you pack if you were going to 1920s New York? What kind of beasts would you imagine finding in Newt’s case? What do you think it would be like to study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, or to fight Lord Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts?

Winter Magic
A trip to a frost fair in long-ago times. A child kidnapped by a modern-day snow queen. Snow dragons, elves and pied pipers. Dreamy, magical writing by authors you’ll love. If you’re into fantasy fiction (and Christmas), grab this wintry collection.

Here Lies Arthur
Deception, secrets, lies: this is how legends are made. King Arthur is the greatest hero of all time, and Myrddin is his bard – a spinner of magical tales. But it’s a devious kind of magic that can turn a slave-girl into a goddess, and a raggle-taggle rascal into a warrior legend…

If they like Geek Girl, they’ll love…

We love this fantastic series! Geek Girl made it cool to be a nerd and we couldn’t be happier. But what to read next?

Truly Madly Awkward
Oopsie! Bella’s the goddess of digging big holes for herself. Quick: somebody throw her a rope! Right now, our favourite Queen of Awkward is in a pit so deep it pretty much reaches Down Under.

It’s Not Me, It’s You
One love disaster is unfortunate. But a row of them looks awfully like carelessness! Why do Avery’s dates never work out? Avery might be popular in school and romance. But that doesn’t mean she’s remotely successful.

The Date to Save
Ugh: a diary clash. We all know what it’s like. Still – it’s never been this crazy! Yup, the word is out. The huge Homecoming game, the class president election and the inter-school Academic Battle are all happening THIS FRIDAY. How could this even happen?

Famous in Love
It’s your fave daydream come true: the unknown girl picked from millions to star in Hollywood! Seriously: this is so totally lush, why would you even bother to ever wake up?


Disagree with this list or have ones you’d like to add? Why not join the #GiveABook conversation on social media and tell us which children’s book and why you love to give and you could win a £50 book donation for your nursery or school. Find out more here.