Year 9

Year 9 

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman 

Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society. Sephy and Callum are the best of friends. They grew up together and despite the animosity between their families now, they continue to see each other in secret. But as they grow older and the world encroaches on their friendship, they can deny no longer the big glaring barrier between them: Sephy is a Cross, Callum is a nought. Society, the world, their families, will never accept them. 

 

Boy Kills Man by Matt Whyman 

In the South American town of Medellin, where drug dealers rule and hope is scarce, young assassins are in large supply. Take Shorty and Alberto: two hardened best friends from poor homes whose biggest dream is to see a live soccer match. These boys understand that the one true power they will ever possess comes in the form of a fully loaded Smith & Wesson. Pulling the trigger may not be a way out . . . but it's the only way to the top. 

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

This riveting novel puts the police brutality and racial injustice prevalent in today's society into perspective. The Hate U Give is now thought of as one of the best pieces of young adult literature in history, continuing to break records today. 

 

 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 

The book chronicles the journey of a young girl growing up during World War 2 and her experiences dealing with death and the horrors of war. Death being the narrator of this book, softens the blow of the death of characters , telling us before it happens . This is the sort of book the restores your faith in humanity and leaves you feeling uplifted, even when it makes you shed a tear. 

 

The Giver by Lois Lowry 

At the age of twelve, Jonas, a young boy from a seemingly utopian, futuristic world, is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who alone holds the memories of the true joys and pain of life. This is a dystopian novel about bravery, mortality and ethics. 

 

 

Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder 

One day fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen comes home from school to two notes in her letterbox, with one question on each: "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" A story questioning life in general and what it all means.  

 

 

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini 

1970s Afghanistan: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what would happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.