The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
The Land of Stories is an amazing book series by Chris Colfer. Highly recommended for fans of Harry Potter, welcome to this world of fairytales… with a twist.
Twins, Alex and Connor, are given their grandma’s old book of fairytales. When bookworm Alex falls into it, with her twin brother behind her, they find themselves in the fairytale world! The twins meet some familiar faces from beloved fairytales and discover that Snow White’s evil stepmother has escaped. They collect items for the wishing spell, their only chance of getting back home, which include historical items like Cinderella’s glass slipper and Snow White’s coffin. But could someone else be searching, too?
The Land of Stories is one of my personal favourites, along with Harry Potter. The twins are relatable, whether you’re the star student or the class clown and every chapter brings adventure and familiarity. Once I pick it up, it’s nearly impossible to put it back down. This series of six stories is the perfect mix of teenage life, adventure, laughter, action and magic—an all-time favourite of many.
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
The Explorer, by Katherine Rundell: an exciting read for fans of adventure books like Hatchet.
Fred, Con, Lila and Max—four kids surviving in the jungle after a plane crash, four unlikely friends. Throughout their adventure, they start to become friends and get to know each other. As they acclimatise to their new surroundings, they start to find things like pre-built forts, packets of tobacco, and a map. Could somebody else be in the jungle as well?
I love this book. I don’t normally read adventure books, but this one was amazing. I loved the mystery of finding the other explorer, how different each character is, and the foreshadowing (which I recommend you look out for). Give it a read!
The Primrose Railway Children by Jacqueline Wilson
Phoebe’s life has taken a strange turn. Her parents are acting weird, her beloved dad disappears and her mum takes her and her siblings on a holiday in the middle of nowhere. Near their ‘holiday home’, they discover the Primrose Railway, and make new friends. Overall, they are having a great time, but her mum is still acting weird, and one question lingers in Phoebe’s mind: where is my dad?
This is an AMAZING book. It feels so real, like you’re really standing with Phoebe, Becks, and Perry on their wild adventures. They each have their distinct personalities: Phoebe is creative and has an untamed (sometimes morbid) imagination, Becks is the ‘it girl’, and Perry is the autistic genius, always finding out more about his latest obsession.
I highly encourage you to check out The Primrose Railway Children, and these other books, too. You won’t regret it!
Mila Hawkins – Year 9
