Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick A book that questions our ideas about friendship, family and life as we find out how two handicapped young men cope with life.

Cloud Busting, by Malorie Blackman Written in a poetic style, it is a heart-rending story about two boys and their unusual friendship that changes their lives for ever.

Dream On, by Bali Rai Excellent for children who are either struggling or reluctant readers. A story about conflicting ties to which all teenagers will be able to relate.

Evil Inventions (Horrible Science), by Nick Arnold Horrible science books are great for dipping into and it heartening to see one on this list.

Framed, by Frank Cottrell Boyce Inspired by the evacuation of the paintings from the National Gallery to the safety of a Welsh mine during the Second World War. Clever twist.

A Dog Called Grk, by Joshua Doder A schoolboy finds an abandoned dog and decides to return him to his rightful owner, sparking a series of wacky adventures.

I, Coriander, by Sally Gardner Coriander is thrown from 1650s London into a fairy world from which her mother came. History and fantasy are wonderfully combined.

Journey to the River Sea, by Eva Ibbotson A traditional story of an orphan who goes to live with her only living relatives on the Amazon and enjoys adventures and romance.

Mortal Engines, by Philip Reeve After the Sixty Minute War destroyed America, re-built traction towns trawl the globe, moving towards a dramatic climax. Very popular.

The Ring of Words – An Anthology of Poetry, selected by Roger McGough One of my favourite poets, who I remember seeing at The Everyman in Liverpool in the 60s.

Saffy’s Angel, by Hilary McKay Saffy tries to find out why all her siblings are named after colours but she is not. Despite the pink cover, it is a story for boys and girls.

Unbelievable!, by Paul Jennings These great short stories are truly magical, featuring kids who grow younger, birds that bury you and ghosts who take exams.