Lara Flecker, Trisha Krauss
Kit's father is away AGAIN, and although she's supposed to be staying with her brother and sister, Kit steals away to visit her grandfather at Moonstone Manor. The costume museum, once filled with extravagant wonders, is now an aging house with creaking floorboards and damp walls. But there is still magic within Moonstone's walls, and Kit will soon discover that the old costumes hold their own secret splendour… because on the stroke of midnight, the costumes come to life. And they've got a lot to say.
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Video: Inspiration for Midnight at Moonstone
Video: The world of the museum in Midnight at Moonstone

Gill Lewis
When Semira discovers the diary of Hen, a girl from 1891 stifled by convention, she finds the inspiration to be brave, to fight for her place in the world, and maybe even to uncover the secrets of her own past. Gill Lewis, author of Sky Hawk and White Dolphin, presents an unforgettable tale of friendship, hope, and finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.
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Tim Bowler
Grandpa is dying. He can barely move his hands any more but, stubborn as ever, he refuses to stay in hospital. He's determined to finish his last painting, River Boy, before he goes. At first Jess can't understand his refusal to let go, but then she too becomes involved in the mysterious painting. And when she meets the river boy himself, she finds she is suddenly caught up in a challenge of her own that she must complete – before it's too late…
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Tom McLaughlin
On a visit to the US, things take a strange turn for 12-year-old Ajay when, completely at random and totally by accident, he is sworn in as the new president. Well, I guess he can't be any worse than that guy who had the job before him, right? Wrong. It's quite easy for power to go to your head and Ajay, overwhelmed by it all, goes rogue…
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Julia Green
Noah is looking forward to spending the summer in the Wilderness – a strip of wild land across from his house. The Wilderness means freedom… climbing trees, sleeping under the stars, spotting a deer, feeding the birds. But Noah discovers that there are plans afoot to destroy the Wilderness. He'll have to fight to save it. This means war. A celebration of the wild outdoors, with fun ideas on how to make the most of our wild spaces included at the back of the book.
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Gary Crew, Steven Woolman
Two boys explore the watertower near their Australian town, but find something unexpected in this mysterious book that asks as many questions as it answers.
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Kate DiCamillo
A touching and poignant tale about Opal and her new dog Winn-Dixie and the change it brings to her life, and her relationship with her father. Older primary-aged children will love this story (although there will be tears!).
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Coralie Bickford-Smith
Winner of the Waterstones Book of the Year 2015, this absolutely beautiful book explores themes of need and loss and finding your place in the world.
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Richard Joyce
Meet Escorvia's greatest ever circus boss, and his wonder goat! A new kid in town, a washed-up circus owner and a performing goat – three unlikely friends, all struggling to fit in. Together they'll make you laugh, cry and shout Skaboonky!
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A. F. Harrold
Amanda and her imaginary friend Rudger have a wonderful time together, until nasty Mr Bunting moves next door. Mr Bunting catches imaginaries and, after Amanda is involved in an accident, Rudger abruptly finds himself alone, racing to find someone else who can see him before he fades away. An exciting and magical book to spark young (and old) imaginations.
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Frances Hardinge
Twelve-year-old Mosca May is on the run, using all her wits to survive amongst highwaymen and smugglers. A marvellous and lyrical book of adventure set in an alternate eighteenth century, Fly By Night is essential reading for older readers and fans of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.
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Ali Sparkes
The first book in a new edge-of-your-seat series from award-winning author, Ali Sparkes, with huge appeal for both boys and girls. Fast-paced action adventure about contemporary children with mysterious powers, told with Ali's classic humour and lightness of touch.
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Janina Ramirez, David Wyatt
Runes, riddles, and revenge! This story is the first of a thrilling new mystery series set in the age of Vikings. Following shield maiden Alva and her pet sniffer-wolf, Fenrir, this book will appeal to fans of murder mysteries and historical fiction alike. Includes Viking facts relating to the story at the back of the book – learn about Viking forensics and decipher runes.
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Julia Green
Jamie loves the freedom he finds on his new island home – he feels like he belongs there. But when he makes friends with Mara, they both end up in a boat being swept out to sea on a wild adventure. Guaranteed to capture the imagination of children who crave adventure, this story from award-winning author Julia Green tackles ideas of what it means to be free and to be yourself.
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Arthur Ransome
The Walker children set sail on The Swallow and head for Wild Cat Island where they spend their time camping, fishing and swimming. However, their peace is soon shattered by the appearance of the Amazon pirates, the Blackett sisters. A battle ensues which leads to an amazing summer of fun, adventure and friendships.
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Helen Dunmore
Sapphire’s father is missing at sea when she meets a mysterious merman, Faro, and discovers the underwater world of Ingo where the Mer creatures of the dark old myths live. Sapphy is drawn to the sea and longs to see her father once more – but to inhabit that world she must give up all thoughts of the Air world.
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