My favourite books from 2024

I read a lot of amazing children’s and young adult books in 2024 and it has been hard to whittle them down to my top 10 but here they are.

• Tyger by S F Said - the story of two children, an alternative London and a magical Tyger. Beautiful and captivating. (Ages 10+)

• The Boy in the Maze by Joseph Coelho - an incredibly beautiful, and emotional book in verse that interweaves the tale of 17 year old Theo with a retelling of Theseus and the Minotaur. (Ages 13+)

• Pet by Akwaeke Emezi - an unusual and wonderful YA book with a very distinctive style, compelling characters and an original take on communities in denial. (Ages 13+)

• Safiyyah’s War by Hiba Noor Khan - a beautifully written middle grade book of strong family ties, courage, friendship and kindness. And beyond that, an incredibly interesting and thought-provoking piece of history I was completely unaware of. (Ages 9+)

• Man Made Monsters by Andrea L Rogers -  a wonderful, vivid and sharp collection of horror-tinged short stories intertwining through time. (Ages 13+)

• When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed - a stunning and powerful graphic novel that brings to life the experience of life in a refugee camp through the eyes of a young boy. (Ages 8+)

• Boy Like Me by Simon James Green - a brilliantly original, powerful, brutal and yet beautiful story of queer love, connection and section 28. (Ages 13+)

• Steady For This by Nathanel Lessore - a wonderful book that effortlessly blends laugh out loud humour, rap and a strong emotional core (Ages 10+)

• Fable House Heart of Fire by EL Norry - An incredible follow up to the Fable House story with magic, friendship and learning to trust yourself at the heart. (Ages 8+)

• Birdie by JP Rose - a moving and captivating story of belonging, mixed race identity and finding your home. (Ages 8+)