From festive classics and thrilling whodunnits to magical adventures with Greek gods, we've picked out the best Puffin books for children aged 9 to 12 to protect against disappoint on Christmas morning.
 |
The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher More confident readers will not want to miss this sequel to festive adventure The Christmasaurus. It’s been a year since his escapade with the Christmasaurus, and now William has been swept back to the magical North Pole where he meets the mysterious, icy Winter Witch. Bursting with as much drama, friendship, music and of course CHRISTMAS as the first book, this follow-up tale is set to be another hit under the tree. |
 |
|
 |
Wonder by R. J. Palacio R. J. Palacio’s book that sparked a global movement to be kinder to others is a pretty special gift for anyone. The story follows 10-year-old Auggie, a character that children and adults alike need to meet at some point during their lifelong reading journey. Born with a facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school and he’s terrified. What will the other kids say when they see his face? Will they be kind? Will they look at the boy inside and not just the boy they see on the outside? |
|
|
|
 |
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer Artemis Fowl is not like other 12-year-olds. You see, Artemis is a criminal genius – and he’s criminally good at it – that has just discovered that fairies are real. Oh, but wipe images of cuddly, Peter-Pan-style, bedtime story fairies from your mind, because this lot are anything but. They’re armed. They’re dangerous. And they’re ready for anything. And when Artemis captures Captain Holly Short for her fairy gold, he messes with the wrong elf. These fairies fight back… as Artemis is going to learn. |
|
|
|
 |
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens No story is more Christmassy than A Christmas Carol. The bitter Ebenezer Scrooge who says ‘Bah, humbug!’ to the festive season is shown the error of his ways when he’s paid a visit by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come. This classic has transcended the struggles of time to remain one of Dickens’ greatest tales. And although dark at times, young readers will enjoy the spooky festive spell this book casts. |
|
|
|
 |
Death Sets Sail by Robin Stevens In the final novel in the award-winning Murder Most Unladylike series, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are investigating their most difficult case yet. They were hoping to have a holiday in Egypt – catch a few of the ancient sights and have a relaxing cruise along the Nile. They are joined on their boat by a strange society called the Breath of Life, who believe they are reincarnations of Egyptian kings and queens. But their leader is then stabbed to death in her bed, and everyone is blaming her sleepwalking daughter. Daisy and Hazel must dodge danger to find out who the real murderer is. A wonderful whodunnit with an unexpected twist! |
|
|
|
 |
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Before you overindulge on the turkey, why not indulge in the first book in Rick Riordan’s fantasy adventure series? Follow Percy Jackson as he is forced to come to terms with the fact that he is no ordinary boy! The demigod is in fact the son of the Greek god Poseidon. Hades has kidnapped Percy’s mother and Zeus thinks he has stolen his lightning bolt. It’s time for the 12-year-old to embark on a quest to stop an all-out war between the gods. |
|
|
|
|
More Christmas Gift Ideas |
||
 |
 |
 |
Books for under 6sAdd that extra sprinkle of magic with these beautiful Puffin picture books for under-sixes. Choose from a mixture of classics and brand-new tales. |
Books for ages 7 and upAre you in need of some book inspiration? Look no further, as we’ve compiled a selection of the best Puffin books for children aged seven and up. |
Extra Special PresentsFrom a selection of reads to fit this most wonderful time of the year, to books that have inspired young readers; there’s something for everyone on our handpicked list. |