Not Bad for a Bad Lad by Michael Morpurgo. Illustrated by Michael Foreman

Published by Templar Publishing
Available 1st May 2010
RRP £12.99 hardback
ISBN 978-1848773103

Everyone thinks this lad is bad, so it’s no surprise when he’s sent to Borstal. But then he starts work in the prison stable and something begins to change ...

Morpurgo and Foreman weave an inspiring tale about what happens when someone is shown how to follow their dreams. Also includes a fact-packed historical section.

Recommended for readers 9+

Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy Series Book 5) by Richelle Mead

Published by Puffin
Available 18th May 2010
RRP £6.99
ISBN 978-0141331874

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. And she made the wrong one … After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s Academy - and to her best friend, Lissa. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he’s out there, somewhere. She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true - Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. Only this time, he won’t rest until Rose joins him … forever.

Recommended for readers 12+

Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, first published in 1865.
This title is widely available through various publishers on the high street and online.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (also known as Alice in Wonderland) was written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pen name, Lewis Carroll.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland tells the story of Alice, who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy land. She meets many memorable characters along the way from the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat to the Queen of Hearts and the Mock Turtle. The story parodies well-known songs and poems as well as being littered with puns, language and historical references. It also created a new genre ‘literary nonsense’ and has been very influential especially in the fantasy genre. A true children’s classic if ever there was one!

Alice in Wonderland has been adapted for film, TV and comic books many times. It’s most recently been given a 21st century makeover by Tim Burton, with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter starring in the 2010 Hollywood blockbuster. If you have never read the book, or the sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, then you are in for a fantastic read!