Developing a regular reading routine has lots of benefits for children aged 9+, and a book series they'll love is a great way to encourage their independent reading. Following their favourite story will help develop written communication skills, imagination and empathy. And they'll have tons of fun doing it.
We've compiled a list of the first books in some of our favourite series for children aged 9+ years old.
2. The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks
by Katie Kirby
€8.99
Ideal for readers who: Love funny diary-style stories about starting secondary school Enjoy heroines whose embarrassment feels huge and completely believable Are drawn to friendship drama, family chaos and eccentric pets Want an illustrated read with a warm, sharply comic voice Lottie Brooks is eleven and three quarters and convinced her life is already over as secondary school looms. Katie Kirby uses that exaggerated sense of catastrophe brilliantly, building a story full of friendship worries, body-conscious panic and the kind of everyday humiliation that feels enormous at that age. The diary format and illustrations keep the pace lively, while details like Lottie’s hamsters give the book extra personality. It is an ideal choice for readers who like their school stories funny, candid and emotionally spot-on.
Paperback
Order by 6pm for Same Day Dispatch
3. Harry Potter And The Philosopher'S Stone
by J. K. Rowling
€8.99
Ideal for readers who: Love children’s fantasy that opens the door to a richly imagined world Are ready for a boy wizard’s first step into secrets, spells and friendship Want Hogwarts, Privet Drive and a castle full of wonder vividly brought to life Enjoy classic middle-grade adventures packed with humour, heart and pure escapism Loved by millions of readers worldwide, let the first story in the greatest children's book series of all time take you on an unforgettable journey. The hope and wonder of Harry Potter's world will make you want to escape to Hogwarts again and again. The magic starts here! Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin. J.K. Rowling's enduringly popular Harry Potter books continue to captivate new generations of readers. Harry's first adventure alongside his friends, Ron and Hermione, will whisk you away to Hogwarts, an enchanted, turreted castle filled with disappearing staircases, pearly-white ghosts and magical paintings that flit from frame to frame. This gorgeous paperback edition features a spectacular cover by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, as well as refreshed bonus material including fun facts exploring the origins of names such as Albus Dumbledore, Hedwig and other favourite characters. Get ready for the magical journey of a lifetime! SORTING - SPELLS - SECRETS Seven magical stories, one epic adventure. Praise for the Harry Potter books: 'That rare thing, a series of stories adored by parents and children alike.' - Daily Telegraph 'A phenomenon … Grown men in suits have been spotted with them on trains. Parents squabble over who gets to read them to the kids, and teachers say a chapter can silence the most rowdy of classes.' - Guardian 'One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times.' - Sunday Telegraph 'Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff.' - Mirror 'The only thing wrong with it is that you can't put it down.' - Fiona Chadwick, 9 years old 'It is very funny. I would love to be Harry and make up some magic spell to play on my teachers.' - Tom El-Shawk, 11 years old 'My mum loved it so much she would not let my dad read any of it to me.' - Alexander Benn, 7 and 9¼ years old 'It's for all ages and it's brilliant.' - Katrina Farrant, 10 years old
Paperback
Order by 6pm for Same Day Dispatch
4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
€9.49
The first book in the bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Now with a new cover look! Discover the story behind the Disney+ series. HALF BOY - HALF GOD - ALL HERO. Look, I never asked to be the son of a Greek god. I was just a normal kid. . . until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Percy Jackson is having a bad week. His life has gone from totally normal to monsters-from-Greek-mythology-randomly-appearing kind of strange. Worse still, the king of the gods thinks Percy has stolen his all-powerful lightning bolt - and it seems making Zeus angry is a very bad idea. Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to catch the true lightning thief and stop all-out war from erupting on Mount Olympus. . . What could possibly go wrong? Return to the World of Percy Jackson in the best-selling, brand-new adventure featuring the original hero in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Chalice of the Gods - out now! And don't miss the trio's next adventure in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess, coming soon! Ideal for readers who: Are ready for a fantasy adventure where Greek gods crash into modern life Might be pulled in straight away by Percy trying to clear his name and stop a war Have a soft spot for quests powered by monsters, mythology and loyal friendships Need a fast, funny page-turner with real momentum from the opening chapter
Paperback
Order by 6pm for Same Day Dispatch
6. Keeper of the Lost Cities: Unlocked
by Shannon Messenger
€10.99
Book 8.5 in the New York Times bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series delivers what fans have been begging for! Told in an exciting new way, the saga continues with plenty of huge reveals and shocking new twists - plus a complete series guide with beautiful colour and black-and-white illustrations and other awesome bonuses, never seen before in the UK! In this extra special installment of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, the story picks up right from Legacy's particularly devastating cliffhanger. But chapters alternate between Sophie and Keefe's perspectives to give readers deeper insights into both beloved characters. New powers will be discovered. Hard truths from the past will come to light. And all of your favourite characters will find themselves tested in ways they never imagined. And that's not all! Unlocked also includes a comprehensive guide to the world of the Lost Cities, featuring new character and world details that have never been revealed before - plus fun bonuses like Keeper-themed recipes, a detailed map of the Lost Cities, gorgeous full-colour illustrations, and so much more! Don't miss the brand-new book in the series, Stellarlune, coming in November 2022. Pre-order now! Books in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series: Keeper of the Lost Cities Exile Everblaze Neverseen Lodestar Nightfall Flashback Legacy Unlocked Ideal for readers who: Are already deep into the series and want the story to keep moving after a major cliffhanger Could be especially drawn to alternating Sophie and Keefe viewpoints Like fantasy worlds that reward close reading with extra lore, maps and hidden detail Want a bridge book that still delivers real revelations, not just bonus material
Paperback
Order by 6pm for Same Day Dispatch
11. Tom Gates: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
by Liz Pichon
€7.99
"Funny, gripping and exciting. This fun illustrated book inspired me to start doodling!" says Florence, The Week Junior's Summer of Reading 2023 "10 out of 10." The Guardian The first title in the bestselling series from the brilliantly talented Liz Pichon. Tom Gates is the master of excuses for late homework: dog attacks & spilt water & lightning... Tom's exercise book is full of his doodles, cartoons and thoughts, as well as comments from his long-suffering teacher, Mr Fullerton. After gaining five merits for his CAMPING SUCKS holiday story, Tom's work starts to go downhill - which is a pity, as he's desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him... ABOUT THE SERIES: Written in diary form Full of Tom's doodles and pictures & his amazing sense of humour This first title in the series, was the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize! Perfect gifts for boys & girls who love to laugh themselves silly The first TV series of The Brilliant World of Tom Gates won the Scottish BAFTA for Entertainment! Love Tom Gates? Don't miss Liz Pichon's spectacular Shoe Wars, a laugh-out-loud, gadget-packed adventure! Praise for The Brilliant World of Tom Gates "This entertaining book tackles the serious issues of bullying, poverty and difficult family circumstances with a light-hearted touch." BookTrust "this book's perfect for... anyone, really. Boys AND girls can read it. Mainly because it's so funny!" Love Reading Ideal for readers who: Enjoy funny, highly illustrated stories told in a scribbly diary style Would be drawn straight in by school excuses, doodles and everyday disasters Like books where homework, crushes and classroom life all share the spotlight Prefer humour that feels energetic, visual and easy to race through
Paperback
Order by 6pm for Same Day Dispatch