You:Rated - The Books That Made My Childhood
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Recently, we asked what books from your childhood are most special to you, or had the biggest impact. Here are some of the top picks from our Writers’ Club members and what you sent us on socials.
Feather Boy by Nicky Singer
“On my last day of primary school, my headteacher handed me Feather Boy: a beautiful book by Nicky Singer that, now at 18 years old, I can say I haven’t really been able to properly put down since. It tells the story of Robert Nobel, the school pariah, for whom a combination of bullying, parent separation and unfortunate bookish looks convinces him that he’s worthless. But according to Edith Sorrell, an elderly woman whom he meets through a school programme at a nursing home, Robert can do anything. Feather Boy is so important to me not only because it’s so well written, which has inspired me through many lulls of confidence in my own journey as an aspiring writer from as young as 11, but also because it’s an extraordinary tale of self-empowerment. It’s a book about facing your fears. And everyone needs one of those on their bookshelf to pick up from time to time.” Natalia, Writers’ Club member
The Butterfly Club by Jaqueline Wilson
This was a top pick on socials, with people saying they “loved it and read it so quickly!” It’s a book about Tina, one of three triplets. Tina is much smaller than her sisters, Phil and Maddie, and relies on them most of the time. When the girls start scary Miss Lovejoy's class, they are split up and Tina has to sit next to the meanest girl in school, Selma Johnson. But when Miss Lovejoy asks them to help her create a butterfly garden in the school playground, Tina discovers she doesn't always need her sisters - and that there's a lot more to Selma than first meets the eye. It’s a story about friendship, confidence, and becoming your own person.
Paddington, The Original Story of the Bear from Peru by Michael Bond
Another favourite on our socials, people love this book because “I learnt to read with Paddington and it’s always special when the movie is on TV”. This book tells the story of how Paddington Bear first arrived in London from darkest Peru, arriving at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase and an old hat. Found by the Brown family, they take him home and many different adventures happen! From making friends with antiques dealers to making enemies of neighbours, Paddington always finds himself in some sort of funny shenanigan. He is curious, naive, but also fascinated by his new life in London.
The Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage
Quite a few of you on social mentioned the Septimus Heap series, saying they’re “like Harry Potter but with more horror”, that they “awoke the writer in me as a kid” and are “a real page turner and made me cry”! The seven novels - Magyk, Flyte, Queste, Syren, Darke, and Fyre - feature Septimus Heap, who is the seventh son of a seventh son, and has extraordinary magical powers. After becoming an apprentice to a wizard, Septimus has to study study study. His many adventures are placed in the context of the warmth and strength of his family, and developed alongside those of Jenna, his adoptive sister, who is heir to the throne where they live. Set in an elaborate fantasy world, each book delves into another challenge that Septimus and his friends must overcome.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
“One of my favourite books of all time, and the book I thought of when looking at this question, is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I first read it when I was about nine, when I borrowed the most beautiful illustrated copy from the school library. Although when I first read it, I found it very difficult to decipher the Yorkshire dialect used in some parts! To this day, The Secret Garden remains one of my favourite books of all time. It is a vivid, vibrant story of growing up, and of exploring and discovering new things. The book feels magical, and it is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. It is such an important book about accepting yourself for who you are, starting new adventures and the importance of the friends you make along the way. For so many reasons, this is the childhood book that will always have a special place in my heart.” - Kaitlin, Writers’ Club member
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
“I grew up watching it with my grandad and then got to study it in school” was one of the reasons this book was a top pick. The classic tale by Dickens tells the story of bitter, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Famously against Christmas, Scrooge does everything he can to make it seem like just another day…and a miserable one at that. But everything changes one Christmas Eve, when Scrooge is visited by a series of ghosts, starting with his old business partner, Jacob Marley. He then gets visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come who show him how his mean behaviour has affected those around him. At the end of the story he is relieved to discover that there is still time for him to change and we see him transformed into a generous and kind-hearted human being. A Christmas miracle indeed!
Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
“I grew up reading these and always related to the main character. They were a joy to read” you said on socials. The book series follows Nikki Maxwell as she chronicles her life. New schools, battles with queen bee MacKenzie, crushes, adventures with her BFFs Chloe and Zoey, and a whole lot more. The series is written in a diary format, and uses drawings, doodles, and comic strips to bring Nikki’s world to life!
Inkspell by Cornelia Funke
This was a favourite because “It’s my comfort book.” Inkspell is actually the sequel to Inkheart, and for protagonist Meggie, life is still a fairytale come to life. But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the mediaeval world of his past. He goes in search of Meggie, and before long, both are caught inside the book, too, in ways neither of them could ever have imagined.
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
“Reading The Mortal Instruments series, at twelve years old, was one of the best things I ever did. I picked it up, and was pleasantly surprised to find a fun, fleshed-out fantasy universe. The more books I read in the series the more addicted I became, especially as it was the first book series I’d ever read with LGBTQ+ representation. But the best thing about this series was that it helped me meet my best friend. If I’d never found this series to recommend to her, we’d never have got chatting, and my life would be so much duller. So, I will be forever grateful to City of Bones (the book, not the awful movie version!) for setting me up with a lifelong friendship.” - Emily, Writers’ Club member
Other honourable mentions include:
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon
Boy’s Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman
How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
