Top ten books for great half-term reading

Half-term gives kids a great chance to catch-up on some great, fun, reading time. And with these adventure-packed, hilarious and heart-warming books, we guarantee your child won't get bored this break. Keep their minds sharp and boost their English skills with some of these fabulous new releases:

1. The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop

by Clare Balding

A classic, funny, animal story about 10-year-old Charlie Bass who is absolutely horse-mad. After her dreams come true and she buys a pony that she thinks is perfect, Charlie faces a major problem; her horse, Noble Warrior, won't gallop. With the family farm at risk of being repossessed and Darby Day just around the corner, Charlie is convinced that Noble Warrior can save the day. Can Charlie enlist the help of her family and help Noble Warrior overcome his nerves?

2. Clover Moon

by Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson's new book about Clover Moon, a bright, young heroine who's imagination is her escape from her hard life in Victorian London. Sad, moving, exciting, this book has everything and your children will struggle to put it down. A great read for ages 7-12.

3. The World's Worst Children

by David Walliams

For those who have yet to read this wonderfully funny and entertaining book about truly terrible children, then this half-term is the perfect opportunity. Get ready to meet five beastly boys and five gruesome girls including Dribbling Drew, Grubby Gertrude and Nigel Nit-Boy. An absolute must-read for all young readers who enjoy a good giggle.

4. Double Down (Diary of a Wimpy Kid book 11)

by Jeff Kinney

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a best-selling series and for all those fans this read is an absolute must. Greg's mum is on his back about the amount of time he spends playing video games. With Halloween coming up, Greg discovers a bag of gummy worms and his mind goes into overdrive. Can Greg make a movie and become rich and famous getting his mum off his case in the process? Or will doubling down just double Greg's troubles?

5. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

by J.K.Rowling

Author of the adored and internationally best-selling Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling introduces this magnificent adventure-packed story about Newt Scamander, a Magizoologist who arrives in New York. When Newt loses his magical case and some of his unusual beasts escape, there is trouble for everyone. The film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be released in theatres on 18th November.

6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Illustrated Edition

by J.K.Rowling, Jim Kay (illustrator)

For those who want to revisit Harry Potter with the exceptionally beautiful illustrations by Jim Kay then this book is for you. Unforgettable characters, such as Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart, and dark, intriguing themes this book is full of humour and magic. Now in year two at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, Harry Potter and his friends seek out a legendary chamber and the deadly secret it hides.

7. DanTDM: Trayaurus and the Enchanted Crystal

by Dan TDM and Daniel Middleton

For all YouTube fans this graphic, adventure-filled novel sees Travarus and DanTDM embark on an exciting, yet dangerous adventure when a strange looking crystal plummets to earth and shatters into five pieces. When they recover one of the shards they quickly realise they hold an object that is far more powerful than they have ever known. Follow them on their quest to defeat evil.

8. Holding Up the Universe

by Jennifer Niven

This heartbreaking and exhilarating love-story is a new best-seller and an absolute favourite half-term read. It tells the story of Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed 'America's fattest teen' and the girl with dreams and Jack Masselin, the charming, Mr.Popular who can't recognise faces. Their lives are pushed together when they both end up in group counselling and the more time they spend together, the less alone they begin to feel.

9. Nevernight

by Jay Kristoff

This fabulous YA book is based on the story of 16 year-old Mia Corvere who has been having lessons in death since the age of ten. Since the day Mia lost everything she made a promise to seek her revenge. But first she must be trained by the Red School; and Mia is no ordinary student. A wonderful story of a heroine in a dark, dangerous fantasy world.

10. Flawed

by Cecelia Ahern

'Flawed' is a great novel about teenage life and trying to keep up with your peers. The story is about a young, beautiful model named Celestine. From a poster girl, Celestine's life is turned upside down after a moment of compassion sees her made an example of. A must read for all teenagers and a great thought-provoker.