My Favourite Books Growing Up
A trip down memory lane as I discuss my favourite YA novels from when I was around 10!
I’ve always been a reader. I learnt most words from the pages of books, and consequently now say them wrong! My speaking and reading level are not on par because I spent too much time with my nose buried in a book that socialising with other people. My brother and sister would play together while I’d read.
My parents aren’t readers and they didn’t let me on the internet so I had to choose books that caught my eye in the book shop which meant I didn’t often read the books other people my age were reading like The Hunger Games or The Fault in the Stars. Instead I gravitated towards dystopian/fantasy/spy series, always begging my mum to check when the next book in the series would come out.
It wasn’t until I was planning this article that I realised I used to read fantasy, and then somehow stopped and went nowhere near it until recently, thinking I would not like it. I’m not sure what happened there, but my love for dystopians never went away.
So today I’m going to take you down memory lane and get nostalgic about some of my favourite books growing up!
Clarice Bean Series, Lauren Child
When I was about ten, I won a book token for creating a book about the history of the world cup — and my book I mean where you staple like ten pieces of paper together because that’s all the stapler can do and probably a few paragraphs copied from wikipedia — and from that book token I picked Clarice Bean That’s Me.
I adore these books! It’s probably partly because of the illustrations and their resemblance to the children series Charlie and Lola. They were just wholesome and pure. I remember I also fell in love with the word ‘utterly’ from these books. It just makes me smile thinking about them!
Septamus Heap Series, Angie Sage
One of the first series I can remember loving was the Septamus Heap series by Angie Sage. I was obsessed with these books, from the illustrations, to the worlds and the whole family dynamic. They were some chunky books but I devoured them, just wanting more and more information about this magical world. I remember I also doodled these characters endlessly. It was such a vivid and rich world that Sage created!
For those who have not heard of the series, here’s a little summary of the 7 main books. They follow Septimus Heap and his friends in a richly imagined world of magic. Each book following Septamus as he learns about his magical powers and gets older:
Magyk
The first book introduces Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, who is stolen at birth and presumed dead. The story follows his family and the discovery that he is alive, leading to his journey to reclaim his magical heritage.
Flyte
Septimus continues his training as an apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard, Marcia Overstrand. He must also deal with his brother Simon, who has turned to dark magyk.
Physik
Septimus is sent back in time to the age of the evil Queen Etheldredda and must find his way back while discovering more about his magical abilities.
Queste
Septimus embarks on a dangerous quest that no apprentice has ever returned from, navigating through various magical challenges and dark forces.
Syren
After escaping the perils of the Queste, Septimus faces new threats, including a mysterious Syren and a hidden menace.
Darke
Septimus must enter the Darke, a realm of powerful and dangerous magic, to rescue his friends and protect his world from an impending doom.
Fyre
The final book sees Septimus and his friends using all their skills and knowledge to confront and defeat the dark powers threatening their world once and for all.
The series will also hold a place in my heart for its intricate world-building, engaging characters, and blend of adventure, humour, and magic. I hope to revisit the series one day, to sift them out of my parents attic, and hopefully fall in love with the world all over again.
Gallagher Girls Series, Ali Carter
The next series I remember loving, was the Gallagher Girls series by Ali Carter. These were iconic. I got the first novel in a magazine as the gift and gave it a read! I ate up the whole spy and boarding school content.
I re-read the first novel of this series recently as a pdf whilst I pretended to do my work and it was less exciting than I remembered. But when I was younger I wanted to be al so bad! I hoped I would be snatched and popped in a boarding school to be a spy! I also loved the uniforms, the cute little tie things! The logo with the skull and the cover with spaghetti was also like art to me! All of it was just chef’s kiss.
But for those of you who haven’t read the series, here’s a summary:
It follows the adventures of Cammie Morgan, a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a top-secret school for spies and each book has a punny spy title:
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Cammie Morgan is a sophomore at Gallagher Academy, where she learns espionage and covert operations. Despite her spy training, she finds herself in uncharted territory when she falls for a normal boy, Josh, and must keep her true identity a secret while navigating the challenges of teenage romance and her spy education.
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
Cammie returns to school after a summer break, only to discover that the Gallagher Academy is hosting an exchange program with male spies from the Blackthorne Institute. Amidst the new dynamics and rivalries, Cammie uncovers a mysterious plot and faces new dangers, including her complicated feelings for Zach, one of the Blackthorne boys.
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Cammie and her friends attend a political convention to support their friend Macey McHenry. When an unexpected attack occurs, Cammie becomes entangled in a larger conspiracy. She delves deeper into the world of espionage, trying to uncover who is behind the attacks and protect her loved ones.
Only the Good Spy Young
Cammie learns that she is being hunted by a mysterious organization known as the Circle of Cavan. With her father still missing and the threat growing, Cammie must rely on her training and friends to uncover the truth and stay one step ahead of the Circle.
Out of Sight, Out of Time
After disappearing for months, Cammie wakes up with no memory of what happened to her. As she pieces together her lost memories, she realizes that she may have discovered crucial information about the Circle of Cavan. The stakes are higher than ever as Cammie races against time to solve the mystery and protect those she cares about.
United We Spy
In the final instalment, Cammie and her friends prepare for their final showdown with the Circle of Cavan. With graduation approaching, they must use all their skills and knowledge to thwart the organization's plans. The series concludes with an epic battle and the resolution of Cammie's journey as a young spy.
Night School Series, C. J. Daughtery
I wanted red hair after reading these books! And to yet again be a spy at a boarding school! Night School is definitely more mature than the Gallagher Girl series — darker and more sophisticated. I don’t remember how I came across them, I just knew I wished there were more than five.
I remember that there was a web series online which I was obsessed with watching and I would always look to see if they were making it into a tv show or movie. And to be honest, I think they still should!
For those you have not read or heard of Night School, here’s what its all about:
A young adult mystery-thriller series that follows the journey of Allie Sheridan, a teenager who finds herself embroiled in a world of secrets, danger, and intrigue at an elite boarding school.
Night School
In the first book, Allie Sheridan is sent to Cimmeria Academy after a series of rebellious acts following her brother's disappearance. At Cimmeria, she discovers the existence of the Night School, a secretive group within the academy. As Allie navigates her new life, she uncovers hidden truths about the school, her family, and the powerful forces at play. She forms close bonds with fellow students, including Carter West and Sylvain Cassel, and learns that her brother's disappearance is connected to the school's mysteries.
Legacy
In Legacy, Allie delves deeper into the secrets of Cimmeria Academy and the Night School. She learns that the school is at the center of a political struggle involving powerful families and that she is a key player in this conflict. As tensions rise, Allie must decide who to trust and how to protect those she cares about. The dangers escalate as she faces betrayal and the ever-present threat from those who wish to control her.
Fracture
The third book sees Allie grappling with the consequences of the revelations and events in the previous books. The threat from the school's enemies becomes more intense, and Allie finds herself on the run. The bonds between the students are tested as they fight to survive and uncover the truth behind the academy's secrets. Allie must confront her fears and make difficult choices to protect her friends and herself.
Resistance
In the fourth book the stakes are higher than ever. Allie and her friends are determined to bring down the forces threatening Cimmeria Academy and expose the truth. The battle between the school's protectors and their enemies reaches a critical point, and Allie discovers new aspects of her family's history that further complicate her situation. Loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice are key themes as the characters face their most dangerous challenges yet.
Endgame
Endgame is the final instalment of the series, where all the threads come together for a dramatic conclusion. Allie and her allies prepare for a final showdown with their enemies. The ultimate confrontation tests their strength, resilience, and unity. Secrets are revealed, and Allie must make the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loves and ensure the future of Cimmeria Academy.
Slated Series, Teri Terry
I guess slated was my first step into dystopian and I was obsessed. The whole memory loss concept was fascinating to me and I wonder now if it propelled me into my interest in philosophy. This trilogy was like nothing I’d read before at the time, and I suppose now is comparable to The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa. And while now it kind of feels like I’ve had my memory slated, I know that these books were incredible when I was younger and perhaps should be re-read.
The series is about is a dystopian young adult trilogy that explores themes of memory, identity, and control.
Slated
The first book introduces Kyla, a sixteen-year-old girl whose memory has been erased. In this future society, teenage criminals are Slated – their memories wiped clean, giving them a second chance with a new identity. Kyla is placed with a new family and begins her life anew, but she soon realises that fragments of her past are resurfacing. She struggles with the rules imposed by the government and the threats of the Lorders, the enforcers of this regime. As Kyla navigates her new life, she meets Ben, another Slated, and together they begin to uncover the dark truths behind the Slating process and question the motives of those in power.
Fractured
In Fractured, Kyla's journey of self-discovery and rebellion continues. As her memories start to return, she finds herself caught between her past and present identities. Kyla learns more about her former life and the resistance movement opposing the Lorders. She grapples with the realisation that she was once a part of this resistance. As the stakes rise, Kyla must decide where her loyalties lie and whom she can trust. The mystery deepens as she uncovers more about her true identity and the extent of the government's control over its citizens.
Shattered
The final book, Shattered, sees Kyla determined to expose the truth and fight against the oppressive regime. With her memories increasingly restored, she understands the full extent of the government's manipulation and the lies surrounding the Slating program. Kyla faces immense danger as she aligns with the resistance, seeking to bring down the Lorders and free those subjected to the Slating process. The climax of the series is a battle for freedom and justice, with Kyla at the heart of the struggle to reclaim her identity and her past.
Witch and Wizard Series, James Patterson
James Patterson was my go to author when I was a kid, and I certainly reading his adult crime fiction before I should have been! But Witch and Wizard a free book my grandparents picked up and gave to me to try. I remember I’d probably picked the book up two or three times, and I struggled to get through the first couple of pages, the language being to difficult to me at the time. But when I was finally old enough to read it, these books were all I thought about!
The sibling dynamic, the dystopian and the regime, the character development and simply the magic these two hold. I loved their names and their love for their parents too. It’s truly a magnificent series!
This series is about the adventures of siblings Whit and Wisty Allgood as they discover their magical abilities and fight against a totalitarian regime.
Witch and Wizard
The story begins with the sudden arrest of Whit and Wisty Allgood by the New Order, a new totalitarian government led by the One Who Is The One. Accused of being a witch and a wizard, the siblings are thrown into a prison where they discover they indeed possess magical powers. With the help of their newfound abilities, they manage to escape and join a resistance group known as the Resistance. The siblings must navigate their new reality, learn to control their powers, and understand the full extent of the New Order’s oppressive regime.
The Gift
In the second book, Whit and Wisty continue their battle against the New Order. They learn that they are part of a prophecy and possess unique gifts that are crucial to the fight against the oppressive government. As they develop their powers, they also face personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones and the constant threat of capture. The siblings strive to unlock the secrets of their abilities and the significance of their roles in the rebellion.
The Fire
The Fire sees Whit and Wisty facing even greater dangers as they become the symbols of hope for the Resistance. The New Order intensifies its efforts to capture and destroy them. The siblings' bond and their magical abilities are put to the ultimate test as they confront the One Who Is The One in a final battle. The fate of their world hangs in the balance, and Whit and Wisty must harness the full power of their gifts to stand a chance against their enemies.
The Kiss
In the fourth installment, the story delves deeper into the personal lives and relationships of Whit and Wisty. While continuing their fight against the New Order, they also face internal conflicts and romantic entanglements. The siblings must reconcile their personal desires with their responsibilities to the Resistance. New characters and alliances emerge, complicating their quest for freedom and justice.
The Lost
The final book, The Lost brings the series to a dramatic conclusion. Whit and Wisty must navigate a world that has been changed forever by their actions. The New Order is on the brink of collapse, but new threats arise that challenge the siblings in unexpected ways. The final showdown forces them to confront their deepest fears and make choices that will determine the future of their world. The series culminates in a battle for liberation and the establishment of a new order based on freedom and hope.
The Chaos Walking Series, Patrick Ness
My librarian recommended me this series and man did it hurt to read — it’s so sad! I remember I was going to buy an ipod off a kind of dodgy man and was finishing the first book in the car and just wanting to cry!
This YA fantasy series so intricate and detailed, and once again nothing like I’d read before. I’ve read a few of Ness’s works and he has an incredible way of writing.
The Knife of Never Letting Go
The story is set on a distant planet called New World, where a mysterious germ called the Noise has infected all living creatures, making every thought audible. Todd Hewitt, the only boy in Prentisstown who is about to become a man, lives in a town with no women and is constantly bombarded by the Noise. One day, he stumbles upon a patch of silence and discovers a girl named Viola Eade. Todd learns that his entire life has been built on lies, and the two must flee to escape the tyrannical Mayor Prentiss and his army. As they journey across New World, Todd and Viola uncover dark secrets about their society and themselves.
The Ask and the Answer
Todd and Viola find themselves in Haven, which has been taken over by Mayor Prentiss, now self-proclaimed President. The town is under martial law, and Todd is separated from Viola. Todd is forced to work with the Mayor, while Viola is taken in by a group of women called The Answer, who are resisting the Mayor's rule. Both Todd and Viola are caught in a conflict between the Mayor's regime and The Answer, led by the mysterious Mistress Coyle. They must navigate complex moral choices and figure out who to trust as they fight for their freedom and each other.
Monsters of Men
The final book brings the conflict to a head as three armies—the Mayor's forces, The Answer, and a new threat from the indigenous Spackle—clash in a battle for control of New World. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, trying to broker peace while dealing with the personal and political consequences of their actions. The Noise becomes a weapon, and the war's toll on humanity and the planet becomes increasingly severe. Todd and Viola must confront their own beliefs and the true nature of power and leadership to find a way to end the violence and create a future where coexistence is possible.
Of course I’ve read many more books but these are the ones that came to my mind and still intricately remember. I’d love to go through my parents attic and reminisent about all the childhood books I couldn’t let go of, but that’s for another time.