In the world of children’s literature, finding the perfect book for a young reader can be a wonderful but sometimes daunting task given the number of books available. This is where Toppsta.com comes in. Launched in 2014, Toppsta is a website to discover the very best children’s books. It was the brainchild of Georgina Atwell who wanted to create a place where young readers could write reviews and see which books other children were really enjoying, not just the books adults wanted them to read. And 10 years on, Toppsta is a thriving community, with over 150,000 book reviews making it a fantastic resource for finding book recommendations.
Georgina has kindly offered to share some of the most popular book series with readers aged 7 to 12. If you’d like to add your own reviews, it’s free to join and you’ll be able to write reviews and enter their free book giveaways to discover new books and authors.
Anisha, Accidental Detective
by Serena Patel and Emma McGann (7+)
This super-sweet series follows the adventures of Anisha Mistry, a young girl with a knack for solving mysteries. Set against the backdrop of her vibrant British-Indian family, each book combines clever problem solving with courage, curiosity and kindness.
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey (7+)
There’s been a huge increase in graphic novels recently and Dog Man was one of the first series to really take off. Featuring a crime-fighting canine who is part dog, part man, trying to outwit his arch-enemy Lil Petey, this is a fabulously fun series.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney (7+)
This beloved series needs little introduction, it chronicles the life of Greg Heffley, a middle-school student navigating the ups and downs of adolescence. Packed with witty illustrations and relatable scenarios, it’s a favorite among young readers. While parents are often keen for their children to explore other series, this one has undoubtedly sparked a love of reading in countless children and should not be underestimated.
Warrior Cats
by Erin Hunter (9+)
This thrilling series follows the lives of feral cats living in clans. Its intricate plots and rich world-building have been a huge hit with young readers, who have enjoyed the stories of loyalty, bravery and survival. The beauty of this series is that there are various different sub-series and hundreds of books, so it will keep your child occupied for months!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
by Rick Riordan (9+)
Blending modern-day settings with ancient mythology, this series follows Percy Jackson, a demigod, as he embarks on a series of thrilling quests. I’d recommend for ages 9+ and there are some fantastic new graphic novels editions out this year too.
Lottie Brooks
by Katie Kirby (9+)
Move over Dork Diaries, there’s a new kid in town! This humorous and relatable look at the life of an eleven-year-old girl navigating school, friendships, and family is filled with diary-style entries and witty illustrations, capturing the everyday challenges and triumphs of growing up.
Murder Most Unladylike
by Robin Stevens (9+)
Featuring young detectives Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells solving mysteries in a 1930s boarding school setting, this series combines clever plots with historical charm. There are nine books in the series and each book provides a fresh mystery for the friends to crack
Skulduggery Pleasant
by Derek Landy (10+)
Don’t be put off by the slightly creepy covers, this is a fantastic series about a wise-cracking (and dead) detective. It’s funny, fast-paced and has won multiple awards over the years.
Geek Girl
by Holly Smale (10+)
A popular series which follows Harriet Manners, a socially awkward teenage girl who unexpectedly becomes a fashion model. Harriet’s relatable struggles and quirky personality has made her a reader favourite and this series offers a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre.
Alex Rider
by Anthony Horowitz (10+)
If your children like thrills and adventure, they’ll love this series which follows a teenage spy recruited by MI6. Readers love the fast-paced plots, dangerous missions and high-tech gadgets as Alex uses his intelligence and resourcefulness to outsmart the enemy.
You can find these series and more children’s book recommendations at https://toppsta.com
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