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Children's reading lists

24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

Wilder than Midnight

"An absolutely enchanting tale . . . I adored it." Tamzin Merchant, author of The Hatmakers 
 
A bold and evocative new adventure novel from Cerrie Burnell, celebrating difference and found family. Perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Katherine Rundell and Catherine Doyle. 
 
Silverthorne is a place of secrets. A forest of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and whispers of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and unknown. But something is stirring in the leaves . . . 
 
Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules. 
Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she's told awaits her. 
Wild Rose is a fierce girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and fearlessness and cunning. 
 
 
Together, they will change life in Silverthorne forever. 
 
"Wildly exciting and wickedly whimsical . . . a story as warming and delicious as stolen porridge." Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables 
 
"One of the most delightful stories I've read in years. Burnell's writing sparkles like starlight, guiding you through a wild fairy tale brimming with friendship, magic and hope." Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows series 
 
"A story of girls, glorious girls, in all their feisty, feminine brilliance." Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

This story is just the sort I would have loved as a girl - I adored its sparkling words, feisty heroines and spirited narrative as well as its message of loving the body we're born with - pure fairytale magic with so many twists. From the very first turn of the page it swept me under its powerful spell...I would happily have lived there for a hundred years!

Wilder than Midnight is my new favourite fairy tale adventure; magnificent as a starry sky, and guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it.

Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and ambassador. During her time on CBeebies she broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcame discrimination to become one of the most visible disabled presenters on children's television. She is also the author of thirteen children's books including her award-winning non-fiction title, I Am Not A Label.

Silverthorne is a place of secrets and stories. A forest full of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and murmurs of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and whispered. And something is stirring in the leaves . . . 
 
Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules. 
Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she's told awaits her. 
Wild Rose is a fearless girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and cunning. 
 
Together, they will change Silverthorne forever.

The Princess and the Thief

From author and disability ambassador Cerrie Burnell comes a gorgeous tale of spellbinding magic and wild adventure, all set in an evocative reimagined Italy - perfect for fans of Connie Glynn’s Undercover Princess and the Twin Crowns series. 
 
In the Kingdom of Venetia subjects can wield magic, but its power depends on their standing in society. Most magic is good, but there are also extreme rare dark enchantments, only to be used in the most desperate of times. . . 
 
Fifteen years ago, two babies were born to very different families. Both girls were born without their right hands, and now their long dark hair, sparkling green eyes and disabilities make it tricky to tell them apart. 
 
Neva grew up to be a talented thief, able to cast incredible enchantments with magic she shouldn’t be able to access. She also longs to be an opera singer, but lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight. 
 
Princess Aria is the last remaining member of the royal family. Few know that she has lost almost all her magic, and can only access one royal, golden strand of it. She’s a brave young woman, but without her magic the palace is vulnerable to foes. 
 
Though Aria and Neva lead very different lives, a chance encounter one midsummer night entwines them in a thrilling adventure that will change their fates forever...

Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and ambassador. During her time on CBeebies she broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcame discrimination to become one of the most visible presenters on children's TV. She has been listed by the Observer as one of the top ten children's presenters of all time. 
 
Cerrie is the author of thirteen children's books including her first non-fiction title, the award-winning I Am Not a Label; Snowflakes, which she adapted for the stage; as well as the Harper series, which was selected for a World Book Day title. 
 
She also wrote and starred in the play Winged: A Fairytale, as well as creating the one-woman show The Magical Playroom, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe. 
 
In 2017 Cerrie was awarded an honorary degree for Services to Media from the Open University. She is a patron of Polka Theatre and has been an author-in-residence at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 
 
Since leaving CBeebies in 2017, Cerrie has appeared on television in Doctors and made the eye-opening documentary Silenced: The Hidden Story of Disabled Britain. In 2021 Cerrie joined the BBC's Creative Diversity team as one of their new Disability Ambassadors.

From author and disability ambassador Cerrie Burnell comes a gorgeous tale of spellbinding magic and wild adventure, all set in an evocative reimagined Italy - perfect for fans of Connie Glynn’s Undercover Princess and the Twin Crowns series. 
 
In the Kingdom of Venetia subjects can wield magic, but its power depends on their standing in society. Most magic is good, but there are also extreme rare dark enchantments, only to be used in the most desperate of times. . . 
 
Fifteen years ago, two babies were born to very different families. Both girls were born without their right hands, and now their long dark hair, sparkling green eyes and disabilities make it tricky to tell them apart. 
 
Neva grew up to be a talented thief, able to cast incredible enchantments with magic she shouldn’t be able to access. She also longs to be an opera singer, but lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight. 
 
Princess Aria is the last remaining member of the royal family. Few know that she has lost almost all her magic, and can only access one royal, golden strand of it. She’s a brave young woman, but without her magic the palace is vulnerable to foes. 
 
Though Aria and Neva lead very different lives, a chance encounter one midsummer night entwines them in a thrilling adventure that will change their fates forever...

Cerrie Burnell

Praise for Wilder than Midnight: 'Guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it'

Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs

A Wilder than Midnight Story

Long ago, on a winter's eve, two sisters walked into a wolf-wild wood but only one returned. . . 
 
The Faraway Wood is full of twisting thorns and sharp teeth. Stirring with myth and music. It's the perfect place for bandits, thieves and secrets to hide. 
 
Until a prince goes missing. 
 
Lilac is a strong girl, happy with her found family, yet searching for her sister. 
Clover is a determined girl, eager to find what's been lost to her, though scared to leave her village. 
Hester is a smart girl, one step ahead of trouble, and ready for adventure. 
 
Together, they will unite the realm.

Cerrie Burnell

Praise for Swifter than Starlight

**Praise for Wilder than Midnight:** 'Guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it'

Books by Cerrie Burnell

Series by Cerrie Burnell

Wilder Than Midnight

Articles featuring Cerrie Burnell

24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

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