Jacqueline Harvey’s Book Recommendations

We couldn’t chat with Jacqueline Harvey without asking for her favourite book recommendations for young readers! From historical fiction to whimsical stories full of heart and humour, here are Jacqueline’s top picks to add to your reading list…

1. Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

This book was published in 1977 when I was in primary school, but I didn’t fall in love with it until I shared it with my Year 5 students many years later. The friendship between the two main characters, Jesse and Lesley evolves until they become almost inseparable. The tragedy that unfolds is heartbreaking and definitely has an emotional impact on the reader. It’s a story that I still think of often, many years after I first read it.

Trigger warning: The story does involve the death of a child.

2. A Great Escape by Felica Arena

This book is set in Cold War Germany when the Berlin Wall went up. It’s high-paced drama that will leave young readers on the edge of their seats. I adore historical fiction and I think Felice has really nailed the voice, the level and the stories for young readers who are dipping their toes into this genre. The Boy and the Spy, Fearless Fredric and The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan by the same author are similarly wonderful historical fiction stories covering differing periods and events.

3. The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

This is a gorgeous, whimsical story with lots of heart and humour. Dr Boogaloo is no ordinary doctor – and Blue is no ordinary girl. I loved the premise of this story – that Dr Boogaloo can cure the ails of children with music – the best medicine of all. When he meets Blue, the girl who hasn’t laughed in 712 days, he needs to find a cure before her laughter is gone forever. This is a great read!

What Will You Read Next?

A huge thank you to Jacqueline for sharing her favourite reads with us! Have you read any of these? One of them might just be your next great adventure.