Shameless book pimping
Some time ago, I did a post about people I know who have been published. Another few books have just come out, both for older children/younger teens (and childish adults like me):
Frances' Verdigris Deep (Sunday Times review). (Author's official site.)
and Rhi's Bad Blood. (Author's official site.)
Later edit
Having just read 'Verdigris Deep', it is very dark. I'd give it a primary-audience age-range of 8-13. Having said that, I remember a number of very good and much loved books spooking me as a child, from Alan Garner on, and a later read I think is a decent children's book is Clive Barker's 'The Thief of Always'. If you're a very protective parent you may want to read it and decide before you let anyone under 9 read it.
Very rich imagery, even for Frances. I loved some of the insights, particularly the balloon image. ( I need to go back and find the other paragraph which jumped out at me as a stand-alone excerpt).
(The other one is dark too, but my housemate hasn't left a copy lying around yet and I'm waiting to accumulate a bulk Amazon order.)
Frances' Verdigris Deep (Sunday Times review). (Author's official site.)
and Rhi's Bad Blood. (Author's official site.)
Later edit
Having just read 'Verdigris Deep', it is very dark. I'd give it a primary-audience age-range of 8-13. Having said that, I remember a number of very good and much loved books spooking me as a child, from Alan Garner on, and a later read I think is a decent children's book is Clive Barker's 'The Thief of Always'. If you're a very protective parent you may want to read it and decide before you let anyone under 9 read it.
Very rich imagery, even for Frances. I loved some of the insights, particularly the balloon image. ( I need to go back and find the other paragraph which jumped out at me as a stand-alone excerpt).
(The other one is dark too, but my housemate hasn't left a copy lying around yet and I'm waiting to accumulate a bulk Amazon order.)