We're welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 6th January 2026! Reminder it will be Week B on return
This month our reading list is all themed around adventure!
Reading is the best way to improve your reading age, to become a better writer and to enjoy whole new worlds! We hope you enjoy this amazing selection of books - there's an adventure out there for everyone!
Long Way Down is a gripping novel-in-verse that unfolds over the course of a single elevator ride. After his brother is killed, 15-year-old Will sets out for revenge, but during his descent, he encounters ghosts from his past who challenge everything he believes. Jason Reynolds’ powerful storytelling and poetic style make this a fast but unforgettable read. Thought-provoking, emotional, and deeply impactful, Long Way Down is a must-read for those who love raw, realistic stories about choices, consequences, and the cycle of violence.
A 5* Student Review for this book:
Written in verse, Long Way Down is breathtakingly gripping and spectacular.
You almost read it without breathing; the action is so tense, the language so powerful.
The author Jason Reynolds has said that he planned not to write boring books, so young people who think they hate books will learn that they don’t.
He’s succeeded in his aim by a million degrees: this is one of the most exciting books written for young people or anyone.
Solo, co-authored by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess, was published in 2017 by Blink. The coming-of-age story follows 17-year-old Blade, the adopted son of a former rock star, as he discovers the truth of his parentage, meets his biological mother, and mends his relationship with his adoptive father
Solo by Kwame Alexander is a powerful novel-in-verse about music, identity, and self-discovery. Following Blade, the son of a washed-up rock star, the story takes readers on an emotional journey from fame and family struggles to a life-changing trip to Ghana. With lyrical writing and deep themes, Solo is a must-read for fans of heartfelt coming-of-age stories.
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.
Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera is a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story about living life to the fullest. When Mateo and Rufus receive a call that they have only one day left to live, they embark on an unforgettable journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Emotional, thought-provoking, and deeply moving—this book will stay with you long after you finish it.
Comedian Trevor Noah shares his hilarious yet powerful journey growing up in apartheid South Africa as the son of a Black mother and white father. Through humour and honesty, he explores identity, resilience, and his mother’s unwavering strength.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is a powerful, funny, and deeply moving memoir about his childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. With humor and heart, Noah shares stories of struggle, resilience, and his remarkable mother. Perfect for fans of insightful storytelling and comedy, this book is both entertaining and eye-opening.
Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, haunted by his secret knowledge of his mother's infidelity, is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father for the first time since the divorce. When the plane crashes, killing the pilot, the sole survivor is Brian.
If you love survival stories, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a must-read. When 13-year-old Brian crashes in the wilderness with only a hatchet, he must learn to survive alone. With vivid storytelling and intense adventure, this classic novel is perfect for fans of resilience, nature, and coming-of-age tales.
If you love action-packed sci-fi with a fresh take on superheroes, Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson is a must-read. In a world ruled by ruthless superpowered beings called Epics, David Charleston seeks revenge against the seemingly invincible Steelheart. With gripping twists, intense battles, and clever world-building, this book is perfect for fans of dystopian adventures and underdog heroes. A thrilling start to The Reckoners trilogy!
Make sure you send your book reviews to us at e.russell@lordswoodboys.co.uk or b.cociasi@lordswoodboys.co.uk to add these to your 150 Challenge Reading List
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