The ‘crossover novel’ is a relatively new term in the world of publishing, although in reality we have been reading crossover novels for years. In essence, a crossover novel is a book that can be enjoyed equally by adults and by children. They are often coming-of-age stories dealing with controversial or difficult topics that will challenge young readers. In recent years, publishers have begun to recognise that really good quality children’s literature is often only fully appreciated by adult readers, and have met this growing adult demand by publishing novels with two different covers designed to appeal to either the children’s or the adult market. Thus commuters can enjoy their Harry Potter novel without fear that their fellow-passengers will judge them for reading a ‘children’s’ book…
Here are 10 of the best crossover novels to sink your teeth into (whether they’ve all come through yet or not)…
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The Book Thief Markus Zusak |
The Book Thief is a startlingly original novel about an illiterate 9-year-old girl living in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death himself. The reader is treated to a dazzling new perspective, through which the horror of the holocaust is translated into a heart-warming celebration of humanity, love and language.
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The Lord of the Rings (3 Book Box set) J. R. R. Tolkien |
Tolkien’s epic masterpiece has been entertaining adults and children alike for decades. A young hobbit and his friends are plunged into adventures beyond their wildest dreams when they undertake to fulfil a quest that could defeat the evil Lord Sauron once and for all.
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I Capture The Castle (Vintage Classics) Dodie Smith |
A captivating coming-of-age story about the eccentric and impoverished Mortmain family who live in a crumbling old castle in the 1930s. Narrated with honesty and wit by the charismatic 17-year-old Cassandra, I Capture The Castle is a warm and funny gem that will hold its well-deserved place on bookshelves for many more years to come.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone J. K. Rowling |
The book that launched 400 million sales. The adventures of the world’s most famous boy-wizard all kick off here in this innocent-looking volume. Inventive, exciting, funny and entertaining, books don’t get much more magical than this.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Mark Haddon |
An entertaining, quirky and highly original novel narrated entirely from the point of view of an autistic teenager as he embarks on a quest to solve the mystery surrounding the death of a neighbourhood dog. Mark Haddon provides a fascinating insight into a life in which the world is seen from a very unusual perspective.
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To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee |
Harper Lee’s beautifully written novel describes a young girl’s experiences of prejudice, perspective and love as her father attempts to steer her on the right course through a society blinded by hatred. A true classic, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of literature’s most enduring coming-of-age stories.
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Northern Lights (His Dark Materials) Philip Pullman |
In this, the first novel in his trilogy, Philip Pullman explores themes as profound as the soul, the afterlife, original sin and organised religion at the same time as presenting the reader with one of the most exciting and entertaining fantasy adventure stories of all time.
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A Gathering Light Jennifer Donnelly |
Book-loving Mattie Gokey, torn between ambition, love and responsibility, is given a bundle of letters by a girl shortly before she drowns in mysterious circumstances. An absorbing and haunting blend of murder, romance, mystery and history.
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Twilight (Twilight Saga) Stephenie Meyer |
Stephenie Meyer’s teenage vampire novels have taken the publishing world by storm, resulting in the creation of a hugely successful film franchise and an entirely new section in bookshops: Dark Romance. They may not be the most original or brilliantly-written novels around, but they’re strangely difficult to put down…
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
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The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas John Boyne |
An extraordinary and powerful masterpiece about innocence and evil. John Boyne’s language is deceptively simple; his message is devastating.