Darren Shan?

[annie0000]

I have a 10 year old son who loves reading - goes through books at a rate of knots. Whilst this is fantastic, he has worked his way through most of the school library and the local library. They happily order stuff in for him from other libraries, and we buy buy him loads too. I am just looking for new series of books for him and spotted the Darren Shan books.

Has anyone read these and do you think the content would be suitable for a 10 coming up 11 year old? Not worried about the level of reading as he has a reading age of 3.5 years above his actual age. That said, he may read at a high level and be bright, but he is still interested in things that 10 year olds are and is emotionally still that age so I don't like him to have books that are too old for him.

I would also be interested in any other recommendations. Before anyone says it, I know that the classics. Tom Sayer/Swiss Family Robinson etc would be perfect for our purposes, but I just cannot get him interested in them - he'll read a page or two and that's it. I think modern books must get into the story quicker for him.

Thanks for any info.

[annie0000]

Thanks Daisy, I'll have a look - it's lovely when they enjoy reading.

Thanks again Ellipsis - I'll definitely put those on the list

Bednobs, yes he does love Horowitz - he has had quite a lot of his books, I don't think he has had that series though so I'll look that one up.

Joko & Alexander, thanks some more great suggestions for me to check out.

Thanks all that has been really useful and I have a nice wee list to consult with the library to see what they have available and/or go shopping for bargains with!

[LeMarchand]

A bit late to the party, but Philip Reeve is well worth checking out. His "Larklight" trilogy is definitely suitable age-wise and the language (it's a pastiche of early 20th Century adventure writing) should stretch your young 'un. The absolutely superb "Mortal Engines" quartet MAY be a little "grown up" for him, but is well worth giving a try.

[annie0000]

Thanks Le Marchand - just noticed your post there. Some more good ideas for the list!