My Childhood in Books

Since I learnt to read, I’ve been an avid reader who always had a never ending list that they kept adding more and more books too. When I was in primary school, my reading records would fill up fast and I would always read more than the minimum amount of pages I had to read every week. Needless to say, I loved those scholastic book fairs and world book Day, when I was in primary.

In no particular order, I’ve listed seven of my top reads from my childhood that contributed to my tastes in books as I grew up. Every book listed was re-read many times during childhood and some I still love (and yes, I do mean Harry Potter!)

1) Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson was my favourite author, when I was younger, it would have been impossible to pick only one of her books for this list. However, some of my favourite Jacqueline Wilson books were Tracey Beaker, The Bed and Breakfast Star, Queenie and Opal Plumstead. It was the way she used her writing to make her readers; smile, laugh, and empathise with her characters. She wrote about difficult issues and struggles relevant to her readers, that helped to comfort them if they were sad or scared about a particular issue; but she wrote about those issues in a way that her readers could understand. Jacqueline Wilson has influenced name inspired me as a writer and journalist, especially as she used to be a journalist herself. I even had the chance to meet her twice once when I was ten and again when I was 17.

2) The Goosebumps Series by R.L Stine

These books were definitely the ‘in’ books at the time, when I was in primary school (the night of the living dummy cropped me out when I was younger). Goosebumps is what got me hooked on the supernatural/ mystery genre. There was certainly a sense of nostalgia when the goosebump movies came out, the film’s focused on a world where the goosebump books came to life.

3) Heart Magazine by Cindy Jefferies

The Heart magazine books were books I had found by chance, that turned out to the books I never knew I needed to read. The main character, Ellie, is a young teen who aspires to be a journalist, who through studying and determination began to achieve her dream. Cindy Jefferies’ books made me laugh and they spoke to the part of me that wanted to become a journalist, and it was a pleasant surprise to see a character aspiring to have a journalistic career like I did, I saw alot of myself in Ellie too.

4) The White Witch of Spiton Series by Tracey Rolfe

The White Witch of Spiton series is based by a real shop called the ‘White Witch’; which can be found in Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire. Many of the book’s plots are inspire by mythological and historical elements. The protagonist Isabelle grews up during the course of the series as she learns the art of magic from her grandmother; while dealing with an evil wizard who wants to destroy Isabelle’s family. These books have a special place in my heart, as the White Witch of Spiton is not only a interesting and insightful read, but they inspired me to write too.

5) The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop and The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix by

Magic. Chocolate. A supernatural organisation who needs three magical kids to solve the world. And a old family secret.  This duology was a witty page turner for me when I was younger, but don’t let the title fool you, these books have a elements of crimes, battles and dark spy craft as part of the plot, but it’s not written in a way that is scary for kids. Kate Saunderson created a story that blends these elements genres together (such as fantasy and spy novels) to create an engaging read for young readers to enjoy.

6) The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

Who could forget about Mildred Hubble, the ‘worst witch’ off her age? The Worst Witch series had had a resurgence in recent years – due to the Reboot of the original early 2000’s TV series – and for good reason. Jill Murphy adds a sense of humour to the magic and mishaps of Miss Crackles Academy: but there’s also alot of heart to the books. Mildred Hubble showed alot of young readers that it’s important to be yourself, even if others think you shouldn’t.

7) The Minnie Piper Series by Caroline Juskus

A great comedic mystery series for younger readers, I found these books by chance in my school library, and I was hooked Starlight away. They were my first taste of a mystery series, I loved reading about Minnie Piper’s mystery solving adventures as I tried to solve the mystery while reading the books. The Minnie Piper series is perfect starter series for young mystery fans.

Why not comment below with your favourite childhood reads?