House of Windows by Alexia Casale

Nick hates it when people call him a genius. Sure, he's going to Cambridge University aged 15, but he says that's just because he works hard. And, secretly, he only works hard to get some kind of attention from his workaholic father. Not that his strategy is working.

Themes: university, rowing, family, coming of age

The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger

Twelve-year-old Robert hates maths: his teacher sets his class boring problems and won't let them use their calculators. Then in his dreams Robert meets the Number Devil, who brings the subject magically to life, illustrating with wit and charm a world in which numbers can amaze and fascinate.

Themes: fantasy, school, dreams

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

This book tells the story of the hair-raising journey made by the Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg, who succeeds - but only just! - in circling the globe within eighty days to win a bet. He is accompanied by his French servant, Passepartout, who has a talent for getting into scrapes.

Themes: classic, travel, adventure, friendship

This book tells the story of the hair-raising journey made by the Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg, who succeeds - but only just! - in circling the globe within eighty days to win a bet. He is accompanied by his French servant, Passepartout, who has a talent for getting into scrapes.

Themes: classic, travel, adventure, friendship

Guaranteed to Bend Your Brain by Kjartan Poskitt

This book features maths with the laughs added in! How can maths rescue someone in deadly peril? Which famous mathematician was murdered? How did time begin? Find out here - all the tricks, tips and short-cuts they don't teach at school.

Themes: non-fiction, humour, maths history

We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

Stewart can’t quite fit in at his new school, and Ashley can’t quite get used to her totally awkward home, which is now filled with some rather questionable decor. And things are about to get a whole lot more mixed up when these two very different people attract the attention of school hunk Jared...

Themes: young adult, school, blended family, relationships

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

On an ordinary summer's afternoon, Alice tumbles down a hole and an extraordinary adventure begins. In a strange world with even stranger characters, she meets a grinning cat and a rabbit with a pocket watch, joins a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, and plays croquet with the Queen!

Themes: classic, fantasy, magic, adventure

Savage Shapes by Kjartan Poskitt

This book presents all the tricks, tips and shortcuts to shapes they don't teach at school. Readers will find out how to command respect throughout the entire Universe, learn why the US defence headquarters is a pentagon, and discover the quickest way to get a naked Colonel back to his beach hut.

Themes: non-fiction, shapes, humour

Why Do Buses Come in Threes? by Rob Eastaway

Why is it better to buy a lottery ticket on a Friday? Why are showers always too hot or too cold? These and many other fascinating questions are answered in this entertaining and highly informative book, which shows that maths is relevant to almost everything we do.

Themes: non-fiction, real-world, probability

Why is it better to buy a lottery ticket on a Friday? Why are showers always too hot or too cold? These and many other fascinating questions are answered in this entertaining and highly informative book, which shows that maths is relevant to almost everything we do.

Themes: non-fiction, real-world, probability

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Christopher is fifteen. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. When he finds a neighbour's dog murdered, he decides to set out on a terrifying journey...

Themes: mystery, family, adventure, coming of age

The Music of the Primes by Marcus du Sautoy

This book recounts the history of the elusive prime numbers. It is a story of eccentric and brilliant men, last minute escapes from death, strange journeys, dangerous ideas and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge that drove some men mad and others to unparalleled glory.

Themes: non-fiction, maths history, prime numbers