Young people in reading groups around the country have read and selected these mood-boosting books. Why not try one?
Libraries, other organisations and groups can buy copies of these booklists in packs of 100 to use and distribute. If you would like to buy printed copies, see the bottom of this article.
• Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari
Recommended by Rachel from South Tyneside:_ ‘It is thoroughly enjoyable . . . hard to put down at some points as you want to know what is going to happen. A lot of people can relate to Mira, the main character, as it is a common situation . . . very nicely detailed so it is easy to picture yourself there in the story’_
• Being Billy by Phil Earle
Recommended by a reader from Wiltshire: ‘This is being written by an author who understands pain and hope . . . Before I read this book, I didn’t really get people who were trying to help me. Now I give people more of a chance’.
• Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Peirce
Recommended by Kirsten from South Tyneside: ‘It brings you to the right mood’.
• Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman
Recommended by a reader from Wigan: ‘Because even though it is not a ’happy’ book, it shows that stressful times can be worked through’.
• Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul Edited by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Kimberley Kirberger
Recommended by a reader from Calderdale ‘Some of the stories are mood-boosting. Even the ones which make you cry help because crying helps sometimes’.
• Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian
Recommended by Hannah from Calderdale: ‘It took my mind off what I was doing and made me happy for others’.
• Holes by Louis Sachar
Recommended by a reader from Wiltshire: ‘I dare anyone in the world not to love this book. It’s so original and gripping!’.
• Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Recommended by a reader from, Wiltshire: ’_Just Listen is hilarious and emotionally intelligent with great dialogue!’_.
• Lia’s Guide to Winning the Lottery by Keren David
Recommended by Bethany from South Tyneside: ’It’s a funny book and it’s easy to identify with the main character’
• Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Recommended by a reader from Wiltshire: ‘I couldn’t believe the author could write such short chapters that packed in so much action. I don’t like long books but this one was kind of long but really easy to read and exciting. It also had characters like us’.
• No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko
Recommended by a reader from South Tyneside: ‘Because it has a happy ending. It’s also thought-provoking about family relationships’.
• Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning
Recommended by Hannah from Calderdale: ‘It was uplifting to see her gaining confidence and having fun for the first time in her life . . It absorbs the reader and helps you take your mind off your own life’.
• Numbers by Rachel Ward
Recommended by a reader from Wiltshire: ‘She totally understands disadvantaged young people who have problems and worries, and just reading Numbers helped me escape, even though it was so sad and tragic’.
• The Recruit by Robert Muchamore
Recommended by a reader from Wiltshire: ‘It was sheer escapism; you wish it was you. This is the best book I’ve ever read in my life!’.
• The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson
Recommended by a reader from Derbyshire: ‘The book has a positive feel throughout and you can almost forget your problems and be transported into Anna’s world as a maid . . . you love her as a character’.
• The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Recommended by a reader from Wiltshire: ‘The Sky is Everywhere deals with death and loss but it’s still rich and romantic and has great characters’
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Recommended by Jacob from Calderdale: ‘There are happy bits and interesting bits in this book, to make you think about life’.
You might also like to try…
• Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
• Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce
• My Name is Mina by David Almond
On sale now
All the reading recommendations have been made by readers and reading groups.
New Mood-boosting Books lists
* Pack of 100 leaflets (A5, 2pp) of list chosen by young people
* Pack of 100 leaflets (A5, 2pp) of list chosen by older people
Cost: £4.50 per pack
Mood-boosting Books core packs
* 10 x A4 posters
* 5 x A3 headers
* 100 x A5 (4pp) leaflets (of the original list chosen by eight reading groups)
Cost: £10 per pack.
Postage and packing is calculated according to how many items you order.
Material ordered before 22 June will be dispatched at the end of June.
How to place your order
Please note that our online shop is not currently in operation while we change over to a new system. Please place your order by email [email protected] with the following information:
* Number of packs you require of each list (either chosen by young and/or older people)
* PO number
* Delivery address
* Contact phone number
Read a mood-boosting book?
* Email [email protected] with the title and short comment
* Tweet your suggestions using #moodboosting
* Login and leave your own mood-boosting suggestions below
