Shortlist 2008

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Author: Pete Johnson

Title: The Bad Spy's Guide

Publisher: Corgi Yearling | ISBN: 9780440867630

You Said: This is a fantastic book, full of funny and exciting bits. I would recommend it to anyone.

What's it about? My true identity...spells danger! Everyone thinks Tasha is a big joke because she is obsessed with spies. But when Henry, the new boy at school, accidentally mixes up his notebook with hers, Tasha has breathed her last ever bit of dull air. Henry tells her he is a teenage spy. And that he needs to use her room for surveillance on his latest targets. Tasha is just thrilled to discover that her neighbours are enemy agents. And her new life of spying, gadgets and sneaking around is really cool. But is Henry all he claims to be? Or could he be stretching the truth? Tasha's doubts grow...and then she receives an incredible shock ...

Author: Steve Mills and Hilary Koll

Title: Counting on Leroy

Publisher: Barrington Stoke | ISBN: 9781842994726

You Said: This is a really interesting book about numbers. Recommended for anybody who struggles in maths classes!

What's it about? Leroy loves maths. It’s just everything else that’s hard. But here’s a problem he can’t solve... 1 maths geek+1 crazy mix up+1 star spot on a TV quiz show= 1 big mess! Can Leroy make it all add up?

Author: Siobhan Dowd

Title: The London Eye Mystery

Publisher: David Fickling Books | ISBN: 9780440868026

You Said: I thought this book was worth a 10 out of 10 because i honestly couldn't put it down!!!! I thought it was so interesting the way the young boy had the condition so that he remembered things many other people can't.

What's it about? When Ted and Kat watched their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye, he turned and waved before getting on. But after half an hour it landed and everyone trooped off - but no Salim. Where could he have gone? How on earth could he have disappeared into thin air? So Ted and his older sister, Kat, become sleuthing partners, since the police are having no luck. Despite their prickly relationship, they overcome their differences to follow a trail of clues across London in a desperate bid to find their cousin. And ultimately it comes down to Ted, whose brain works in its own very unique way, to find the key to the mystery. This is an unputdownable spine-tingling thriller - a race against time.

Author: Vivian French

Title: The Robe of Skulls

Publisher: Walker Books | ISBN: 9780744583618

You Said: I thought this book was fantastic - I love the way Lady Lamorna will stop at nothing to get what she wants!

What's it about? All is not well in the crumbling castle high above the mountain village of Fracture. The sorceress Lady Lamorna has her heart set on a new robe. It is a very expensive new robe. To get the cash she will stop at nothing, including kidnapping, blackmail and more than a little black magic. But she reckons without the heroic Gracie Gillypot, not to mention a gallant if rather scruffy prince, two chatty bats, the wickedest stepsister ever, a troll with a grudge - and some very Ancient crones.

Author: Tom Kelly

Title: The Thing With Finn

Publisher: Macmillan | ISBN: 9780330444552

You Said: This is a really good book, it is both sad and funny, I love the bit where Danny flattens the otter with the brick!

What's it about? Ten-year-old Danny knows he's going somewhere, but he just doesn't know where. On his way he ...flattens a stuffed otter (with a three-holed brick) ...messes with a dog called The Beast (who bites kids' willies off) and feeds biscuits to blue Louis (who puts the 'poo' into poodle). But however far or fast he goes, Danny can't outrun the memories that have chased him ever since his identical twin brother died. Where can Danny hide when every day his own face reminds him of Finn? And where can Danny go when everywhere the shadows of his past stretch to forever? This is the poignant story of a bereaved boy who embarks on an emotional journey - and ultimately finds his way home.

Author: Fiona Dunbar

Title: Toonhead

Publisher: Orchard Books | ISBN: 9781846162381

You Said: This is a really funny book. I couldn't stop laughing!

What's it about? A hilarious, thrilling and non-stop adventure. When Pablo was born, his parents desperately wanted him to be as artistic as them. But Pablo doesn't seem to have any gift until he discovers his ability to make predictions through cartoons. When Pablo is kidnapped he realises that his 'gift' is highly desirable and some people will go to any lengths to benefit from it!