Secondhand Chapter Book (Age 8-12) Bargain Book Box DSH1116

Secondhand Chapter Book (Age 8-12) Bargain Book Box

Unleash a reading frenzy with this spectacular selection designed for middle-grade and young adult readers, offering a massive collection of 24 titles. This box spans classic childhood favorites like Roald Dahl and A.A. Milne, side-splitting humor from David Walliams and Andy Griffiths, and essential contemporary stories addressing friendship and growing up from authors like Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy. Covering fantasy, humor, contemporary issues, and timeless poetry, this box promises months of unforgettable literary adventures for any young reader looking for quality stories and diverse genres. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. My Worst Best Friend - Dyan Sheldon
   Fifteen-year-old Sarah is struggling with the emotional fallout of her best friend, Lexi, transferring to a new school, disrupting the delicate balance of their relationship. The novel delves into the messy complexities of teenage female friendships, dealing with jealousy, separation anxiety, and the challenges of forging a new identity outside a pair. Sheldon masterfully captures the intense, dramatic, and often overwhelming feelings that accompany deep adolescent bonds. The story is a relatable exploration of loyalty, independence, and accepting inevitable change.

2. Extra Time - Morris Gleitzman
   Matt, a devoted football fan, faces an unimaginable challenge when his beloved grandmother, his biggest supporter, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Torn between the desire to win a crucial football final and the need to spend quality time with his Gran, Matt struggles to reconcile his passion with his grief. Gleitzman delivers a tender yet heartbreaking story about loss, family bonds, and finding the courage to face life's biggest challenges both on and off the field. This book tackles heavy themes with compassion and gentle humor.

3. The 52-Storey Treehouse - Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
   Andy and Terry are back, having added 13 more spectacular levels to their ever-expanding, increasingly insane treehouse, now featuring a deep-sea submarine, an active volcano, and a giant fighting robot. Their newest mission involves capturing an escaped criminal and navigating a confusing array of buttons, traps, and talking seaweed. This hilarious installment is packed with chaotic energy, absurd inventions, and the wildly imaginative illustrations that readers have come to love. Get ready for an action-packed, side-splitting adventure that defies logic and gravity.

4. The Worry Website - Jacqueline Wilson
   The members of Miss Foster's class find a strange, anonymous website called "The Worry Website," where they can anonymously post their deepest fears and secrets. When the website starts offering personalized, if slightly strange, solutions, the children's lives begin to change in unexpected ways. This story explores common childhood anxieties, ranging from fear of the dark to parental arguments, promoting empathy and understanding. Wilson delivers a comforting and clever narrative that validates the intensity of children's worries.

5. Vicky Angel - Jacqueline Wilson
   Life takes a dramatic turn for Jade when her vibrant best friend, Vicky, is tragically killed in an accident, leaving Jade to cope with overwhelming grief and loss. Jade soon finds herself haunted by Vicky’s outspoken spirit, who tries to interfere in all aspects of Jade's life, from schoolwork to new friendships. This poignant and insightful novel explores the difficult process of grieving, moving on, and learning to live with the memory of someone you deeply love. It is a powerful exploration of friendship enduring beyond death.

6. The Diamond Girls - Jacqueline Wilson
   The story follows the four Diamond sisters, each with a unique personality and coping mechanism, as their already complicated lives are disrupted by their mother's latest romantic disaster and a sudden move. They must navigate a new school, financial struggles, and the volatile nature of their family dynamic, all while learning the true meaning of sisterhood. Wilson crafts a realistic and often heartwarming portrayal of siblings supporting each other through poverty and chaos. It is a resonant tale about finding strength within a fractured family.

7. Sundae Girl - Cathy Cassidy
   Scarlett's life revolves around her family's failing ice cream parlour, "The Sundae," and the constant, intense pressure she feels to keep everyone happy and the business afloat. When a new girl, the rebellious and enigmatic new girl, takes a shine to Scarlett's brother, the fragile harmony of her life is threatened. Scarlett must learn to distinguish between the glossy, perfect image she projects and the messy reality of her true self and desires. This sweet but complex story explores family duty, hidden secrets, and first love.

8. Driftwood - Cathy Cassidy
   In this novel, Cathy Cassidy explores the aftermath of a devastating accident that leaves Shell's younger brother, Jude, paralyzed, shattering their close-knit family. Shell retreats into herself, using art as a means of escape, while the family struggles to find a new normal amidst overwhelming stress and change. The narrative is a tender exploration of healing, sibling relationships, and how unexpected crises can force individuals to redefine their identities and roles. It’s a sensitive look at facing tragedy with resilience.

9. Frankie Foster: Pick n Mix - Jean Ure
   Frankie Foster is a bubbly, enthusiastic girl with a knack for getting into well-meaning but hilarious scrapes, particularly when she tries to help out her friends and family. In this installment, Frankie decides to apply her unique brand of chaotic problem-solving to various school and home dilemmas, resulting in a series of comical misunderstandings. Jean Ure delivers a lighthearted and thoroughly entertaining story about friendship, good intentions, and the inevitable mishaps of growing up.

10. Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now - Lauren Child
    Clarice Bean, known for her witty internal commentary and penchant for dramatic flair, finds her world slightly askew when she learns about her best friend's mysterious new plans and secrets. The story follows Clarice as she attempts to uncover the truth, dealing with family chaos, school projects, and the ever-present dilemma of growing up too fast. Lauren Child’s distinctive, visual style and humorous narrative perfectly capture the eccentricities of Clarice’s imaginative world.

11. Demon Dentist - David Walliams
    In this darkly humorous and outrageously inventive tale, something sinister is afoot in the town of Al-Fawzi when children begin waking up to find disgusting, horrifying surprises under their pillows instead of coins. Ten-year-old Alfie, who refuses to brush his teeth, suspects the new, incredibly creepy local dentist, Miss Root, is behind the foul play. Walliams delivers a madcap adventure full of grotesque humor, suspense, and a lesson about the true power of evil dentistry.

12. Fing - David Walliams
    The family of the world’s most enthusiastic librarians, Mr. and Mrs. Meek, have everything they could possibly desire—except one thing: their daughter Myrtle is still demanding the one thing they don't have: a 'Fing.' When the Meek family embarks on a dangerous and ridiculous journey into the deepest jungle to satisfy Myrtle’s incessant demand, they discover that some wishes should be left unfulfilled. This fantastically absurd story is a hilarious examination of greed, demanding children, and exotic, mythical beasts.

13. Spaceboy - David Walliams
    This book delivers a super scary, exciting science fiction adventure featuring a young boy who dreams of life beyond Earth, eventually leading him into a cosmic mystery. Walliams combines high-stakes intergalactic action with characteristic emotional depth and humor, exploring themes of courage and the endless possibilities of the unknown universe. It’s a thrilling, fast-paced read perfect for fans of high-energy science fiction.

14. Crackers - Elizabeth Laird
    Crackers tells the engaging story of a young boy dealing with family challenges and school difficulties, navigating the complicated world of friendship and personal responsibility. The narrative focuses on relatable daily struggles and small triumphs, offering an accessible and warm reading experience. Laird successfully captures the authentic voice of a child learning essential life lessons and finding strength in unexpected places.

15. The Twits - Roald Dahl
    Mr. and Mrs. Twit are perhaps the most vile and disgusting couple imaginable, finding endless joy in playing increasingly cruel and messy practical jokes on each other. When they try to capture a family of monkeys for a circus act, the long-suffering Roly-Poly Bird and the Muggle-Wumps monkeys decide it is high time for revenge. This delightfully repulsive story is a hilarious ode to mischief and justice, celebrating the triumph of the clever and kind over the mean-spirited.

16. George's Marvellous Medicine - Roald Dahl
    Frustrated by his mean, selfish, and incredibly ugly grandmother, young George decides to concoct a brand new, unique medicine designed to cure her terrible temper—and hopefully, make her a nicer person. He gathers every bizarre substance he can find, creating a powerful, bubbling potion that causes unpredictable and spectacular consequences. This short, imaginative romp is a brilliant celebration of juvenile rebellion and the magic of reckless chemistry.

17. The Witches - Roald Dahl
    A young, orphaned boy and his Norwegian grandmother discover a shocking secret: the world is infested with real witches disguised as ordinary women, and they plan to turn all the children of England into mice. When the pair accidentally stumbles upon the Annual Grand High Witch meeting, they must use all their wit and courage to stop the terrifying plot. This terrifying yet thrilling fantasy explores the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of the ordinary world.

18. Esio Trot - Roald Dahl
    Mr. Hoppy, a shy, elderly man, is desperately in love with his neighbour, the lovely Mrs. Silver, who is obsessed only with her pet tortoise, Alfie, and wishes he would grow faster. To win her affection, Mr. Hoppy devises a complicated, magical-sounding scheme involving a secret language and dozens of tortoises, promising Mrs. Silver rapid growth for Alfie. This gentle, charming story is a heartwarming tale of quiet romance, ingenious trickery, and the delightful absurdity of love.

19. The BFG - Roald Dahl
    Sophie, an orphaned girl, is snatched from her bed by the Big Friendly Giant, who, unlike his terrible brethren, refuses to eat human beans and instead dedicates himself to distributing pleasant dreams. Together, the unlikely pair embark on a grand adventure to stop the Bloodbottler and the other cannibalistic giants from gobbling up the children of England. This magical tale is a testament to the power of imagination, friendship, and whizzpopping wonders.

20. Winnie-the-Pooh - A.A. Milne
    This is the original collection of stories introducing the beloved, honey-loving bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and his friends in the enchanted Hundred Acre Wood. Readers meet Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, and Christopher Robin as they engage in gentle, charming adventures centered around simple childhood dilemmas and deep friendship. Milne’s enduring classic captures the innocence and tranquility of childhood imagination, filled with wisdom and gentle humor.

21. The House at Pooh Corner - A.A. Milne
    The second collection of tales continues the adventures of Pooh, Piglet, and their companions, most notably introducing the exuberant and bouncy Tigger to the Hundred Acre Wood. These stories focus on the characters’ simple lives, their collective misunderstandings, and their deep-seated loyalty to one another. The book culminates in a touching farewell as Christopher Robin prepares to leave for the world of school and growing up.

22. Now We Are Six - A.A. Milne
    This delightful collection of poetry captures the world through the eyes of a six-year-old, blending lighthearted verse with profound, often whimsical, observations on life. While featuring many beloved characters from the Pooh stories, the poems focus on everyday childhood experiences, from struggles with bedtime to imaginative games. Milne’s verses are celebrated for their rhythm, their innocence, and their ability to perfectly capture the inner landscape of a child's mind.

23. When We Were Very Young - A.A. Milne
    This is A.A. Milne’s first collection of poetry, written largely for his young son, Christopher Robin, and featuring verses that celebrate the magical, imaginative world of toddlers and young children. The poems are full of playful language, exploring common, simple themes like bathing, playing soldiers, and waiting for the rain to stop. The collection is a cornerstone of children's literature, cherished for its wit and charming simplicity.

24. Passion Flower - Jean Ure
    This young adult novel explores the intense emotions and dramatic events surrounding first love and the confusion of growing up. Ure crafts a narrative focusing on a protagonist navigating the high stakes of teenage relationships, identity formation, and the often overwhelming desire for connection. The story is a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of adolescence, dealing with issues of romance and self-discovery.