January 2, 2024
With this first blog of 2024, we want to look back at some of our quiz writers’ favourite fiction titles of 2023.
We added 1,300 new titles to Accelerated Reader last year, and below you can read up on some of our top picks. The titles are as different as our quiz writers are and we hope there is something on this list to inspire everyone.
Let 2024 be a year of reading, whether it is for learning, exploring new worlds, finding one’s inner voice or simply pleasure.
We wish you all a very happy 2024!
The Boy Who Lost His Spark by Maggie O’Farrell, illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini
LY | Quiz # 243459 | BL 5.5 | Walker Books
A small mythical creature, so attuned to the hearts and minds of others is determined, through mischief and mayhem, to help Jem reignite the spark within himself once more.
“Maybe it decided you needed it. Maybe we all could do with a shake-up now and then, to let our wild sides take over. People have to let off steam sometimes, just like a volcano. It would never do to keep everything locked inside us, would it?”
Kevin’s in a Mood by Sarah Bowie
LY | Quiz # 244261 | BL 1.9 | O’Brien Press Ltd.
Suzy and Kevin are best friends and do everything together. Until, one day, Kevin’s in a Mood and Suzy tries everything to cheer him up.
“Moods are the worst. What about some bubbles to cheer him up?”
I am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis, illustrated by Beatrix Hatcher
LY | Quiz # 243708 | BL 2.5 | Orchard Books
On a misty lagoon, magic frogs line up to be kissed and turned into dashing princes. But one little frog is different. Hoop definitely does NOT want to be a prince!
“I’m not a prince – they’ve got it wrong! Oh where, oh where, do I belong?”
The Book of Secrets by Alex Dunne
MY | Quiz # 243298 | BL 5.3 | O’Brien Press Ltd.
The Trooping Fairies are back and their arrival awakens other creatures. Cat has the Sight like her granny, which makes her a magnet of all things supernatural. But when the magic hurts her family, she needs the help of a friend to save those they love.
“They’ve been leading us into trouble all night, she thought, and what could be more trouble than the fairy Revels on Halloween night?”
Fourteen Wolves by Catherine Barr, illustrated by Jenni Desmond
MY | Quiz # 243577 | BL 5.5 | Bloomsbury Publishing
When wolves disappeared from Yellowstone Park, the ecosystem started to collapse. Plants vanished, trees withered and rivers meandered. Until wolves returned to the park and everything changed for the better. This is the story of their homecoming.
“He is the first wolf to step into this wild place for seventy years.”
Festergrimm by Thomas Taylor
MY | Quiz # 242975 | BL 5.5 | Walker Books
Herbie and Violet are sure that the new manager of Festergrimm’s Eerie Waxworks is up to no good – and they fear that his schemes will threaten the very foundations of the town.
“Then the man steps forward into the uncertain light and raises his hat. I’m so shocked that I cry out an involuntary “NOPE!” before I can stop myself. Violet stiffens beside me, letting out a sharp gasp of her own.”
Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin
MY+ | Quiz # 242428 | BL 5.4 | Walker Books
When the shikigami destroy Kurara’s home, she joins an airship crew to become a spirit hunter. But her ability to bend paper to her will means so much more, and she’s soon involved in a bigger battle.
“Deep, deep inside her, she felt something break. It was a small thing. Something she might not have noticed had she not been acutely aware of everything around her in that moment. She did not know what it was, except that she would never be able to fix it ever again.”
The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P. Rose
MY+ | Quiz # 243885 | BL 5.0 | Andersen Press
When Tyrese goes to Jamaica following a tragedy, he and his friends must uncover the history of the Shadow Man to save their families and Tyrese’s mind.
“And like night creeping in, snatching away the light, doubt began to darken and overshadow Tyrese’s thoughts. In that moment, he realised he no longer knew what was real and what wasn’t any more.”
Dangerous Remedy by Kat Dunn
MY+ | Quiz # 242951 | BL 5.3 | Head of Zeus
Camille leads a band of outcasts as they cheat death, saving those about to meet a bloody end at the blade of Madame La Guillotine. But their latest rescue is not what she seems.
“We’re in trouble, but it’s time to do what we do best. No fate. No destiny. Everything is a choice, and this time, we choose not to give up. We choose to fight.”
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
UY | Quiz # 242768 | BL 5.8 | Corvus Books
Hana Khan’s family-run restaurant is on its last legs, with a competitor ready to open nearby, when a hate-motivated attack on their neighbourhood and her growing attraction to her rival complicate things further.
“Maybe I was the only one who would really get to choose anything. And I had chosen to get out.”
Why is Nobody Laughing? by Yasmin Rahman
UY | Quiz # 244189 | BL 4.8 | Hot Key Books
When Ibrahim has a panic attack on stage at a stand-up competition, Sura helps him come to terms with his anxiety and they develop a friendship.
“I feel a fire start within me. Now that I’ve pretty much recovered from… whatever just happened… I’m just confused, angry at this annoying girl for thinking she knows everything. For thinking she knows who I am.”
The Lighthouse by Alex Bell
UY | Quiz # 244330 | BL 5.6 | Stripes
After arriving on Bird Rock, Jess and Rosie feel something’s wrong and decide to investigate. But when Rosie disappears, no one but Jess remembers Rosie.
“I shivered slightly and glanced up, thinking there might be a window open nearby. And that’s when I saw it. The trapdoor leading up to the lighthouse tower was no longer chained up. It was wide open.”
We are currently updating our topics and subtopics on Bookfinder with the aim of making them more inclusive and useful for our customers. Please direct any suggestions you have to us via social media.
Why not get in touch via Twitter to let us know your favourite titles on this topic? If you have some titles you’d like to see quizzed, please use the request a quiz form.
Happy quizzing!