Ideas for a book (£10max) for 13 year old boy

scottishminnie

I buy a small gift for my friends 3 children each Christmas - max £10. This year I'd like to buy her soon a book - figuring at £10 it would need to be a paperback. I'm looking for ideas.

He's not terribly sporty, likes science and that sort of thing. I know he likes Harry Potter and the Golden Compass type books however I'm planning to avoid those as I'm sure he has read them all.

I don't have children so ideas from those who know more about 13 year old boys would be much appreciated.

Thanks

p.s. did think about the "Jack Reacher" books by Lee Childs - not sure if it's suitable though as I haven't started my first one yet - he is a mature 13 year old if that helps

lauren2007

Sorry, I dont know much about 13 year old boys either, but if you go to www.thebookpeople.co.uk it has a recommended age band for each book, looks like a few poosibilites on their for the age range and budget you are after

squibbs25

Instead of a story book, have you thought about Guiness Book of Records?
My ds (12) received one as a birthday present last year and he loves it. (as does his little sister)
It;s funny the things people try to do and gain a record for it LOL
The new book is out now Guiness Book of Records 2011

As for paperbacks i cant offer any help as ds likes more factual books rather than fiction.

oopps, i forgot to add they are on offer for £10 in Asda!

claire21

Yes Guiness book of records its £20 down to £10 in whsmiths and use this voucher instore to get £5 off, so £5 for a £20 book
http://marketing.whsmith.co.uk/images/51/Publish4thOct.pdf

also

The Dangerous Book for Boys - again see if you can get it in smiths and use a £5 off voucher
see amazon reviews, its a lovely looking book too and his parents will enjoy reading through it too
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dangerous-Book-Boys-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0007232748
its been out a few years now and he may have it thats the only problem

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

My 14 year old son has just read the James Patterson book, Witch & Wizard. He doesn't manage to get through many books, but this is one that he did.

You should be able to pick it up in hardback for under £10.

The next in the series, The Gift comes out next month.

tsstss7

My 12 yr old son liked the joshua files series

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ice-Shock-Joshua-Files-2/dp/1407104039

he also likes factual books like the guiness book of records.

SkeeterUK

Lord of the rings?

copperycat

He sounds just like my son, and he loves the following authors:

Anthony Horrowitz - the Alex Rider books eg Stormbreaker, Point Blanc etc

or Mallory Blackman - the Noughts and Crosses trilogy. My son loves these books and has read then many times over.

or Michael Morpurgo - War Horse. Its about a horse in the first world war. if you look on Amazon you will see this book gets 5 stars for its reviews. My son loved this book and it inspired him to see this at the theatre and I understand it is to be made into a film.

I find Amazon a good place to look as the reviews are helpful. I also buy from "the Book People" on line or "Red House" as the prices are usually good.

SkeeterUK

Kes is also a good one.

scottishminnie

claire21 wrote: »

Yes Guiness book of records its £20 down to £10 in whsmiths and use this voucher instore to get £5 off, so £5 for a £20 book
http://marketing.whsmith.co.uk/images/51/Publish4thOct.pdf

also

The Dangerous Book for Boys - again see if you can get it in smiths and use a £5 off voucher
see amazon reviews, its a lovely looking book too and his parents will enjoy reading through it too
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dangerous-Book-Boys-Conn-Iggulden/dp/0007232748
its been out a few years now and he may have it thats the only problem

Thanks Claire - do you know if I can use the £5 voucher on a book at exactly £10 - I only ask as it says in one part for a book over £10 but in the other it just says £10?

scottishminnie

Thanks everyone - plenty of ideas now!

I think I'll get the Guinness Book anyway - at £5 (with the voucher) I can use it for someone else and I'll have a look through the other authors - I like the sound of the War Horse - off to investigate.