The following are book recommendations for Senior Cycle level students (4th to 6th Year).

Foster by Claire Keegan

A child is taken by her father to live with relatives on a farm, not knowing when or if she will be brought home again. In the Kinsellas' house, she finds an affection and warmth she has not known.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

A surreal read packed with tension and fantastic imagery. The main character Coraline gets trapped in a parallel world on the other side of her sitting- room wall.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

The classic bestseller behind this year’s biggest movie, this film tie-in edition features the complete story of Bilbo Baggins’ adventures in Middle-earth.

Rebel, Bully, Geek, Pariah by Erin Lange

Sam’s used to hiding her personality and scars under her grubby hat, but when she finds herself fleeing an accident in a stolen police car along with three of her classmates she’s forced to reveal her true self.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

A story about a Jewish girl who befriends a young man in hiding. Narrated by Death and set in Nazi Germany.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams

“Space is big. You won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist’s, but that’s just peanuts to space.”

Brooklyn - Colm Tóibín

The story of a young woman in rural Ireland who leaves the world she’s known and moves to Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s. Brooklyn is a story of identity, transformation and family ties.

Catcher in the Rye - J.D Salinger

Holden Caulfield is confused and alienated after being expelled from school so he takes a train to New York and wanders around aimlessly describing his encounters in his unique style.

The Hate You Give - Angie Thomas

“As we continue to fight the battle against police brutality and systemic racism in America, THE HATE U GIVE serves as a much-needed literary ramrod. Absolutely riveting!” — Jason Reynolds

I am Malala - Malala Yousafzai

“The Taliban could take our pens and books, but they couldn’t stop our minds from thinking.” An incredible true story of a young girl fighting for girls’ education.

For those who like a challenge:

• The Picture of Dorian Grey - Oscar Wilde
• Emma - Jane Austen
• 1984 - George Orwell
• The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
• Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton
• Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro
• Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier
• Room - Emma Donoughe
• Wuthering Heights - Charlotte Bronte
• George Elliot - Silas Marner