Burn

by Patrick Ness

The novel delves into an alternate 1950s universe where dragons roam the earth. Dragons speak, are extremely intelligent, and can create devastating fires with their breath, but they have agreed to a pact with humans that renders them tame and subservient – most of the time.

• Dystopian fiction
• Themes of American racism, homophobia and arms races.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

16-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the colour of impurity!

• Female empowerment
• Themes of racism, xenophobia, misogyny, inequality, abuse, trauma
• Fantasy worlds

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

After the outbreak of World War Three, 15-year-old New Yorker Elizabeth, known as Daisy, is sent to live in the countryside with her cousins on a remote farm in the United Kingdom.

• The meaning of family and love
• Foreignness and "The Other"
• The home and ideas of innocence

Lark by Anthony McGowan

Brothers Nicky and Kenny head for a trek across the moors to take their minds off everything, but a series of unforeseen circumstances leaves the brothers in a vulnerable and very dangerous position.

• Family and sibling relationships
• Class
• Nature and landscape - and associated challenges.