McCaughrean, Geraldine. The Death-Defying Pepper Roux. Harper, 2010. When he was born, Pepper Roux's aunt had a visitation from Saint Constance, who said Pepper wouldn't live past 14 years of age. For some reason, everyone decided to take this pronouncement as the gospel truth, and as a result Pepper has lived his first 14 years with death hanging over him, ready to pounce at every moment. Small w...

Here are the middle of January releases of science fiction and fantasy for children and teenagers. For nine to twelve year olds: THE DEATH-DEFYING PEPPER ROUX by Geraldine McCaughrean. "Pepper's fourteenth birthday is a momentous one. It's the day he's supposed to die. Everyone seems resigned to it—even Pepper, although he would much prefer to live. But can you sidestep Fate? ...

Lisa O'Kelly is captivated by Michael Morpugo's story of a boy and an elephant Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo CrocodileTears by Anthony Horowitz The Death Defying Pepper Roux by Geraldine McCaughrean A-Z: The Best Children's Poetry from Agard to Zephaniah by Michael Rosen There are rich pickings for readers aged nine to 12 this Christmas. Michael Morpurgo is on top form with Runni...