Your books of the year 2013 – children’s and teens

Guardian children's books site young members pick their favourite children's and teen novels of 2013

Group reviews: a selection

More reviews from the members of St James' Catholic High School, who have been busily reading this holiday!

Deadly Detectives: Top Tips to Track Wildlife by Steve Backshall – review

Wizwarts2005: 'There are some stunning photos in this book'

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – review

Rita Skeeter: 'This book shows what real bravery and friendship is. It is a brilliant story, especially if you like fantasy and adventure'

Group reviews: a selection

Site members from St James' Catholic High School take us through some of the best books they read recently

Nick and Tesla’s High-Voltage Danger Lab – Book Review

GrrlScientist: this engaging children's mystery is solved by twin amateur sleuths who invent and build several science-y gadgets to aid them in their quest.

Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner – review

Kung Fu Kitty: 'A lovely children's book, very easy to read. I loved every moment of it'

Ever After High by Shannon Hale – review

Mimi123: 'This story is set at a mysterious castle like a high school where two girls become friends'

My Life and Other Disasters by Catherine Wilkins – review

Purplerubberduckie: 'The only thing that I would change is the front cover'

Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (mostly) by Liz Pichon – review

ExtraEpic: 'This book has the usual creative mix of fun writing and brilliant drawings'

The Mouse and His Child by Russell Hoban: moving metaphysics for kids

Both comforting and devastating, this tale of two discarded toy mice by the Riddley Walker author is a profound little book – the equal, in some ways, to the Alice books, writes Stuart Kelly

Marcus Sedgwick: ‘Inspiration is everywhere’

Marcus Sedgwick, author of Midwinter Blood, She is Not Invisible, and this month's teen book club choice Dark Satanic Mills, talks to site member Krazy Kesh about the perks of being an author