Half my reading group are boys (yr 9 - 11) and they finished all the books weeks ago!  Their favourites being Crusade and Apache.  The girls too (yrs 8 - 11) have devoured the books, their favourite being Apache.

I agree that it is difficult for adults to choose books on behalf of children, but this year I think the only title to be off the mark is What I was (which I loved for the atmospheric 2nd half).  The students were all puzzled by the ending which they found too abrupt and subtle.  I suggest they as yet, don't have the life experience to appreciate what was happening in the story.

Otherwise, I was surprised at how much the students all took to so many historical titles, which at first glance I didn't think would appeal.  Can't wait for the result!