To celebrate World Book Day, Ireland’s Laureate na n-Óg Eoin Colfer, was live in studio with George Hook to talk about the important and significance of literature in the lives of young people.
The Irish literary scene is world renowned, with a high proportion of Nobel literary laureates per capita and Dublin recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature. And there’s no shortage of readers amongst the Newstalk listenership. But what about our younger readers – how well are they served? And what are the greatest Irish novels for the novice reader?
Here’s Newstalk’s top five Irish books for young people:
- Under the Hawthorn Tree, Marita Conlan-McKenna
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this well-thumbed tale of three children surviving during the great Irish famine has evoked the tragedy of one of the darkest periods in our history in the hearts and minds of countless Irish children.
- Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
Since 2001, child prodigy and criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has waged war against the fairy world hidden from our view, and has become an unlikely champion of Ireland to a worldwide audience.
- The Happy Prince & other tales, Oscar Wilde
One of our most beloved writers and perhaps the world’s favourite wit, Wilde’s collection of fairytales is wide-reaching in its themes, covering tragedy and family, and bringing families together over a great yarn since 1888.
- Skulduggery Pleasant, Derek Landy
Another fantasy bestselling series, the tale of an undead sorcerer and dectective, children cannot but fall under the spell of the complex hero – a skeleton bound together by magic.
- Only Ever Yours, Louise O’Neill
The debut novel, released last year, marks the turning point in Irish YA fiction. One for teenage readers, the story of a group of school girls set in a dystopic future, has a lot to say about contemporary beauty standards. Read it before the movie gets made.
What Irish children’s books did we miss out on? You can send your comments to the show by email (info@newstalk.com), by text message (53106 – texts cost 30c each), on Facebook or by tweeting @newstalkfm or @ghook.
