Bold tales: Stories for 9-12 year olds

Welcome to Bold Tales, a unique collection of stories crafted just for young adventurers, dreamers, and mystery solvers aged 9-12. Dive into worlds where curiosity is your superpower and every page turn leads to a new discovery.

Unleash your imagination with every story

What makes Bold Tales unique is its diverse range of genres – fantasy, mystery, sci-fi, and adventure – all specifically written for 9-12 year olds. We don't stick to one type of story; each visit promises a fresh and exciting journey. We respect our young readers, offering intricate plots that keep them engaged and guessing, while remaining fun and easy to immerse themselves in. Our stories aim to convey that curiosity is a superpower, questioning things is encouraged, and discovering who you are is a grand adventure. For pre-teens beginning to think big, our tales affirm that their ideas matter and that exploring new worlds – real or imagined – is a wonderful pursuit.

Stories for every young mind

Bold Tales are for all kinds of young readers – the adventurers eager to explore new worlds, the dreamers who love to get lost in fantasy, and the mystery-lovers who can't wait to solve a puzzle. Essentially, if an 9-12 year old is curious about something, there’s a story here that will ignite their imagination. Whether they dream of chasing dragons, uncovering clues, or envisioning life on another planet, Bold Tales is designed for the child who turns to a book to embark on a journey or uncover new knowledge. Whatever sparks their interest, a captivating story awaits them here.

Inspired to explore, read, and create

After finishing a Bold Tale, we hope children feel ready for more. Ready to read another story, certainly, but also ready to ask questions about the world around them, or even begin crafting their own narratives. We want them to close a story feeling exhilarated – as if they’ve just completed a real adventure – and perhaps a little bit braver. If a character in their story can overcome a challenge, perhaps they can too. Ultimately, we hope they’re eager to pick up the next tale – whether it’s another Bold Tale or one they create themselves. We aim for them to feel excited, brave, and prepared to explore, both within books and in real life.

Discover diverse characters and thrilling topics

The topics in Bold Tales are wonderfully varied – from mythical creatures finding their way into modern forests, to children solving mysteries in ancient museums, to space adventures involving fixing a broken star map. There are also stories about testing friendships, finding your place in a new town, and even magical objects that transform your perspective on the world. Our characters are 9-12 year olds who feel authentic – some are daring and impulsive, others are quiet but incredibly perceptive, and some are simply trying to find their footing. They learn from their mistakes and support one another. The side characters are just as captivating – talking foxes who adore riddles, space robots with endearing quirks, or museum guards who hold more secrets than they let on. No two characters or topics are alike, ensuring a fresh experience for every reader.

Stories for Every Mood – Download Yours Now

the humming bike and the hollow oak

£1.50

Maya’s bike is broken, her brother’s always underfoot, and she wishes things would just fix themselves. Then she chases a stray dog into the misty Lake District and finds a hollow oak tree hiding a secret – a scruffy, green creature called a Wispkin who grants three wishes.
First wish: her bike’s fixed! But there’s a catch – it only works when she hums. Second wish: her brother stops bugging her. But now he won’t speak at all, and Maya’s heart sinks.
With only one wish left, Maya has to figure out what real magic looks like. Is it about getting what you want – or fixing what you’ve done?
A story about mistakes, family, and finding the courage to make things right – with a little bit of misty magic along the way.
For ages 9-12.

See details

Whispers of the Loch

£1.50

Whispers of the Loch
A short story from Bold Tales
Eleven-year-old Elspeth’s summer in Scotland is lonely – until she hears a hum floating across Loch Ness. Peering into the misty water, she finds a secret: a young monster, lost and missing a glowing stone from its chest.
Teaming up with local boy Fergus, Elspeth sets out to find the stone. With hints from her grandma’s old tales and a little help from a mysterious fisherman, they’ll have to act fast to keep the monster safe from prying eyes.
A magical adventure about friendship, secrets, and the wonder that hides just beneath the surface. For ages 8-12.

See details

the river's gifts: a quest for home

£1.50

The River’s Gifts: A Quest for Home
Finn’s new town feels lonely, so he spends his days by the River Tay, talking to stones he’s named after stars. But when he spots a sleek silver horse tangled in a net, he realizes this isn’t any ordinary animal – it’s a kelpie named Lira, lost from her hidden loch.
Cursed to be stuck far from home, Lira needs three special water gifts to find her way back. With help from his grandma (who knows more about old magic than she lets on), Finn sets out on a quest that’ll test his courage – and show him that belonging isn’t just about where you live, but who you meet along the way.
A magical realist adventure perfect for anyone who loved Whispers of the Loch – full of river secrets, loyal friends, and songs that break curses.

See details

the whisper of the blue feather

£1.50

The Whisper of the Blue Feather
Finn’s lived in town forever – he knows every forest trail, every secret spot. But when he notices the púca’s favorite berry bush is untouched, he knows something’s wrong. The little shape-shifter who’s always filled the woods with mischief is gone, leaving only one blue feather behind.
Maya’s new in town, still finding her way. She’s sitting by the stream writing a poem when Finn storms past, full of worry. When she spots the feather, she knows she’s seen one just like it – and she’s ready to help, even if she’s scared of messing up.
Together, they follow the feather trail through the misty forest. Finn’s stubbornness and Maya’s caution clash at first, but they’ll need to work as a team to find the púca before it’s too late. Along the way, they’ll discover hidden paths, glowing flowers, and that the best adventures are the ones you share.
A fun, magical story for ages 9-12 about friendship, courage, and the little mysteries that make the world special.

See details