'I really am quite useless as a wizard', says Mr Majeika. But Class Three thinks Mr Majeika is an excellent wizard, particularly when his spells go wrong.

Maria, Niall and Cecila have grown up in the shadow of their famous parents - their father, a flamboyant singer and their mother, a talented dancer. Now pursuing their own creative dreams, all three siblings feel an undeniable bond, but it is Maria and Niall who share the secret of their parent's past.

Janet Coombe was born with the loving spirit and she passed it on to her son Joseph. In Janet's great-granddaughter, Jennifer, it again reappears, breaking down the barrier of years. Wild and eerie, it is something that carries them beyond all prudence in their need to love and be loved.

'Her work is certainly far too little known in relation to the greatness of her talent. But her masterpiece THE RECTOR'S DAUGHTER, is in print again' SUSAN HILL A wonderfully moving, harrowing but ultimately uplifting novel of love.

The Socs' idea of having a good time is beating up greasers like Ponyboy, the rough, tough, long-haired kids from the other side of town. Ponyboy knows what to expect and knows he can count on his friends - until the night someone goes too far. Originally published: New York: Viking, 1967; London: Gollancz, 1970

Kitty Killin is not only a good story-teller, but also the world's greatest expert when it comes to mothers having new and unwanted boyfriends. Particularly when there's a danger they might turn into new and unwanted stepfathers!

Evacuated from London to Wales during the Second World War, Carrie and her brother are sent to live with the very strict Mr Evans. But in trying to heal the breach between Mr Evans and his sister, Carrie does the worst thing she ever did in her life.