Although a scary realisation, the noughties were almost a decade ago and in celebration/ commiseration of this, the following list highlights some of the most epic titles from the period. Spoiler: the 2000s had some seriously incredible works that were adored by children and parents alike.
Harry Potter
JK Rowling owned the noughties, almost literally with sales and also culturally. When she penned the first story of a young wizard who learns of his powers and is sent off to a magical school, Rowling could never have dreamed of the immense success that this venture would bring her. Potentially the most imaginative series ever written, a world without Harry Potter is impossible to imagine.
Percy Jackson
Why nobody though of writing a kid’s book based upon old mythology until 2005 is truly baffling. However, when Percy Jackson was released, to the delight of noughties children everywhere, author Rick Riordan created a phenomenon. Kids everywhere delighted at the mix of old tales and the suburban life of a New York teen and the novels offered the ultimate in escapism to both kids and their parents.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
“This is a journal not a diary!”. No other book has managed to so capture the struggles of noughties school life as accurately as Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The story of middle school weakling Greg Heffley, the book has been printed more than 200 million times and is a firm staple on many a millennium baby’s bookcase.
Twilight
Perhaps giving teenage girls everywhere unrealistic boyfriend standards, Twilight’s story of the troubled Bella and her encounters with the mysterious Edward led to author Stephanie Meyer sailing to the tops of the New York Time’s Bestseller’s list for over 200 weeks. Meyer began a 2000s obsession for vampire-teen literature and whether you love it or hate it, Twilight is a classic from this period.
Private Peaceful
Although technically a children’s book, master-storyteller Michael Morpurgo’s novel about the horrors of WW1 captured audiences from 9-90. Both a love story and a military account in equal measures, this tale of a young soldier captivated children upon release and continues to do so thanks to its stunning imagery and description.
Inkheart
Very few novels are complexly imaginative to the point that they become literal escapism, but the Inkheart trilogy is one of those rare exceptions. Father and daughter Mo and Meggie were undoubtedly loved by dad and daughter reading duos globally thanks to a plot that follows them on their otherworldly adventures. With magic and creativity that rivals other great works such as Harry Potter and A Game of Thrones, Inkheart was a complex but incredible read for noughties bookworms.
Darren Shan: Cirque Du Freak
The saga of Darren Shan caused mass fright everywhere upon release when the eponymous author claimed that the detailed events were true. Noughties boys everywhere delighted in the gore, fable and freak show elements of these 12 book, as well as the hero-boy character of Darren. Distinctly different from the vampire-romance novels that were popular at the time, the series is boyish gore at its very best.
Artemis Fowl
Young readers everywhere could live vicariously through the Artemis Fowl series that detailed the activity of a 12 year old criminal mastermind. Fast-paced, tongue in check and very much a book of two levels, parents at the time also delighted in the riveting plotline and slightly darker humour. Soon to become a feature length film, many will always remember Artemis as a beloved book character from childhood.