The summer holidays are almost amongst us and it is important to make sure that the students are reading during the summer holidays for at least 20 minutes a day or listening to an audio book.
We have come up with some great books for students ages 7-11 to read during the break that can help them prepare for the next school year. Reading for pleasure will improve writing and comprehensive skills, give a heads up for exam performance and it will be a source of enjoyment.
Genre: children’s fantasy novel, magic realism
Why we recommend it: this is a great book of fantastical fiction teaches children loving family relationships and tenderness. This book has won several literary awards and I remember loving this at school!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Genre: fantasy, nonsense
Why we recommend it: this is a classic that can be enjoyed at any age. Lewis Carroll allows the imagination run wild with his fantastical language and the characters of the wonderland. Not only will they have a great time reading, kids can learn to construct words and sentences in a whole new way and then can go on to enjoy the film adaptations.
Genre: fantasy
Why we recommend it: …do we even need to write anything here? Harry Potter is the epitome of British culture and must be read by everyone! Fantastic audio books are also available to download and read along with the text. These books allow children to see character development as they read the series and excellent description of a wizardry school.
Genre: humour, children’s fiction
Why we recommend it: in fact, any book by Road Dahl is recommended, his children books are absolutely genius, they are hilarious with great story lines. This will be much loved by children who love to read and to learn with a good sense of humour.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Road Dahl
Genre: fantasy, classic
Why we recommend it: we did warn you we love Road Dahl! Charlie and the Chocolate factory is the most famous book of all. This book teaches children to be honest, kind and true and that is how you should be, unlike the other characters who do not make it through the factory.
Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst
Genre: biography, history, non-fiction
Why we recommend it: Kate Pankhurst, descendent of Emmeline Pankhurst, has created this wildly wonderful and accessible book about women who really changed the world. Children can learn about what is means to be fearless and to stick up for what you believe in. Discover fascinating facts about some of the most amazing women who changed the world that we live in.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Genre: fantasy, mystery
Why we recommend it: these books have a great sense of humour, Lemony Snickett is a children’s author who will give definitions of words and talks directly to the reader. It will be a different style of writing to what they are used to, a great way for them to understand the different types of writing styles.
The Story of Tracey Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson
Genre: children’s fiction
Why we recommend it: personally, anything Jacqueline Wilson is recommended, she is a staple when it comes to children’s fiction. Tracey Beaker is one of her more famous books, written with great sensitivity and panache.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
Genre: fantasy, classic
Why we recommend it: the chronicles of Narnia are legendary that will transport your child’s imagination to a different place where Aslan, the great lion talks, and many adventures happen.
Genre: classics, animals
Why we recommend it: this will be a hit for all animal-loving children. This is a great book for children to start to familiarise themselves with classic fiction.