Reading Lists for Children of Different Levels

Have you been teaching your child to develop the habit of reading? The art of reading can bring multiple benefits to growing children and young adults. From better vocabulary to a wider imagination, reading can equip your child to face many future challenges.

When children develop a reading habit, they also carry the habit into their adult life. It is likely to keep them informed and critical, and ready to face the world before them. If you are struggling to find some reading inspiration, here are a few recommendations to get your children or students going.

We have divided students into four levels – lower primary, higher primary, high school, and higher secondary school. Read ahead to find book lists for each level.

Reading Recommendations for Lower Primary (Ages 6 to 10) Students

1. Charlie Morphs into a Mammoth

The book has been written by Sam Copeland and Sarah Horne in 2020. In this book, versatile Charlie inhabits a world where he can turn into a mammoth, pigeon, rhino, or even a flea.

2. Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Missing Puppies

Authored by Megan Rix, the book was released in 2021. The book features a child who is trying to make a list of 101 reasons to persuade her parents to get her a dog. In the meantime, she is also solving a case of a missing puppy, as the title suggests.

3. Mummy Fairy & Me: Mermaid Magic

This children’s book written by Sophie Kinsella is sure to catch the attention of any child smitten with fairies and magic. You’ll see the character Ella navigate a world where her mother is a fairy and even helps catch thieves.

4. The Witches

This is a true children’s fiction classic from the legendary author Roald Dahl. What better way to introduce your children to literary giants? The theme, yet again, includes magic but pays attention to seemingly ordinary women who are actually witches.

5. Weirdo

What if children’s literature can get your students to develop a kind, diverse and inclusive mindset? The book authored by Zadie Smith, Nick Laird and Magenta Fox does just this by introducing you to a guinea pig who learns about self-acceptance.

Reading Recommendations for Upper Primary (Ages 11 and 12) Students

1. Front Desk

Add this book authored by Kelly Yang to the diversity list and find your students growing more inclusive. The story follows Mia, an aspiring writer who lives in a motel and manages its front desk. Watch her as she interacts with immigrants in the hotel.

2. The War that Saved My Life

There’s no age like 11 or 12 to introduce students to the New York Times Bestseller list. Why not do it through this poignant book? Written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, it traces the life of Ada, a ten-year-old girl who steps out of her house for the first time during the war.

3. Goosebumps

You cannot curate a reading list for 11 and 12-year-old students without recalling the classic that is Goosebumps. If you're looking to introduce some harmless fun to the child's life, L. Stine's novels will surely not disappoint.

4. The Crossover

Written by Kwame Alexander, the book follows Josh and his twin brother navigate the world of basketball, music, family, and life. Introduce this to kids if you want to get them interested in creative forms of writing, as the book is written in poetic verse.

5. Captain Superlative

If superhero movies get your child excited, why not introduce them to J.S Puller’s Captain Superlative? Watch Janey as she tries to investigate who the superhero in her school is. She ends up as Captain Superlative’s sidekick and they fight the evil in school.

Reading Recommendations for High School (Ages 13 to 15) Students

1. Life of Pi

There is no better age to introduce students to this popular piece of fiction adapted into a film. Coming from a zoo-keeping family, a young boy Pi travels aboard a ship with his family and zoo animals. The author Yann Martel now traces the story of Pi being stuck with a Bengal Tiger in a lifeboat.

2. Eragon

For students drawn to mystery, this book by Christopher Paolini is sure to capture their imagination. A fifteen-year-old boy Eragon discovers a polished blue stone in a forest. It hatches to bring forth a dragon.

3. The Harry Potter Series

It is the perfect time for students to dig into this literary sensation written by J.K. Rowling. The books bring a whole world of magic to life and sure to keep students engaged.

4. Holes

If mystery is a student’s cup of tea, this book is sure to impress. Authored by Louis Sachar, it follows Stanley, a young boy who finds himself in a boy’s camp. The children are instructed to dig five holes each day and the uncovered mystery is one to follow.

5. The Book Thief

If you want to get your students to appreciate historical fiction, this novel by Markus Zusak is a great fit. It is set in Nazi Germany in 1939. You will see a young Liesel navigate a world of books during difficult times.

Reading Recommendations for Higher Secondary (Ages 17 and 18) Students

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

This is the perfect time to expose them to the social and racial tensions in the world. Through Harper Lee’s book, a 6-year-old girl brings her viewpoint to a difficult social situation. The resulting story is elegant and revealing.

2. The Fault in Our Stars

This sensational book by John Greene has struck a chord with many young adults and has even been adapted into a film. Dwelling on the world of Hazel, a young adult with a terminal disease, examines her friendship and love with Augustus Waters.

3. Fahrenheit 451

For both readers and non-readers among students, here’s a book by Ray Bradbury that brings value to books themselves. Yes, in a world that is threatening to outlaw books and burn them, one fireman realizes the importance of books.

4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Series

Written by Douglas Adams, this is a collection of books where the character Arthur Dent sets on an adventure as a survivor of Earth's destruction. Here's a series for any student fond of sci-fi, space, and adventure.

5. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Written by Mark Hadden, the novel will instantly capture your attention as Christopher, an autistic boy who is mathematically gifted solves a mystery. The plot consists of a murdered neighbor’s dog and a mother’s secrets.

Endnotes

The above list brings together many genres and is tailored to bring good exposure to the child. From romance, social justice, to historical fiction, you will find a genre suited to each student’s interests.