Children’s reading lists for ages 4-14: best books to read
February 08, 2021
In need of a gripping tale to beat boredom and keep your young reader engaged for hours on end?
From beloved childhood classics to fantastic fantasies and spooky stories, we’ve pulled together our favourite books to help inspire your child’s love of reading.
Our ultimate recommended primary school children’s reading lists have something for everyone. From those bookworms to even the most reluctant readers. Discover our 50+ must-read children’s books for each age between 7 and 11 here!
P1-P2 / Reception and Year 1 reading list
Ignite a love of reading early with magical tales from Jula Donaldson and help them understand the world around them with inclusive choices such as My Daddies! by Gareth Peter.
dOWNLOAD RECEPTION / Year 1 READING LIST
P3 / Year 2 reading list
From Roald Dahl’s animal adventures, Catherine Storr’s enchanted escapades and everything in between, the books in this list are brilliant to capture the imaginations of younger readers aged 7.
P4 / Year 3 reading list
You’ll find some well-loved authors on this list of books for young children aged 7-8. Dig up the history books with Julia Jarman’s ‘The Time Travelling Cat’ or discover Susie Gibb’s ‘Revolting Poetry to Make You Squirm’ – not for those who are slightly squeamish!
P5 / Year 4 reading list
Whether your child is a fan of a fairy tale, mystery story or prefers a good laugh, there’ll be a book they learn to love in this list for children aged 8-9 in year 4. Let them escape real life and get lost in a new world when climbing through the wardrobe C.S. Lewis’ fantasy chronicles or cosy up and binge Jacqueline Wilson’s series of tales.
P6 / Year 5 reading list
Adventure awaits with Dick King-Smith’s fantastical fiction. Yet if that doesn’t take your child’s fancy, there are plenty more books to choose from in this hugely enjoyable selection of titles for children aged 9-10. Something for everyone – even mum and dad!
P7 / Year 6 reading list
This selection of books for children aged 10-11 lists thought-provoking children’s literature alongside historical and fantasy genres for your child to soak up. As well as some all-time classics like Charles Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’ and E. Nesbit’s ‘The Railway Children’. Remember to share your favourite memory of these tales with your child!
S1-3 / Years 7-9 reading list
No matter what genre of books your child likes to read they are sure to find a compelling story in this list of suitable reads for children aged 11-14.
download year 7-9 reading list
11 Plus and Entrance Exams reading list
For children looking to expand their vocabulary from discovering more archaic words, to those wanting to explore synonyms to help them during their 11 Plus exams and transition to secondary school. Here are a few books we recommend picking up:
download year 4 11 PLUS reading list
download year 5 11 PLUS reading list
Our expert English tutors support children aged 4-14 in developing a love of reading and inspire them to achieve their full potential.
Discover how we can ignite their spark.
Discover more interesting posts from our blog
Homework help for parents and children
October 17, 2019
Homework time can be dreaded by parents and children alike, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s some homework help quick wins to make things easier… ...
Read this postAutism and learning: Supporting children with autism
April 06, 2021
For Autism Awareness Month, we’re turning a spotlight on some of our incredible members. Discover how we support children with autism at our Explore Learning...
Read this post