Children’s reading lists for ages 4-14: best books to read

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!

Why is reading important for children?

The importance of reading for children can’t be understated for its educational benefits. Regular reading can help children improve their English language and literacy, spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.

Reading has a number of other benefits too that go beyond education. Getting lost in a good book can provide children with a sense of comfort and security. Inspiring characters can give children a boost in confidence, particularly in stories that resonate with their own lives. And ultimately once a child is engaged with a book they enjoy, they’ll have fun and find happiness in the pages. So why is reading important for children? Here’s a quick breakdown…

Improves literacy early on for young children
Continues to improve literacy skills as they get older and read more challenging books
Gives children a greater vocabulary
Helps children with spelling and grammar
Allows children to unwind and de-stress
Can help boost children’s confidence
Gives children the space to learn while engaging their imaginations.

Books for Reception and Year 1

Ignite a love of reading early with magical tales from Julia 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

Books for Year 2

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. Download Year 2 reading list

Books for Year 3

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! Download Year 3 reading list

Books for Year 4

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. Download Year 4 reading list

Books for Year 5

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! Download Year 5 reading list

Books for Year 6

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! Download Year 6 reading list

Books for Years 7, 8 and 9

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 Years 7, 8 and 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.