The books we read in childhood can be some of the most meaningful and impactful of our lives. Treasured books have a way of teaching, inspiring and shaping imaginations by introducing us to places, times and characters that end up staying with us for a lifetime. I still think of characters such as Anne of Green Gables, Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch, Nancy Drew, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and Anne Frank not to mention the Black Stallion and the animals of the Wind in the Willows as friends! So, with that in mind, here are some book recommendations from our children of some of their favourite books:
The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness by Michelle Paver
A boy, a girl and a wolf in the Stone Age times go on quests to uncover secrets of Torak (the boy) to vanquish the evil Soul-Eaters. ‘I really enjoy reading these books and can’t wait for Wolfbane, the final book, to come out.’ – Xavier (Diamond Learning Zone)
A Dinosaur Ate my Sister by Pooja Puri
“It’s funny and exciting.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Captain Underpants by Dave Pilkey
“It is funny and a great comedy book for children.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Midnight Gang by David Walliams
“It’s a good read for all ages to enjoy.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
My Secret Diary by Jacqueline Wilson
“It takes you into the life of a teenager in the 60’s and I recommend it for all ages.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
“It is a really exciting adventure fantasy that I personally really enjoy. It is also really creative.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
“It is a mix of myth and modern. It is amazing and it includes suspense.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
“It is such a joy to read, and it is funny and it’s great for kids.” –Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
World’s Worst Children by David Walliams
“I think it’s a really good book because it is funny and makes me laugh.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Lightning Girl by Alesha Dixon
“It is an interesting and funny story.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
“Sometimes a door is closed for a reason and because fairy tales are more than true, not because they tell us that dragons are real but because they tell us they can be beaten.” -Pupil from Diamond Learning Zone
Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf
‘It’s a really happy story that starts sad about a refugee called Ahmet. My favourite part was the friends he makes through the story. The author has two new books as well!’ -Kadie (Emerald Learning Zone)
Horrible Histories by Terry Deary
‘The gruesome parts are really good and I am learning lots from it.’ -Lewis (Emerald Learning Zone)
A Dog’s Purpose by W Bruce Cameron
‘It is about a dog called Bailey who finds an owner called Nathan and they have great adventures together.’ -Zach (Emerald Learning Zone)
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
From the maker of Captain Underpants these books are a must for comic book fans. Finley finds them hilarious reading and has collected the whole collection. Dog Man is also great for those who love drawing, Finley copies the drawings in to his own notebooks. – Finley (Ruby Learning Zone)
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
This is a story about two daddy penguins who want to have an egg. I could listen to this story lots of times because it has a good ending. Jack (Amethyst Learning Zone)
Detective Dog Nell and Hospital Dog both by Julia Donaldson
Both are fabulous tales about very clever dogs who provide a service to help their community but when disaster strikes their quick thinking and smart minds save the day! Amazing rhyming and beautiful illustrations make them a fave in our house! – Iliza (Amethyst Learning Zone)
Immi by Karin Littlewood
This is about a girl who finds small colourful objects when she is fishing for her supper. Abel loves this book because it has a special ending. Abel (Opal Learning Zone)
The Jolly Pocket Postman by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
This is about a postman who goes on adventures. Abel loves this book because it has an envelope on every other page with things inside for him to explore. Abel (Opal Learning Zone)
Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough
This book is about a duck who gets his truck stuck in the muck. Abel loves this book because it rhymes and he finds it very funny. Abel (Opal Learning Zone)
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
This book is about a Stick Man who gets lost and is trying to find his way back home. Abel loves this book like all of the other Julia Donaldson books because it rhymes and he loves the adventure Stick Man goes on in order to find his way home. Abel (Opal Learning Zone)
We hope you enjoy these book recommendations! Please let us know if you selected a book from this list and share your thoughts.
