Thought Provoking Reading List for ages 9-11 and 11 Plus Prep

The blissful, balmy summer will be upon us in no time so it’s a good time to think about what books our children might enjoy curling up with in a shady corner or perhaps listen to whilst shared reading with a parent at bedtime.

Reading is great for helping young people improve their spelling, introducing them to new ideas they can experiment with in their own writing, imparting knowledge to them of cultures and practices they would otherwise not encounter, and increasing understanding of the written word. If parents do shared reading with their children, this particular book list includes some quite chunky topics which can provide a platform from which to discuss a wide range of issues and experiences. Personally, I’ve read all of these books in order to be in a position to recommend them, but I’ve also used many of them for shared reading with my own children and clients.

There are loads of great new books out there – it’s such an exciting time for those of us who love to read – but it’s also good to read a few thought provoking classics which perhaps give you insight into a piece of history, help you see things from a different perspective, or assist you in understanding relationships, friendships and loss.

There are many book lists out there too, but my book suggestions here are all about giving children a little bit of extra life experience along the way.

If your child is doing independent school entrance exams at 11 plus, some of these suggestions might already be on their 11 plus recommended reading list and if not, perhaps consider adding them to their summer book list – these suggestions might just expand your child’s world and give them interesting things to talk about in interviews – I hope you find them useful 😊

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Taking place over the course of a summer vacation, Holly Goldberg Sloan’s story is told through the eyes of Julia, a vivacious, thoughtful girl who may have a genetic condition affecting her height, which her grandmother has. At the beginning of the story, Julia is sad because she has recently lost her dog and has low self confidence, feeling that she has few talents, especially in the area of singing and dancing. Her Mum however, forces her to audition for a semi-professional theatre production taking place over the course of her summer holidays, alongside her more talented brother.

Unsurprisingly, she lands a part in the play but is less than enthusiastic about participation. During rehearsals though, she finds that people are often much more interesting and wonderful than they appear on the surface. She also discovers that her own contribution is valued and she learns many life lessons through participation in the play. Throughout, the reader is exposed to Julia’s inner musings on absolutely everything, which are both thought provoking and entertaining. If you like drama then this could be a good one for you.

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

Living in the cosy comfort of Cumbria in the UK, I found this book a real eye opener, giving me some insight into the hardship and struggles of girls living in other parts of the world. Reading this made me think about how lucky I have been to be born in this country…

The main character, Parvana, lives in Afghanistan, which is under Taliban rule. Her father is taken away and her mother and siblings are unable to get food as they are not allowed out of the house without an accompanying male member of their family.

Parvana is age 11 and can just about pass as a boy by dressing differently and cutting her hair. Thus, she becomes the sole source of income and supplies for her family. It’s a pretty sad state of affairs that anyone should have to live like this, but people in this world still do and I think it’s a story which should be told and one which everyone should read.

The Secret garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This is a very gentle book which follows the story of Mary. At the beginning, she lives in India and has been quite neglected by her parents, growing up to be spoilt and rude. After the death of her Mum and Dad, she is sent away to live with her uncle, who has problems of his own and a tragic past. Slowly, she gets to know people in her new surroundings and gradually becomes kinder towards and more understanding of those around her.

Readers are taken on the positive, transformational journey Mary goes on as she learns to make sense of the world and begins to understand how to make friends, show kindness and take responsibility. I used this book for shared reading with a student who had suspected autism and it prompted many useful discussions.

Esperanza by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Providing a glimpse into the world of Mexican immigrants in the US in the 1920s, this book has many interesting themes to expand your mind. Esperanza suffers the loss of her father and her world is turned upside down. Her privileged position in society is taken from her almost overnight and she ends up doing tough, physical fruit picking in the US on a large farm.

Bereavement, worker’s rights and the invisible dividing line between rich and poor are all explored in this touching tale, leading the main character, Eperanza, to discover where the real riches in life can truly be found.

Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian

Willie is a WWII refugee, fleeing the terror raining down on buildings of London from Nazi bombers above, and also perhaps from another horror closer to the ground in his family home. Thin and with multiple bruises on his body, he is placed into the home of Mr Tom, a caring and compassionate host with his own difficult past. A strong bond develops between the two characters and their lives are both changed for the better – Willie becomes stronger and Tom’s life is revitalised and enhanced by looking after Willie. Unfortunately, Willie eventually needs to return to his home in London and they need to part company.

Historically interesting and thought provoking, this is a beautifully written story using great vocabulary, about friendship and trust as well as touching upon the difficult subject of child abuse.

Wonder by R J Palacio

Wonder is all about a boy called August, who has a genetic problem which makes his face look different to other children’s. He has been homeschooled but is about to enter mainstream school with other children at the start of this tale. The story unfolds over the course of a year and gives readers insight into his feelings towards and interactions with new classmates. He makes friends, is bullied and betrayed but ends the year in triumph.

This is a great book for helping you see things from someone else’s perspective who perhaps looks very different from you, and it has a lovely, positive vibe.

Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein

Following the fortunes of Will, who has a facial difference which causes people in school to tease him by calling ‘Turtle boy’, this book maps his transformation from someone who is full of fear and hides himself from the world into an individual with kindness, confidence and strength.

Our main character is a Jewish boy, who is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. As part of this, he needs to carry out some community work and, after having some difficulties with this, Will ends up supporting a terminally ill boy, RJ, in hospital. Despite a shaky start, a strong relationship eventually forms between them. By showing empathy, kindness and support to someone else, Will discovers that he himself grows as a person and benefits enormously from the experience.

Aside from bullying, other significant themes tackled in this book are bereavement and friendship. Will lost his father at at young age, and his interaction with RJ forces him to confront loss head on. His close friends sometimes disappoint him and he them, and this book provides useful discussion points about how to understand people and what it means to be a friend.

This book is touching and well written by the author who himself suffered the same facial difference as Will.

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatramen

Based on real experiences of homeless children in India, this is quite a sad tale of a young girl, Viji, and her special needs sister, Rukku. Unfortunately, their father is violent towards them and their mother, so Viji runs away to the city taking her sister with her.

Homeless and without work, they are fortunate enough to meet another two strays who help them survive in the dangerous, vulnerable position they find themselves in.

To children in the West, this environment is alien and the book therefore gives us insight into another world, and although it tugs on your heart strings, the ending to this story is hopeful and optimistic.

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