Reading List Year 7 (11 To 12 Year Olds)

Posted by Chiara on 06/03/2013

Each book in the reading list is allocated a number – 1 being an easy read and rising to 3, which is a more difficult read. There are a couple of 4’s for those who want to be stretched further. Please note that there are comments about the type of content as some books require a level of maturity from the reader and a couple are actually recommended for age 13+ on the website. The aim is to try and read from a variety of different genres and build on the level of difficulty as you progress.

For reluctant readers who struggle to finish books:

• Mortal Chaos by Matt Dickinson (1)
• Mortal Chaos Deep Oblivion by Matt Dickinson (1)
• Mortal Chaos Speed Freaks by Matt Dickinson (1)

These books have short chapters and fast paced action

• The Week – weekly magazine for adults about current affairs. Short and long articles covering topics in the news with analysis. (3)

A Selection of Books

• Mortal Engine by Philip Reeve (2) – a good follow on from Harry Potter
• Itch Rocks by Simon Mayo (2) - science and adventure
• Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater (2) – includes fantasy
• Soldier Dog by Sam Angus (2) – WW1 using dogs as messenders
• A Beautiful Lie by Irfan Master (2) – the split of Pakistan from India through a child’s eyes
• One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John – (2) against all odds story, horse lovers
• Gods and Warriors by Michelle Paver (2) – historical
• Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace (2) – Zimbabwe as Mugabe comes to power, sad. This is a tough story line and has an age recommendation onthe websote f 13+ so please bear this in mind.
• After Tomorrow by Gillian Cross (2) - dystopian future, England is bankrupt, food is scarce, living in a refugee camp in France is the only option
• The Bell Between Worlds by Ian Johnstone (2) - an epic fantasy adventure
• Throne of Glass by S J Maas (2) – action, fantasy, fast paced
• Once, Then, Now, After by Maurice Gleitzman (2) – WW2 seen through the eyes of a child, harrowing
• Peak by Roland Smith (2) – action, climbing
• Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi (2) – future world/fantasy
• Trash by Andy Mulligan (2) – set in Brazil
• Meta Wars by Jeff Norton (2) – future world, computers
• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (2) – books lovers, fantasy
• Maze Runner by James Dashner (2) – future world
• Dead Time by Anne Cassidy (2) – mystery
• Girl Missing by Sophie McKenzie (2) – mystery, a good author to diversify if your child only reads Jacqueline Wilson
• Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Balckman (3) imagining a world where white people are the underclass, excellently written. Please note this has a 13+ age recommendation on the webstoe as the story line covers some tought topics.
• My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher (3) – dealing with a tragedy and is recommended for age 13+ on the websote as the storyline is tough
• Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth (3) – future world, post war, action
• There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom by Louis Sachar (3) – funny/sad, difficult child adapting to school
• Northern Lights series by Philip Pullman (4) – fantasy, questions life, beautifully written

Some Classics

• Bridge to Terrabithia by Katherine Patterson (2)
• Toms Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce (2)
• The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett (2)
• The Outsiders by S E Hinton (3)
• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (3)
• Call of the Wild by Jack London (3)
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (4)