The English Faculty - Reading List
Try some of these books... bring them into school for your reading lessons and talk about them. Check them out at your local library, and when you've read one, write a review for this page!
Age: all years
The Narnia books
If you haven't read these yet, don't wait for the films, read them now! Full of adventure and imagination, you'll be gripped.
Age: Y7 and 8
Millions by Frank Cotterell Boyce
What would you do if you found sackfuls of banknotes? This story mixes robbers and saints with too much money and some very tearful moments. Fast-paced and fun.
Age: Y9-11
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
An insight into the world of an autistic boy who wants to find out why his neighbour's dog has been murdered. His mother has left home, and he doesn't understand the world of emotion. A powerful read, it will have you in tears.
Age: Y9
Abomination by Robert Swindells
Martha is very different from other children. She has a secret that has to be guarded and means she can never invite anyone home. A dark and interesting tale.
Age: Y7 to adult
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
An absolute classic that transports the reader to a wonderland full of interesting characters. Much better than Disney.
Age Y9-11
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend
A book that really reflects the pains and problems of adolescence. It shouldn't be forgotten.
Age: Y8-10
Turbulence by Jan Mark
You cannot put this book down. Once you start reading about newspaper delivery girl Clay and her seemingly boring life, it becomes apparent that there is a sinister soul on the block... Sandor, who causes turbulence in everyone's lives.
Age Y7-8
Framed by Frank Boyce
Funny, easy-to-read, enjoyable story about small town folk whose lives are turned around when something mysterious happens on the mountain. Especially funny references to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Age Y8-10
I, Coriander by Sally Gardner
Set in London in 1643, Coriander once lived a life full of happiness and joy. Things all change when her mother dies, she puts on a pair of silver shoes and an evil stepmother and her violent, bullying preacher friend come into her life.
Age: Y7-10
Clay by David Almond
Who would have thought clay could be so interesting? Hypnotic, strange and terrifying things happen to Davie when he meets Stephen Rose. Can Stephen make figures that come to life?
Age: Y8-9
Time Bomb by Nigel Hinton
A story of 4 friends who stumble across an unexploded bomb. Not only do they discover this, but they also meet Cap, a character who is not quite right…
Age Y7-8 Love Lessons by Jacqueline Wilson
A great book which shouldn't be ignored! It's interesting, thoughtful and something that girls can really relate to.
Age: Y8-10
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
A great plotline and an interesting main character. The book successfully combines action and drama, set in an England that's under occupation by enemy forces. The effects of first love are seen against a traumatic background of war and terror.
Age: Y8-10
Tamar by Mal Peet
An amazing love story set in World War Two; spies, the resistance and starvation make this riveting. Fabulously written, and with a real twist at the end.
Age: Y7-8
Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine Carson
Imaginative and magical, funny, sad and romantic. An uplifting story that will have you biting your nails sometimes.
Age:Y7-8
All American Girl by Meg Cabot
A teenage comedy, with lots of romance and fun. Well written and enjoyable.
Age: Y11-13
The Kite Runner
Absolutely astonishing first novel about growing up in Kabul. It will make you weep and wail for days!
Age: Y11-13
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
A gripping tale of an all-consuming love, set against the backdrop of the wild and savage moors. A classic that must be read.
Age: Y9-13
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Find out more about King Henry 8th. This portrays his court and the women only too happy to fulfil his every need. The story of Anne's sister, it is romantic, intriguing and astonishing.
Age: Y10-11
Junk by Melvyn Burgess
Follow two youngsters on a downward spiral into prostitution and heroin addiction. It's told from two different perspectives, and isn't for the faint-hearted.
Age: Y7-9
Exodus by Julie Bertagna
Ever wondered what would be left after global warming melts the icecaps? It is set in such a strange world, but one which ours could become. A gripping story which moves through different places, each with its own particular cast of characters, all vivid and exciting.
Age: Y7-9
Century by Sarah Singleton
I loved the mystery of the night-time setting and I was rooting for the girls to escape right from chapter one. A gothic-historical-romantic-mystery adventure.
Age: Y10-13
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
Tess is such an interesting woman; the way that life forces her to change and yet despite everything she is still the girl who danced on the green. She wanted to be a teacher, you know.
Age: Y11-13
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
The writer is so clever, to be able to move through such a range of genres and yet keep the thread of the stories so cleverly woven together. Read it with a friend; you'll want someone to discuss it with.
Age: Y12-13
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
One of those books that remains with you long after you have finished it; moving, with such a range of voices and places.
Age: Y12-13
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
What do you mean, you haven't read it? Do so at once. You will be transported into Victorian England, its marshes, cruelty and fear. From its opening in the graveyard to the closing moments, the pace never lets up.
Age: Y12-13
Affinity by Sarah Waters
Mediums, séances, Victorian spookiness and a heroine whom you want to be happy; this unsettling book will scare you and have you believing in spirits. I was taken in; will you be?
Age: Y12-13
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
This is a romantic, funny book set in Newfoundland. It tells the story of one of life's losers, his children and his relationships. You will grow to love him, and you'll be desperate for him to find happiness. Look at the pictures of knots at the head of each chapter; can you see the way they echo the story? |
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