The best books to read at home are ones that aren’t being read within the classroom! This will keep young readers interested in books both inside and outside of the classroom setting. If you were to have them read the same books both inside and outside the classroom, there would be a lack of excitement and anticipation to read each different type of book. If you need reading suggestions, just find your reader’s age and go from there!
Ages 6-9
- Winnie-the-Pooh – This is a great book about friendship, community, and the love of toys.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – A humorous book about a crazy chocolate factory emphasizing the need to follow rules and pay attention!
- The Chronicles of Narnia – Important books that include adventure, family, friendship, and new exciting opportunities.
Ages 10-12
- Peter Pan – Extremely different than the Disney movie, this provides a great example on the difference between literature and movie adaptations.
- Pinnochio – Similar to Peter Pan, this novel emphasizes the importance of behaving, doing well, and following your conscience.
- The Secret Garden – A great story about friendships, overcoming illness, and imagination.
- The Wind in the Willows – A great book about helping others.
Ages 12-15
- Around the World In Eighty Days – A great book about adventure and discovery.
- Hatchet – An inspiring book about survival and critical thinking.
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – This book is slightly different from Tom Sawyer, but it is the same characters so this book is a great addition to the already read Tom Sawyer.
As young readers get older, their lists are going to become smaller since their books take them longer to read than some of the small books noted! However, no book is small, and absolutely no reader is small for reading these books! These books are intended to be supplemental to that is read in class each day.