To encourage all pupils at FOJS further develop a love of reading, we have put together a list of twelve amazing books from established authors.  These books have been carefully selected to include a range of styles and interests. The list will also include classic books that were written some years ago now as this forms a key part of their reading curriculum.  Also included are three non-fiction books linked to the curriculum topics that the children will be learning this year. They will not be expected to have read the non-fiction cover to cover, but we would like them to have spent some time delving in and exploring the information. The pupils have been challenged to read all eight before the end of the year.

Enjoy listening to your child read them to you, reading them to your child or even reading them at the same time as each other and racing to the finish! The children can read the books in any order and at the pace they choose. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that each book on the list has as wide-ranging an appeal as possible, it is inevitable that your child will be more enthusiastic about some than others, but this does not mean they will not really enjoy the book if they allow themselves to be immersed in it. Some of the books are part of a series so the children can read more of the ones they enjoy the most.

The books vary in level of difficulty but all twelve are widely considered to reflect the age-related expectation of what children should be reading in Year 6.  If your child is finding it hard to read one or more of the books, then they will be encouraged to read parts with a reading partner at school.  It would benefit children if parts of the book could be read to them at home as well as giving them opportunities to read the book aloud to an adult or sibling. Some are available on audio CD enabling children of all abilities to access the text. Copies of each book are available to the children within school and further copies to read at home will be available, either from the school library or at your local community library.  You may of course wish to purchase your own copy of the books.

These are all great books but having listened to our children we are adjusting our expectations about how many are read each year. Whilst we would still encourage children to read or experience as many of our ‘Must Reads’ as possible, children are expected to read or experience at least 6, giving them time to explore other books from the class library or home if they would prefer to.

If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s teacher; we are eager to help.

Enjoy the books and let us know what you think.