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Our 11+ recommended reading list   

Our recommended reading list for 11+ exam preparation is suitable for both Year 4 and Year 5 students. This list includes both classic fiction and modern favourites, designed to excite and engage young readers and to enhance their vocabulary (key to 11+ success).  Many of these books have previously been included as comprehension texts for the 11+ exam. We have indicated whether we feel these books are best suited to Year 4 or Year 5 readers, or can be enjoyed by both.  Please bear in mind that confident Year 4 readers may be able to read the Year 5 books successfully but the themes may not be suitable for younger readers.  If you are a parent, carer or guardian, you may therefore wish to read these books with your child to assess their suitability for the younger age group. We would encourage you to use your own judgement when choosing books with your child. Each book contains a link to its Amazon page should you wish to purchase for your child. These books are also available to purchase from most good booksellers, often including local second hand book stores and many of these will also be available at your local library.  

We hope you enjoy this list!

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Guardians of Magic

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Magic; adventure

Hetty Feather

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Historical fiction

Journey To Jo'burg

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Historical fiction

Kensuke's Kingdom

Perfect for:

Year 4 and Year 5

Themes

Adventure

Maisie vs Antarctica

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Fanstasy; adventure

Moondial

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Classic fiction

Northen Lights (His Dark Materials series)

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Science fiction; fantasy

Hacker

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Mystery; suspense

How to Train Your Dragon

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Fantasy; adventure

Katy

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

A modern reworking of the classic What Katy Did

Last Bear

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Nature; adventure; animals

Mary Poppins

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Classic fiction; fantasy

Mythologica

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Non-fiction; Greek mythology

Onyeka and the Academy Of The Sun

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Superhero fiction

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter series)

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Classic fiction; magic; fantasy

InkHeart

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Fantasy; adventure

Kay's Anatomy

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Non-fiction; biology

Little Women

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Classic fiction

Matilda

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Classic fiction; humour

No Ballet Shoes In Syria

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Family; friends; school

Oranges In No Man's Land

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Family; adventure

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