11+ RECOMMENDED READING LIST
Discovering the richness of language through literature.
Reading widely is one of the most effective ways to develop the vocabulary, comprehension and language skills needed for 11+ examinations.
Classic literature introduces children to rich descriptions, unfamiliar vocabulary, complex sentence structures and different ways of expressing ideas. It also encourages curiosity, imagination and independent thinking.
The following reading list offers a selection of classic books to enjoy, explore and discuss. Some are suitable for independent reading, while others are best enjoyed together with a parent or another adult.
THE VALUE OF READING TOGETHER
Children do not need to be able to read every classic independently to benefit from its language.
Reading aloud allows children to encounter sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures and imaginative descriptions that they might not yet feel confident reading alone.
I encourage parents to share these stories with their children, taking time to discuss unfamiliar words, explore characters and consider what writers might be suggesting beyond the literal meaning of the text.
A child who finds Dickens challenging to read independently may still delight in his humour, descriptions and storytelling when the words are brought to life by an adult.
Above all, reading together should be an enjoyable experience, encouraging curiosity, conversation and a lifelong appreciation of literature.
EXPLORE THE CLASSICS
Every child develops as a reader at their own pace.
The following books are grouped to help parents choose literature that will inspire, challenge and encourage their children.
These categories are a guide rather than a strict measure of reading ability. A book that is challenging to read independently can still be a wonderful experience when shared aloud.
DEVELOPING READERS
Engaging classics that introduce children to descriptive language, unfamiliar vocabulary and memorable characters.
Recommended books
The Secret Garden — Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Railway Children — E. Nesbit
The Wind in the Willows — Kenneth Grahame
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — C. S. Lewis
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — L. Frank Baum
CONFIDENT READERS
Classic stories that introduce richer vocabulary, more complex narratives and opportunities to explore character, atmosphere and meaning.
Recommended books
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland — Lewis Carroll
A Little Princess — Frances Hodgson Burnett
Treasure Island — Robert Louis Stevenson
Anne of Green Gables — L. M. Montgomery
The Jungle Book — Rudyard Kipling
CHALLENGING CLASSICS: READ TOGETHER
These more demanding classics introduce children to sophisticated vocabulary, complex characters and different narrative styles. They are particularly suitable for reading aloud together or exploring through selected extracts.
Recommended books
A Christmas Carol — Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist — Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes — Arthur Conan Doyle
Little Women — Louisa May Alcott
The Hobbit — J. R. R. Tolkien
QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE TOGETHER
Reading together offers wonderful opportunities for conversation. You don't need to turn every chapter into a lesson.
Sometimes, a simple question can encourage a child to look more closely at the language.
Questions to encourage curiosity and discussion
-
What do you think that unfamiliar word means?
-
Which words help you imagine the scene?
-
What have we discovered about this character?
-
Is the writer suggesting something without telling us directly?
-
Why do you think the writer chose that particular word?
-
Has anything surprised you about the story?
There are not always fixed answers to these questions. Encourage children to explain their ideas, return to the text and discover how the writer's words support their interpretations.
The closer we look, the more we discover.
Reading Beyond the Classics
Classic literature introduces children to rich vocabulary, varied sentence structures and different styles of writing, all valuable preparation for the 11+.
But reading should never become simply another examination exercise.
The most important thing is to encourage children to read, explore and enjoy books.
Contemporary fiction offers wonderful opportunities to discover different cultures, perspectives and experiences.
For more recommendations, visit our Books Worth Reading page.