11 Plus (11+) Recommended Reading List – Updated September 2024

Suggested Reading:

This comprehensive list offers a diverse selection of classic and contemporary literature, perfect for preparing children for the 11 Plus exam. These books range from timeless classics to imaginative fantasy, fostering a love for reading while enhancing vocabulary and comprehension skills. Please note, this list is not exhaustive.

Classics

1. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
2. Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
4. Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
5. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
6. Black Beauty – Anna Sewell
7. Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
8. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – Mark Twain
9. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
10. The Call of the Wild – Jack London

These classics introduce students to rich narratives, diverse characters, and timeless themes like friendship, personal growth, and moral dilemmas. They provide great material for expanding vocabulary and deepening comprehension of complex texts.

Fantasy & Sci-Fi

 

1. The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
2. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling
4. The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
5. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
6. The Northern Lights – Philip Pullman
7. A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle
8. Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card
9. The Spiderwick Chronicles – Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi
10. Skellig – David Almond

Fantasy books open up imaginative worlds for students, allowing them to explore new universes while improving their reading skills. Many of these stories incorporate rich vocabulary, themes of bravery, and moral lessons.

Adventure & Mystery

1. Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome
2. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase – Joan Aiken
3. The Hardy Boys (Series) – Franklin W. Dixon
4. The Famous Five (Series) – Enid Blyton
5. Kidnapped – Robert Louis Stevenson
6. Emil and the Detectives – Erich Kästner
7. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
8. Holes – Louis Sachar
9. The Diamond Brothers – Anthony Horowitz
10. The Railway Children – E. Nesbit

Adventure and mystery stories captivate young readers with excitement, suspense, and problem-solving. They are ideal for improving students’ ability to follow complex plots and character development.

Historical Fiction

1. War Horse – Michael Morpurgo
2. Goodnight Mister Tom – Michelle Magorian
3. The Silver Sword – Ian Serraillier
4. Carrie’s War – Nina Bawden
5. I am David – Anne Holm
6. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne
7. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit – Judith Kerr
8. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
9. Blitzed – Robert Swindells
10. The Roman Mysteries (Series) – Caroline Lawrence

These novels provide a window into historical periods and events, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of past generations. They’re perfect for engaging students in both history and literature.

Animal Stories

1. Black Beauty – Anna Sewell
2. Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
3. The Jungle Book – Rudyard Kipling
4. My Family and Other Animals – Gerald Durrell
5. Redwall (Series) – Brian Jacques
6. The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame
7. Watership Down – Richard Adams
8. The Hundred and One Dalmatians – Dodie Smith
9. The Butterfly Lion – Michael Morpurgo
10. Fantastic Mr. Fox – Roald Dahl

Animal lovers will enjoy these touching and adventurous stories, many of which convey strong themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage.

Challenging Reads for Advanced Readers

1. Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy
2. Far from the Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy
3. Kipps – H.G. Wells
4. The Road to Wigan Pier – George Orwell
5. The Mill on the Floss – George Eliot
6. Longitude – Dava Sobel
7. The Destructors – Graham Greene
8. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
9. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
10. Sophie’s World – Jostein Gaarder

These books are ideal for advanced readers who are ready for more complex themes, challenging vocabulary, and intricate plots. They stretch the reader’s comprehension and analytical skills.

Encourage Daily Reading:

Children should be reading for 20 minutes to an hour daily. This habit improves their general comprehension of texts, expands vocabulary, and enhances analytical thinking—skills essential for success in the 11 Plus exam. Incorporate activities like summarising chapters, exploring challenging words, and engaging in discussions about characters and themes.

This comprehensive list covers a broad range of genres and reading levels, ensuring every student can find something they enjoy while also preparing them for their exams.