Summer Reads to Expand your Horizons (Yr 3-6 Edition)
Books introduce readers to new ideas, teach people about history & social issues and challenge everyone to imagine different worlds. They allow readers to increase their vocabulary as well as improve comprehension and communication skills which give students an advantage over their peers in exams. By reading many books from various contexts, students can expand their horizons and become a more knowledgeable person.
Here is our list of recommended books for primary school readers:
Beginner
Matilda - Roald Dahl
Child genius Matilda doesn't have an easy life - her family is ignorant, and the mean school principal, Mrs. Trunchbull, loves to punish children. When predicament strikes, how will the brave Matilda and her lovely teacher Miss Honey work together to save the day?
Includes themes of loyalty, love, greed and family.
Charlotte’s Web - E.B. White
When Wilbur finds out he is just a pig raised for slaughter, he becomes extremely distraught. Shunned by all the other barn animals, he finds solace in his only friend Charlotte, a spider who lives in the rafters above his barn. Together, the two hatch a plan to save him from his demise.
Includes themes of friendship, sacrifice, life & death, perseverance and growing up.
Intermediate
The Indian in the Cupboard (Series) - Lynne Reid Banks
Omri receives a plastic Indian toy and an old cupboard for his birthday. Unimpressed with his gifts, he throws the toy into the cupboard and locks it, but the next day, he finds that the little Indian has come to life!
Includes themes of prejudice, history and responsibility.
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
When four siblings are sent to a country house to escape the London bombings in World War II, they discover a wardrobe that takes them to the magical world of Narnia. Along with their mythical beast and talking animal friends, they set off on adventures that change Narnian history.
Includes themes of friendship, adventure, faith and courage.
Advanced
Hatchet - Gary Paulsen
After his parents’ divorce, Brian flies to Canada to meet his father. When the pilot suddenly loses consciousness and the plane crashes into wilderness, Brian must try to survive alone with only a hatchet.
Includes themes of survival, nature, coming of age, isolation and faith.
Animal Farm - George Orwell
After planning a rebellion and kicking out the farmer, the animals in Manor Farm seek a new life where all animals are treated equal. However, as time passes, corruption spreads as certain figures hold power over the others and the initial ideals of freedom and equality are slowly lost.
Includes themes of corruption, power, class, inequality and control.
