10 texts to spark a lifelong love of reading

Author of our English for the More Able series, Vicky Burrill, picks out 10 books to engage and inspire your students.

The Twits by Roald Dahl

I am yet to meet a child who doesn’t love Roald Dahl’s stories and I think it’s because they make you laugh, cry, grimace, cower and cheer all at once. You will meet characters like none you’ve met before and you will want to read this book over and over again.

If you like this, try Fizzlebert Stump: The Boy Who Ran Away from the Circus (and joined the library) by A F Harrold

A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton

This is a simple tale of adventure and friendship. The relationship between the eponymous child and his ursine companion will enchant you and teach you that not all adventures are the same.

If you like this, try Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J K Rowling

If you want to experience the power of imagination, then this almanac of wondrous beasts will whisk you away and hopefully encourage to create your own incredible creatures.

If you like this, try The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Di Camillo

This charming tale will take you around the world, both under and over the sea. The protagonist, Edward, will enchant you and show you how some characters can capture your imagination and your heart.

If you like this, try Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Di Camillo

Oranges in No Man’s Land by Elizabeth Laird

This is a story to make you think, to make you feel grateful and safe and you help you understand that good can come from tragedy. It will open your eyes to the lives of others.

If you like this, try The Garbage Kid by Elizabeth Laird

Wonder by R J Palacio

A story like no other. Told from a number of perspectives, this is a story of facing difficulties and finding friends. This book will make you feel something that you won’t forget.

If you like this, try One by Sarah Crossan

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Prepare to be spooked! This book is beautifully written and will teach you the power of words in creating atmosphere.

If you like this, try Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde

An old story with a message which remains current and important. This simple tale is full of storytelling power. It has a moral to which we can all relate whether we are the children or the giant.

If you like this, try The Little Prince by Anton de Saint-Exupéry

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

This story offers its readers the ultimate ‘What if?’ It will make you think and wonder about things you may have never wondered about before. Join the protagonists in making the ultimate life or death decision.

If you like this, try Peter Pan by J M Barrie

The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce

This book uses words and pictures in an usual way to tell a very human story and one which is very relevant to our modern, global society. It will make you think and might open your eyes to the experiences of others.

If you like this, try Coming to England by Floella Benjamin