Recommended Reads

Our Reading Spine

Imagine a primary school where over 7-8 years, children are read to, enjoy, discuss and work with around 82 core books. These ‘essential reads’ would be a store of classics, creating a living library inside a child’s mind. This is the ‘Reading Spine.’ It is supplemented by many other books. In Reception and Year 1, this includes great picture books with which children should build a strong acquaintance. In Year 2, both picture books and ‘chapter stories’ are included. In KS2, novels are introduced as class reads. Poetry and non-fiction books are also included throughout the curriculum.

The decisions we make about how we educate our children are rooted in our beliefs and attitudes. The challenge is to reflect those beliefs and attitudes in the stories and non-fiction read to children and later in what they read for themselves. Literature is probably the most powerful medium through which children have a chance to inhabit the lies of those who are like them. Children also need to learn about the lives of those whose experiences and perspectives differ from their own.

Parents and teachers are the best people to promote a love of reading because children, particularly young children, care what their teachers and parents think about the stories they read aloud. If parents and teachers show they love the story, the children are likely to respond in the same way. (The Reading Framework, 2023)

Recommended Reads

Below you will find a list of recommended reads for each year group. These books are high quality texts which can be read together to promote a love of reading. These lists are a great tool for parents and teachers to ensure their children are exposed to a wide range of diverse stories. 

If you have any questions or need any further support, please speak to your child's class teacher or one of the English Subject Leads.

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