Classic Literature for Year 7 Students
Classic literature is an essential part of every student’s reading list, and it’s essential to expose Year 7 students to the great works of literature. These works provide an excellent foundation for students to develop critical reading skills and help develop their imagination and creativity. Classic literature books are a great way to help students develop their literature appreciation, critical thinking, and communication skills. The following are some of the classic literature books that are recommended for Year 7 students to read.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven books, and it is a classic fantasy novel that was written by C.S. Lewis. The series has been popular among children and adults since its publication in the 1950s. The books follow the adventures of a group of siblings who discover a magical world called Narnia, filled with mythical creatures, talking animals, witches, and a great lion named Aslan. The books are an excellent choice for Year 7 students as it promotes critical thinking and creativity.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit is a classic fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien. The book follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is swept away on an unexpected journey with a group of dwarves to reclaim their stolen treasure from a dragon named Smaug. The Hobbit is an excellent choice for Year 7 students as it promotes critical thinking and creativity, and it teaches valuable life lessons such as courage, loyalty, and friendship.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic novel written by Mark Twain. The book follows the adventure of a mischievous boy named Tom Sawyer, who lives in a small town along the Mississippi River. The book is an excellent choice for Year 7 students as it promotes critical thinking and creativity, and it teaches valuable life lessons such as how to deal with peer pressure and how to take responsibility for one’s actions.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden is a classic novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The book follows the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox, who is sent to live with her uncle in a large, isolated house in the English countryside after her parents die. The book is an excellent choice for Year 7 students as it promotes critical thinking and creativity, and it teaches valuable life lessons such as the power of friendship, determination, and the beauty of nature.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel written by Harper Lee. The book is set in the deep south of the USA during the Depression and follows the story of a young girl named Scout Finch and her brother Jem as they learn about racism and prejudice. The book is an excellent choice for Year 7 students as it promotes critical thinking and creativity, and it teaches valuable life lessons such as the importance of standing up for what is right, the strength of character, and the value of empathy.
These classic literature books are an excellent place for Year 7 students to start developing their reading and literary appreciation skills. They promote critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and teach valuable life lessons that will help students become better readers and better people.
Adventure and Mystery Novels for Year 7 Readers
In the second subtopic of our recommended reading list for Year 7 readers, we will focus on adventure and mystery novels. These types of books are perfect for readers who love to experience different worlds, time periods, and cultures while trying to solve the puzzles and mysteries hidden within the plot.
First on our list is “The Secret Keepers” by Trenton Lee Stewart. This novel is about a young, underprivileged boy named Reuben who discovers a mysterious watch that gives him the power to turn invisible. As he explores his small town in search of answers, he uncovers a dangerous plan by the town’s most powerful family to steal a valuable treasure hidden somewhere in the town. With the help of new friends, Reuben must navigate through a web of clues and secrets to stop the family and save his town.
Next is “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein. This witty and fast-paced novel follows a group of twelve-year-olds who are selected to spend a night in a famous eccentric game-maker’s library. But when the doors lock behind them and they discover that they must solve puzzles and riddles within the library in order to escape, they quickly realize that the game is no longer a game. The novel is full of humor, wit, and surprising twists that will keep readers engaged until the very last page.
Another great adventure and mystery novel for Year 7 readers is “Fablehaven” by Brandon Mull. This series follows two siblings, Kendra and Seth, as they discover the fantastical world of Fablehaven: a secret preserve for magical creatures of all kinds. As they explore the preserve, they discover a sinister plot that threatens to destroy the magical world forever. With the help of fairies, centaurs, and other magical creatures, Kendra and Seth must work together to stop the forces of evil and save Fablehaven.
Last on our list is “Spy School” by Stuart Gibbs. This novel is about a twelve-year-old boy named Ben who has always dreamed of becoming a spy. When he is unexpectedly accepted into the CIA’s top secret Spy School, he realizes that the path to his dream job is not as glamorous as he thought it would be. With dangerous missions, strict rules, and a mysterious double-agent in their midst, Ben and his new friends must use their wits and skills to uncover the truth and complete their mission.
In conclusion, adventure and mystery novels are great reads for Year 7 readers who love to solve puzzles, go on exciting quests, and explore new worlds. The novels mentioned above are just a few of the many great books that are available and sure to keep children engaged and entertained for hours on end.
Recommended Non-Fiction Reading for Year 7 Students
Non-fiction books offer an incredible way to learn about the world. They are a treasure trove of knowledge, ideas, and insights from people who have experienced and studied various topics. Non-fiction reading provides a window into the human experiences, thus broadening the minds of young learners and helping them improve essential skills such as reading and critical thinking. Here are three must-read non-fiction books for Year 7 students:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The true story of Henrietta Lacks, a black woman living in Baltimore in the early 1950s, is a remarkable tale of medical discovery, racial injustice, and family life. Henrietta died of cervical cancer, but her cells have been used in medical research ever since, leading to countless breakthroughs in medical science and technologies. However, her family was unaware of this for over 20 years. In this book, author Rebecca Skloot interweaves the story of Henrietta’s life with the history of medical ethics, race relations, and the ethical implications of using human tissue for research. It is a fascinating book that will make Year 7 students critically examine medical research and the ownership of human body tissue.
Our Universe: An Astronomer’s Guide by Jo Dunkley
Have you ever wondered what the universe is made up of and how it works? This book by Jo Dunkley, an astrophysicist at Princeton University, provides an engaging and informative guide to our universe for Year 7 students. It covers the history of astronomy, the big bang theory, the formation of stars and galaxies, and the search for life beyond our planet. With colorful illustrations and photographs, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the universe and its mysteries.
How to Be an Activist by Vanessa Holburn
Young people, including Year 7 students, have the power to bring about change in society. Whether it’s to stop climate change, promote animal welfare, or fight for equality, becoming an activist is a meaningful way to make a difference. This book by Vanessa Holburn is a comprehensive guide that teaches young readers how to identify issues they care about, create a plan of action, and make their voices heard. It also includes inspiring stories of young activists who have made a significant impact on their communities and the world. This book is a great resource for young activists who want to turn their passion into action.
Reading non-fiction books not only helps Year 7 students improve their reading and critical thinking skills, but it also provides them with a glimpse into various aspects of life. The books described above offer a rich and diverse range of topics, from medical research to social justice to astronomy to activism, ensuring that there’s a non-fiction book for every curious young mind. So go ahead and explore the world through the pages of these books!
Popular Middle-Grade Series for Year 7 Students
It’s hard to talk about middle-grade series books without mentioning the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. The beloved books follow the story of a young boy named Harry Potter, who discovers he is a wizard and attends a prestigious school for magic. The series consists of seven books, each one building on the last to create one epic story of magic, friendship, and the fight between good and evil. It is a must-read for any Year 7 student who loves adventure, fantasy, and a touch of mystery.
Another popular middle-grade book series is The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. This book series follows the story of Percy Jackson, a demigod, who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. The series is full of humor, adventure and explores different aspects of Greek mythology in ways that are fun and accessible to young readers.
The Giver quartet by Lois Lowry is a well-loved and highly acclaimed children’s book series. The books are set in a utopian society that initially seems perfect, but the more readers learn about it, the more they discover the darker aspects of the society. The books follow the characters Jonas, Kira, and Matty as they navigate the challenges of their society. This thought-provoking series is perfect for Year 7 students who enjoy dystopian and speculative fiction.
If your Year 7 student is looking for a thrilling adventure series, look no further than The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. The books are set in a dystopian future in which teenagers are selected to fight to the death in an annual event. The series follows the character of Katniss Everdeen as she fights to survive and also rebels against the society she lives in. The Hunger Games is a gripping series that explores themes of power, control and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Diverse and Inclusive Books for Year 7 Readers
Reading is important for children’s development and books with diverse and inclusive themes can promote understanding, empathy, and acceptance. At Year 7, students are transitioning into young adults and reading diverse books can help them explore different perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Here are five recommended books that are diverse and inclusive for Year 7 readers:
1. June Almeida Virus Detective by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Elisa Paganelli is a non-fiction book that tells the story of June Almeida, a Scottish scientist who discovered the first human coronavirus in 1960. The book celebrates her achievements and promotes perseverance and curiosity in science. It also has a female protagonist and introduces children to the history of virology.
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a classic fantasy novel that features a diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds. The book promotes empathy and kindness towards others, as the main characters learn to accept and understand each other’s differences. It also has themes of loyalty, courage, and self-discovery that are relevant to Year 7 readers.
3. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the story of Xiomara, a Dominican teenager who discovers her passion for slam poetry while navigating family expectations, cultural identity, and first love. The book explores themes of self-expression, feminism, and cultural heritage and has won numerous awards for its diverse representation and powerful storytelling.
4. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson is a graphic novel that subverts fantasy tropes and features a diverse cast of characters with personalities that challenge stereotypes. The book has themes of friendship, loyalty, and standing up against injustice. It also has elements of humor and action that are engaging for Year 7 readers.
5. The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson is a picture book that celebrates Black history and resilience. The book has powerful poetry and stunning illustrations that showcase the achievements and struggles of Black Americans. It also acknowledges the ongoing fight for equality and encourages hope and determination. The Undefeated won the 2020 Caldecott Medal and is a great book for Year 7 students to learn about history and social justice.
These are just some examples of the diverse and inclusive books that Year 7 students can read. There are many more books that have different themes, genres, and representation. Reading diverse books can broaden children’s horizons and help them become more compassionate and open-minded individuals.