top of page

Our 11+ recommended reading list   

Our recommended reading list for 11+ exam preparation is suitable for both Year 4 and Year 5 students. This list includes both classic fiction and modern favourites, designed to excite and engage young readers and to enhance their vocabulary (key to 11+ success).  Many of these books have previously been included as comprehension texts for the 11+ exam. We have indicated whether we feel these books are best suited to Year 4 or Year 5 readers, or can be enjoyed by both.  Please bear in mind that confident Year 4 readers may be able to read the Year 5 books successfully but the themes may not be suitable for younger readers.  If you are a parent, carer or guardian, you may therefore wish to read these books with your child to assess their suitability for the younger age group. We would encourage you to use your own judgement when choosing books with your child. Each book contains a link to its Amazon page should you wish to purchase for your child. These books are also available to purchase from most good booksellers, often including local second hand book stores and many of these will also be available at your local library.  

We hope you enjoy this list!

Subscribe now to receive a PDF version of this list

Thanks for subscribing!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson series)

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Adventure; Greek and Roman Myths

Reaching the Stars

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Poetry

Roman Mysteries Epic Collection

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Historical fiction

Skellig

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Mystery; fantasy

Striking Out

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Sport; family; friendship

The Borrowers

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Fantasy

The Clockwork Conspiracy (Isaac Turner Investigates)

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Mystery

Pig Heart Boy

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Family; friendship

Relic Hamilton - Genie Hunter

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Action; adventure; fantasy

Secret Garden

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Classic fiction

Stormbreaker (Alex Rider series)

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Spy fiction; thriller

Swallows and Amazons

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Adventure

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Friendship

The Demon Headmaster

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Fantasy; mystery

Railway Children

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Classic fiction; action and adventure

Ripley's Believe It or Not! 2025

Perfect for:

Year 4 and 5

Themes

Non-fiction

Shackleton's Journey

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Non-fiction; historical

Street Child

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Historical fiction

The Bad Beginning: A Series Of Unfortunate Events Vol 1

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Fantasy; mystery; humour

The Butterfly Lion

Perfect for:

Year 4

Themes

Friendship; animals

The Edge Chronicles

Perfect for:

Year 5

Themes

Sci-fi

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

©2022 by Advantage Tuition. 

​

​

​

​

bottom of page