Category Archives: Reading Lists

Guest post – Gregor’s Top 5 books every new S1 should read

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One of our new S2 pupils, Gregor, has shared the with us the books he thinks every S1 should read – a great list, particularly if you like your stories super scary and with a dash of magical adventure!

  1. “The Spooks Apprentice”  It is an interesting read and quite magical, so if you are into witchcraft sort of books, then this is definitely for the one for you, and you will love it if you are into an old fashioned sort of writing technique.
  2. “Gone” from The Gone Series.  This book and the rest of the books from its series, is probably my favourite series right now, and I can’t stop thinking about it, so I’m sure if you read it, you won’t be able to put it down! (along with all of its excellent sequels) Its quite a thrilling world to engross in, and has a superpower sort of theme, but it might be a bit old for you, and it does contain scenes of ‘cruelty and violence’.
  3. “The Demonata: Lord Loss” Jeepers creepers, this is one scary book series, and if you’re into that horror experience, this is the perfect book for you, and one of my personal favourites, so be sure to try it out.  If it sends chills down your spine, then it’s doing its job!
  4. “The Darren Shan Saga: The Vampires Assistant” Much like Lord Loss, the vampire’s assistant is very thrilling and horrifying, so when reading it, always suspect the worst!
  5. “Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone” The most magical experience you will ever have in a million years! If you are really into slightly more advanced books, then this should definitely be one you choose!

Guest post – Andrei’s Top 5 books everyone should read

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Andrei, another of our pupils just starting S5, has also shared with us his top 5 books that everyone should read and I don’t think I would disgree with any of them!

1. “Proud” compiled by Juno Dawson. A collection of LGBTQ+ short stories, poems and artworks by LGBTQ+ authors, poets and artists. There is truly something for everyone in this book which has a variety of writing styles, genres and diverse characters. My personal favourite being “The Other Team” by Michael Lee Richardson, although I don’t play any sports I can relate to the main character (us both being Scottish and transgender). The book perfectly conveys the fears of many LGBTQ+ youth and combines them with the feel good happy elements that overall make it a wonderful and easy read.

2. “The Art Of Being Normal” by Lisa Williamson. The story of a friendship between two transgender teenagers trying to navigate heartbreak, bullying and all the drama that comes with high school. I loved this book as it is another one that shows the struggles of growing up transgender and for those curious I’m sure it could help give understanding to what it’s like to have to deal with parents who won’t accept you, uneducated friends and family and the transphobia that is exhibited by many peers. Overall, I was a big fan of how different Kate and Leo were but how they still got along with each other and it really made the story that bit more interesting.

3. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. After Starr witnesses her unarmed best friend Khalil be shot fatally by a police officer her world changes as she has to decide between being safe and silent or to fight for justice for Khalil and his family. Featured on Wordery’s 55 Books To Read Before You Die (alongside many other fantastic books) and described as “An essential read for everyone” by Teen Vogue i could not agree more. Starr’s determination to do right, her bravery and her love for her family make her an inspirational character which really helps make the book so great. Thomas shows the fear and importance of fighting back and speaking up and also the love between family members who stick together no matter what.

4. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The book follows a variety of different characters and their fight to either end or cause the end of the world. If you haven’t read this book then you are missing out. The show, which is very enjoyable, lacks what makes the book so great. The book switches between characters perspectives in chapters yet the style of the chapters make sure you always know which eccentric character’s side of the story you are witnessing in a very unique way that makes the book easy to follow A tremendous read but could we expect much else from such great authors?

5. The DI Callanach series by Helen Fields. For those who love a thriller, this is the perfect series for you. Fields practiced law for 13 years so she certainly knows what she’s talking about making the series that bit more enjoyable. The series follows DI Callanach and DCI Turner as they work with their team to capture very creative and disturbing serial killers rampaging through Edinburgh that leave the reader dying for more. This is a series I managed to absolutely devour within almost a week of getting it, Fields certainly knows how to pace the story perfectly with both the characters personal and work lives. It doesn’t matter where you start in the series, I started with the fourth book myself, as Fields always recaps the reader on the important parts that will come into play later in the book. Although fictional, I would recommend to fans of true crime as Fields incredible writing and gory descriptions make the story feel almost real. Almost

Guest Post – Sarah’s Top 5 books everyone should read

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Sarah in our new S5 has produced a fantastic list of the top 5 books she thinks everyone should read!

1. “Things a Bright Girl Can Do” by Sally Nicholls, set in the period of the First World War, this book follows the perspectives of three women living separate lives only connected by their passion for fighting for the vote. Throughout this book filled with romance and despair we get to see the world of those who are not often celebrated, a beautiful insight to their contrasting lives and earn a greater appreciation for what life was like for suffragists and suffragettes alike. I adored this and found myself walking away with its impact still tethered for a long time. Truly inspirational and morally challenging.

2. “Our Dark Duet” by V.E Schwab. A dystopian novel set in a world where monsters are very real and are born from the sins of others, following the lives of two extremely contrasting individuals who fight together to take down a greater monster that threatens to destroy their world as they know it. This is oddly the second of the “Monsters of Verity” series, however I read this first by accident and found it such an exhilarating read that I had to include it first. It’s a great book for someone looking for an easy laid back read always bound to keep you interested, I read this a few years ago and use is as a great way to get myself back into reading should I find myself in a slump. An action packed and lucrative fantasy guaranteed to keep you hooked till the end. (honourable mention to the first of the series “This Savage Song” that is also an incredible read and maybe a preferable one to start on if you like to keep things in order.)

3. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. A classic that everyone should be aware of, if not, heard of. This book is a staple in the world of literature and for very good reason. Narrated by Death themselves, this book follows the life of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany, through incredibly difficult times and questioning what she believes in. I found this an incredibly thought provoking read, heart wrenching at times so I’d prepare a big cup of tea and a comfy seat before beginning. “The Book Thief” is another book that shows a world not often depicted, a captivating read that will leave you with a greater sense of self and appreciation.

4. “The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories” Tim Burton. A man famed for his odd and awe-inspiring style brings his unique ways into a book of compacted-short stories. This is not like your common book however I think is an exemplary worthwhile read, perfect for those a fan of the signature Tim Burton style. Not something for someone looking for a long-haul read but I believe it is definitely something you should have at least read once in your life.

5. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle. Another famed classic, Sherlock Holmes has been ingrained in our society as a renowned detective. This book takes all of his tales and cut them down into separate chapters. I loved this. The language wasn’t too challenging but still complex enough to keep your brain working, a great book for both on the go and committed long hour reading. Perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

So you’ve read all the Wimpy Kid books…what next?

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Were you a big fan of Diary of a WImpy Kid?  What did you love about them? Are you looking to move on to something new and need inspiration?  Here are my top 10 books for reading when it’s time to move on from Gregg and all his adventures.

Smile 

A Graphic Novel based on the author Raina Telgemeier’s real life experiences of growing up, braces, school, friendships, earthquakes, dental surgery and so much more….

Tom Gates 

Chances are you have probably heard of Tom Gates.  The British Gregg Heffley might be a good way to describe him.  He loves doodling, guitars and Tunnocks Caramel Wafers but hates his big sister Delia.  Read it and laugh out loud

Middle School : The Worst Years of My Life

Rafe Katchedorian has just started Middle School but he hates it – the Principal runs a seriously tight ship with lots of oppressive rules.  So Rafe decides to break as many as he can.  Lots of hilarity ensues and the book covers everything from bullying to first crushes to finding yourself.  Plenty of in text illustrations to bring the book to life as well.

Head Kid  

How would you like to swap bodies with Mr Orrock?  What would you do?  Well in this book we find out what the naughtiest kid in school does when he swaps bodies with his mortal enemy, the head teacher.  Full of humour, this is a great way to try a longer book that is every bit as funny as WImpy Kid

Dark Lord

Humour and fantasy are combined in this book as the Dark Lord of the title is forced to inhabit the body of a teenage boy and navigate both the social services and portals to his home dimension.  Funny and full of suspense with a dash of the bizarre and melodramatic.

Sputniks Guide to Life on Earth

Prez (a boy) and Sputnik (an alien in a kilt) spend the summer breaking the laws of physics, saving the world and reuniting Prez with his grandfather.  So far so good, except everyone else thinks Sputnik is just a dog…

Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind 

A very funny book about a self confessed geek called Archie who must deal with his father moving away, his stepfather offering very unhelpful advice and beautiful new girl entering his world.  Can he win the girl of his dreams without losing his geek cred?  Ideal for teenagers as it deals with the trials and tribulations of growing up in a very humorous way.

Kid Normal 

Murph is starting a new school but there is just one problem, it’s a school for superheroes and Murph has no super powers at all.  What’s a boy to do?  This has everything you want from a superhero caper – villains, capes, tights and heroes as well as the universal school worries that everyone is cleverer, prettier, stronger than you.

The Private Blog of Joe Cowley

Joe Cowley is the classic under dog hero, always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, particularly when certain girls are in the vicinity.  Read all about it in his not so private blog as he details all his worries about girls, friends, school, girls, enemies, family and of course girls.  The natural follow up to Wimpy Kid as Joe tries his hardest to be cool and popular?  You decide.

Archie comics

You’ve seen Riverdale on Netflix, but did you know it is based on a comic that has been going for 75 years? Why not try this updated graphic novel based on the main character Archie and all his friends – Jughead, Betty and Veronica.

 

Reading for Empathy

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If you didn’t already know, empathy is simply the ability to understand or share the feelings of others.  Empathy and the ability to make a connection with others has never been more needed than it is now.  In the strange times we are currently living in, the importance of empathy cannot be underestimated.

Books and reading are an amazing way to develop our empathy as they offer a deep insight into how other people are thinking or feeling.  Put simply, reading allows us to see and understand the world through the eyes of others, making us kinder human beings overall.  Perhaps you all might have read a certain book called Wonder?  Wonder told from the perspective of many different characters, providing glimpses into their behaviour and exploring the impact our actions can have on others.  It helps us empathise and understand there are many reasons why people do what they do.

You can find out more about empathy and reading at Empathy Lab

In the meantime, here are my suggestions to read for empathy, all featuring messages of compassion, inclusion and acceptance.  Add your own in the comments.

1. Wonder 

I mentioned it above, but it is the most engaging and uplifting tale.  Auggie is a normal, smart, funny, Star Wars loving kid who just happens to have a severe physical deformity.  The story of his first year at a real school, after being home schooled since he was young, really is the best way to start building your empathy.

2. Heartstopper

This is a graphic novel but it tells a beautiful story of first love at an all boys grammar school.  Charlie and Nick are very different but they become friends before realising their feelings for each other are deeper than first thought.  They must navigate these uncharted waters against a background of homophobic bullying and all the other small stories that run through their lives.

3. The Boy at the Back of the Class

The story of 4 friends and their empathy for the new boy in class – a refugee from Syria.  Our narrator does not have much of his own, he is from a single parent family that struggles with making ends meet, yet he makes a huge effort to befriend the new boy.  A book about kindness and not judging people before you know them.

4. Kick the Moon

Can you imagine what it is like to grow up as a Muslim boy who likes comic books in a tough community, where bullying, peer pressure and gang life are commonplace?  Kick the Moon will take you there with the story of Ilyas and let you share his hopes and feeling and fears and beliefs that all make him who he is and give him the courage to stand up to the bullies and the gangs.  One for older readers.

5. Once 

This is the first in a series of books by Morris Gleitzmann following the life of a young Polish boy called Felix as he searches for his parents during the Second World War.  Narrated by Felix himself the novel is hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time as we see the horrors of war through the eyes of a naturally optimistic 10-year-old boy.

6. Turtles all the way down

The most recent book from John Green deals with a teenager called Aza as she unravels a mystery and fights her own battle with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Excellent insight into mental health issues as the main characters struggles are based on Green’s own lived experiences.  See also Am I Normal Yet? By Holly Bourne

7. Booked

Written in verse, this is the story of Nick, a 12-year-old football star who finds himself having to deal with his parents’ separation, school bullies and an injury that takes him off the pitch.  This book has something everyone should identify with – school, family drama, fast paced football matches.

Enjoy!

Books to escape this crazy, scary world we are in

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It is a tough time just now and books are a great way to lose yourself when reality isn’t as good as it could be.  Take a look at this list of books to escape with and please comment with your own suggestions!

Books for escapism

  1. The House with Chicken Legs

How would you feel if the house you lived in had legs and would suddenly get up in the middle of the night and move you somewhere else?  That’s what happens to Marinka, the girl in this book, at least 3 times a year.  As we are all stuck in our own houses, I wonder where they would take us if they could do what Marinka’s house does?

2. Howl’s Moving Castle

Sophie is a hard-working girl who incurs the wrath of the Wicked Witch of the Waste and is turned in to an old crone.  She goes to work for a Wizard called Howl in a magical castle.  Howl’s castle door is a portal to 4 different places and magical adventures ensue as Sophie and Howl battle demons and witches and try to return Sophie to normal.  If you could open your front door to 4 different places, where would they be?

3. My Hero Academia 

This is a Japanese Manga series where 80% of the world’s population have some sort of special ability – known as “quirks”.  These quirks have led those people with certain quirks to become professional heroes.  However, the main character of this story is one of the 20% who doesn’t have a quirk and the story is about how he defies the odds to emulate his idols and try to become the greatest hero of them all.  Fun and full great messages about working hard and believing in yourself.

4. A Series of Unfortunate Events 

A dark and mysterious series of books that will take you to another world, one that is like ours but isn’t, one where the Baudelaire children must save themselves from the murderous intentions of their relative and guardian, the evil Count Olaf

5. Magnus Chase trilogy

Imagine you think you are an orphan only to discover one day that you are actually the son of a Norse God? That’s what happened to Magnus Chase and he is thrown into all sorts of adventures.  You know Loki and Thor from some very famous movies but there is so much more from Norse Mythology to get lost in with these books.

6. Mortal Engines Quartet 

It is a long, long time in the future, and after a terrible war that ravaged earth, cities have learned to survive by installing huge engines and wheels and driving about the land ‘eating’ smaller towns and suburbs.  This is a massive, sprawling epic series of books as you imagine the sheer scale of these cities moving across the land.  The main characters are Tom and Hester and both not your usual stereotypes of characters in adventure novels.  These books really do take you to another place altogether

7. To all the boys I’ve loved before 

Sometimes you just want to feel warm and snuggly and safe and have a happy ending.  This is definitely the story for that, it’s like a mug of hot chocolate in the shape of a book about teenage high school romance.  Lara Jean is a bright, intelligent heroine and you are rooting for her every step of the way.