Kids in Year 7 (or S1 in Scotland) are sure to know what they like (and don’t like) to read. They will now be able to discover new books independently, through recommendations from friends, teachers or librarians.
Everyone reads at their own pace and some children this age may be happy with books from the Year 5 or Year 6 reading lists, while others may want to start exploring adult books. As long as the themes are suitable for your child’s maturity, anything goes.
Books can also be helpful in dealing with what can be an unsettling time, with big changes like starting secondary school and approaching puberty.
There are plenty of non-fiction guides to help with practical advice and ways to build confidence and deal with anxiety, but fiction can also be a great way to tackle big issues, especially when children find themselves and their experiences reflected in the stories. And escaping into a funny book or a gripping adventure is also a great way to relax and unwind.
Whatever books they choose, the more children read, the better readers they become!
