Monday 19 November 2012

Reading: The Best way to Improve your English

We've already said it before, but we'll say it again, the best way to improve your grammatical skills and vocabulary of the English Language, has to be by reading books. Today, we'll give you a list of 10 story books, that you will enjoy reading and that will help with your English skills as well. Here are the top 10 books that have been compiled by Adam Lancaster, that all school children must read, if they haven't:

1) The Harry Potter Series by J.K.Rowling



Well, it has to be really doesn't it? The boy wizard who stole our hearts and opened the world of children's books and reading to so many people. This series is a must read for everyone who hasn't read it yet. 


2) Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett 

Any of the Discworld books where we encounter Death are very special stories. The character of Death is in my opinion one of the greatest characters in all children's books.


3) His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

It's a modern classic that just has so much in it. The fantastic setting of Jordan College in Lyra's world and the magical, imposing Oxford University in Will's. How could any of children's books not include a title of this majesty? The books have so much in them that they can read on many levels and that's why year on year the series is one of the most read books by school children.

4) Thumb by Steve Cole



There is one part in the story where the helpless duo, who form the main characters, are trying to avoid a Mexican wave of projectile vomiting as they make their way through the school canteen. One of the most hilarious books, this is one is used a lot in libraries everywhere. 


5) Soccer at Sandford by Rob Childs

As with so many boys growing up in the 80's and 90's, Rob Childs children's books were brilliant and are probably the reason why so many people love reading so much. 

6) Diary of a Wimpy kid:



One book that is a must in any library. The style and the humor of the books is the key to turning some non-readers into avid readers. I also love using these books to show those very same people that were originally turned off to reading that Greg loves to write and draw. That's why he keeps journal, and that's why they are able to read about what he gets up to.

7) Help! I'm a classroom gambler by Pete Johnson
Help! is about making school life just that little bit more fun and interesting. Any Pete Johnson book flies off our shelves but Help! is definitely one of the most popular.

8) Wonder by RJ Palacio
Not only is it just a fantastic read about all the important things in life: friendship, courage, taking risks, but the way it's written not only hooks you immediately from the outset but leaves you with such a powerful impression after reading you will find yourself coming back to it time and time again. You'll feel pretty emotionally drained afterwards too. Palacio takes you on such a journey of an extraordinary boy's life that you feel everything he does. Starting school can be a hard time for anyone but starting school for the first time years after everyone else when you have something that will immediately get everyone talking about you is infinitely more difficult.

9) There's a boy in the Girl's bathroom by Louis Sachar
Louis Sachar is a comic genius. He is the reason so many young people in school read. Boy in the Girl's Bathroom is one of the best of his books with its mixture of humor and heartfelt moments. Bradley has no friends, but that's how he prefers it - that is until a new counselor starts at the school. Bradley begins to realize that there are different ways to live your life if only you have a bit of self-belief and an amazing amount of courage – something a lot of young people need to remember!

10) Matilda by Roald Dahl

Well, we're finally there at the end of the list and we're going to finish with one of the most read children's authors of all time, Roald Dahl. For me, Matilda has to be one of his best books. When you're at school teachers can definitely take on caricatures of themselves. Matilda is a brilliant book and a must read for all kids, who need to believe in themselves before anyone else. 

We hope you read these amazing books, as not only are lovable, enjoyable and interesting, they also help improve your understanding of the English Language. 
List by : Adam Lancaster, librarian and associate head teacher at Monk's Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, and has just been named school librarian of the year. Check out : http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2012/oct/18/adam-lancaster-top-10-library-books


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