From Wimpy Kid to Goth Girl, we have picked 5 books to help encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Horrid Henry, Francesca Simon. Endearingly corrupting, Henry is indeed horrid. He is therefore extremely funny. Each book has one medium length and three shorter heavily-illustrated stories. To finish a story like this gives struggling readers a real sense of pride.

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney. The Wimpy Kid books have had a huge impact on engaging children to read. They are written in a diary style with lots of illustrations. These books tear down many of the barriers that put children off reading. And ultra-confident readers love them just as much as struggling readers.

Dork Diaries, Rachel Renée Russell. Dork Diaries are written in the style of Wimpy Kid, but they feature an older, more sophisticated girl character. The issues – about friends, boys and parents –  strike a cord, particularly with young girls from 9+ right up to age 14 or 15.

 

Goth girl, Chris Riddell. The Goth girl stories are not only outstanding, they are beautifully illustrated and appeal to even the most reluctant of readers.

 

Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling. No list would be complete without JK Rowling’s much-loved novels about a teenage wizard. Their addictive qualities are likely to have children wanting to devour all seven in a row.