In this ever-evolving era of growing screentime, TikTok trends and constant distractions, fostering a love of reading can prove quite challenging – but it is definitely worth the time and effort. Reading is a great way to help children build language skills, but it also aids cognitive development, boosts creativity and improves critical thinking.
So how do you go about encouraging reading in Key Stage 2 readers?
By finding stories that captivate and engage them! We’ve searched our library shelves to select the following book recommendations for KS2 readers, which we think are great examples of books which spark imagination and will keep inquisitive minds turning the page again and again.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
A master of childlike whimsy and creative concepts, Roald Dahl is a classic children’s author that we simply had to include in this list. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of his most popular stories – and for good reason!
It tells the story of Charlie Bucket’s strange introduction to eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka, and his enchanting chocolate factory. This story engages all the senses, with delightful descriptions of colourful candies and tasty treats which are sure to excite young readers.
An outrageously funny book with plenty of brilliantly bizarre characters!
Reading age: 7+
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling
We couldn’t write a list of engaging children’s books to inspire young readers without including the Harry Potter franchise! This imaginative world and its charming cast of characters has captured the hearts of generations of children since it first hit the shelves back in 1997.
An immense cultural export from the United Kingdom, this series is the cornerstone of fantasy fiction for children. It follows the exploits of 11-year-old Harry Potter, as he discovers he has secret magical powers and heads off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry for a thrilling year of excitement and wonder.
A truly magical adventure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Reading age: 8+
Kensuke’s Kingdom – Michael Morpurgo
Kensuke’s kingdom is a multi-award winning book by past Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. The story follows a young fictionalised version of Michael as he and his dog wash up on a seemingly uninhabited island. He soon finds that he is not alone and must learn to get along with the island’s other occupant – an aging Japanese castaway named Kensuke.
Featuring heavy themes such as nuclear war, we would only recommend this book to readers aged 9 and above. Morpurgo touches on these complex topics with sensitivity and paints a masterful picture of grief and acceptance which is sure to aid in emotional development.
A uniquely heart-breaking tale full of empathy and understanding.
Reading age: 9+
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
The first in a massively popular children’s series, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief follows the titular character as he discovers that his true father is Poseidon, the Greek God of the sea.
Percy begins the story as a troubled boy of 12, struggling with dyslexia, ADHD and mysterious events happening around him – but soon goes on the adventure of a lifetime to find the entrance to the underworld and put a stop to a war between gods.
A wonderfully inclusive and empowering series for children of all kinds.
Reading age: 10+
The Story of Tracy Beaker – Jacqueline Wilson
Accompanied with illustrations by Nick Sharratt, The Story of Tracy Beaker is a beautifully observed vision of how life is for children growing up in residential care homes. It follows 10-year-old Tracy Beaker, an imaginative but impulsive young girl who has been in and out of foster homes and who yearns for a family.
Creatively presented and shockingly poignant, The Story of Tracy Beaker is pillar of children’s literature.
Reading age: 9+
