Reading Recommendations

WHAT’S ON your Reading List?

Inspiration for suggested reading!

Staff Picks

How Not To Be a Boy by Robert Webb One of the few books that I’ve read more than once. A really funny, honest, and eye-opening account of the ramifications associated with toxic masculinity. Recommended by Mr. AlexanderBridger, Chair of Humanities

The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia I found it so beautifully written and really heartbreaking, but uplifting at the same time! Recommended by Kristen Rogers, teacher of History

The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Recommended by Mr. Jerome Ripp, teacher of Mathematics - the man, the legend

“Funny, quirky and thoughtprovoking ... confirms his status as a guru for every would-be Damien Hirst, George Soros and aspirant despot.” (John Cornwell, Sunday Times)

“Great fun ... brash, stubborn, entertaining, opinionated, curious, cajoling.” (Stephen J. Dubner, Co-Author of Freakonomic)

Library Corner

NB: Ages are approximate. It is always worth looking up reviews and checking whether the subject matter is suitable as each student has their own interests in, and sensitivities to, certain themes.

recommended for all ages

The Bird Within Me by Sara Lundberg NB: All ages Stunningly illustrated story, in free verse form, based on the life, paintings and diaries of Swedish artist Berta Hansson.

“each page of this book is a joy to read and to behold” (teacher comment)

Shortlisted CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2021; Winner Best Swedish Children’s Book of the Year 2017

The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman NB: All ages This is the inspiring poem which was written and read by the National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, at Biden’s inauguration. Worth reading, listening to, re-reading and re-hearing – a moving, inspirational call to action for social justice.

“I was profoundly moved... The power of your words blew me away” (Michelle Obama, TIME)

Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller

high school

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig NB: High School, 16+ to adult Inspirational, uplifting novel about life, regret, and forgiveness – and a library that houses second chances…

“life-changing” (teacher comment) “Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?” (Canongate Publishers)

Winner Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fiction 2020; Shortlisted British Book Awards Fiction Book of the Year 2021

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett NB: 16+ to adult

A discussion-provoking Staff Book Club read, this novel moves between the 1950s and the 1990s, following twin sisters who follow separate paths in life – making very different choices about family, community, and racial identity… “a masterclass of moving storytelling… a thoughtprovoking assessment of race and social politics in postwar America. The powerful plot twists will keep you gripped until the end.” (The Independent)

Shortlisted British Book Awards Fiction Book of the Year 2021; Shortlisted Women’s Prize for Fiction 2021

middle school

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan NB: Middle School, 12+ and all ages Willow is different; she is extraordinary; and, somehow, she makes the world around her a better place to be… A story about genius, loss, family, and gardening. “achingly beautiful prose… a delightful tale of transformation that’s a celebration of life in all its wondrous, hilarious and confounding glory. …a triumph” (Maria Semple, author)

Shortlisted UKLA Book Award 2015; Best Book of the Year 2013 at School Library Journal, New York Public Library

I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson NB: Middle School, 11+ First book in a series which is racing round our Middle School readers! Crime/murder mysteries solved by young female characters whose voices are not often heard… Jemma has cerebral palsy. When a killer lets his secret out, she is unable to speak or move, but he doesn’t realise that her brain, eyes and ears are as sharp as can be…

Winner 2018 FCBG Children’s Book Award for Older Readers; Nominated CILIP Carnegie Medal; Winner Girls’ Day School Trust Book Award; Winner Leeds Book Award

Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson NB: Middle School, 10+ Heart-warming story from an award-winning author. When a girl explores her roots, family, faith and history, she learns about identity and forgiveness. Delightful!

Award-winning author (Newbery Honor Medal & Coretta Scott King Author Award)