Novel Study
Grade 3 to Adults
What is “Book Club”?
Weekly novel reading and study sessions
Choose from our list of grade-specific books or suggest your favourite
60 minutes per lesson
1 to 1 or Groups of 4 Max. ons
Free e-book provided
Lessons include:
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary expansion
Pronunciation
Character & plot discussion
and much more!
Grade 3 (Ages 8-9)
CEFR A2 - B1
"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
Summary: This timeless story explores the unlikely friendship between Wilbur, a lovable pig, and Charlotte, a wise and caring spider. When Wilbur faces the threat of being sent to the butcher, Charlotte crafts a plan to save him, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.
Why Suitable: The novel's straightforward language and engaging narrative make it perfect for Grade 3 students. It gently introduces themes of friendship and loss, helping young readers understand and cope with these universal experiences.
"Pippi Longstocking" by Astrid Lindgren
Summary: This series of books follows the adventures of Pippi Longstocking, a quirky and super-strong girl who lives alone in Villa Villekulla with her horse and monkey. Her unconventional lifestyle and bold personality lead to all sorts of humorous and exciting adventures.
Why Suitable: Pippi's adventures are ideal for Grade 3 students as they promote themes of independence, imagination, and resilience. The language is simple yet engaging, perfect for young readers transitioning to chapter books.
"The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo
Summary: This charming story revolves around Despereaux, a brave mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It's a tale of courage, forgiveness, and following one's heart, despite the challenges.
Why Suitable: The narrative is rich yet accessible, perfect for Grade 3 students. It teaches valuable life lessons like bravery and forgiveness in a context that is both engaging and age-appropriate.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl
Summary: The story centres on Mr Fox and his clever antics to outwit three farmers determined to catch him. It's a tale full of humour, intelligence, and cunning strategies.
Why Suitable: Dahl's unique storytelling style, filled with humour and adventure, makes it a great fit for Grade 3 students. It encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.
"The BFG" by Roald Dahl
Summary: This novel narrates the adventures of Sophie and her friend, the Big Friendly Giant (BFG), as they embark on a mission to stop other giants from eating children. The story is full of whimsical language and imaginative scenarios.
Why Suitable: It's perfect for this age group due to its imaginative plot and Dahl's playful use of language, which stimulates creativity and linguistic interest among young readers.
Grade 4 (Ages 9-10)
CEFR B1-B2
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
Summary: Four siblings discover a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe. They embark on a journey to free Narnia from the eternal winter imposed by the White Witch, with help from the noble lion Aslan.
Why Suitable: Ideal for this age group, the book teaches about courage, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. Its fantasy setting and narrative depth are perfect for more advanced readers.
"Matilda" by Roald Dahl
Summary: Matilda is a young, highly intelligent girl who loves reading and learning. She deals with neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress, using her wit and special telekinetic powers to overcome challenges.
Why Suitable: This book resonates with Grade 4 students through its themes of resilience, the importance of education, and standing up for oneself. Matilda's character encourages readers to believe in their abilities.
“The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Summary: "The Secret Garden" follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and sickly girl who discovers a neglected garden after moving to her uncle's estate. As she brings the garden back to life, she transforms herself, finding health, happiness, and friendship.
Why Suitable: This novel is ideal for Grade 4 students as it explores themes of rejuvenation, the healing power of nature, and the value of friendship. Its rich descriptions and character development provide a deeper reading experience suitable for this age group.
“James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl
Summary: The story centres on Mr Fox and his clever antics to outwit three farmers determined to catch him. It's a tale full of humour, intelligence, and cunning strategies.
Why Suitable: Dahl's unique storytelling style, filled with humour and adventure, makes it a great fit for Grade 3 students. It encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.
“Little House on the Prairie" by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Summary: The novel chronicles the life and adventures of the Ingalls family as they pioneer life on the American frontier. It provides vivid descriptions of daily frontier life and the challenges faced by the family.
Why Suitable: It's suitable for Grade 4 students due to its historical context, teaching about resilience, family values, and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Grade 5 (Ages 10-11)
CEFR B2
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” by J.K. Rowling
Summary: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series, introducing Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The book combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and adventure.
Why Suitable: The story captures the imagination of Grade 5 students with its magical setting and themes of bravery, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil.
“Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
Summary: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and gets involved in a quest to prevent a war among the gods. The story incorporates Greek mythology into a modern setting.
Why Suitable: This book is excellent for Grade 5 students, blending adventure with educational elements of Greek mythology. It encourages interest in ancient cultures in a highly engaging way.
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Summary: Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, is taken on an unexpected journey with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from a dragon. It's a classic tale of adventure, courage, and the discovery of one's own bravery.
Why Suitable: "The Hobbit" is perfect for Grade 5 students due to its rich fantasy world and complex storytelling. It introduces themes of heroism and personal growth.
“Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery
Summary: The novel follows the life of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Her adventures and misadventures capture the essence of growing up.
Why Suitable: Anne's experiences resonate with Grade 5 students, teaching about the joys and challenges of adolescence. The book encourages imagination and self-expression.
"The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
Summary: This intriguing novel follows four gifted children, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, who are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to infiltrate a mysterious school run by a villainous mastermind. The story is filled with puzzles, mysteries, and adventures, as the children use their unique talents to save the world from a sinister plan.
Why Suitable: "The Mysterious Benedict Society" is ideal for Grade 5 students as it challenges them with complex puzzles and moral dilemmas. It promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and the value of intelligence and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. This book is not only a thrilling adventure but also a brain-teasing journey, which makes it particularly engaging for young readers at this stage in their development.
Grade 6 (Ages 11-12)
CEFR B2-C1
"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
Summary: "Wonder" tells the heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences attending mainstream school for the first time. The novel explores themes of acceptance, empathy, and the challenges of being different through multiple perspectives.
Why Suitable: This book is particularly suitable for Grade 6 students as it delves into social dynamics and the importance of kindness and acceptance. It's a powerful tool for discussing empathy and the diversity of human experiences.
"City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau
- **Summary:** In "City of Ember," the city’s lights are failing, and supplies are running low. Lina and Doon discover clues left by the city's builders and embark on a quest to find a way out of the dying city. The story is a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and hope.
- **Why Suitable:** This novel is a great fit for Grade 6 due to its thought-provoking themes of sustainability, resilience, and the search for truth. It encourages critical thinking about societal structures and the future.
"Holes" by Louis Sachar
Summary: The story follows Stanley Yelnats, who is unjustly sent to a boys' detention center where they dig holes all day. The plot intertwines Stanley's family history, a mysterious treasure, and the power of fate and friendship.
Why Suitable: "Holes" is ideal for Grade 6 because of its complex narrative structure, intriguing mystery, and themes of justice and perseverance. It's a compelling read that encourages deeper analytical thinking.
"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster
Summary: This novel narrates the journey of a bored boy, Milo, who drives through a magical tollbooth to a land of adventure. The story is filled with wordplay, puns, and whimsical characters, each teaching Milo valuable lessons about life and learning.
Why Suitable: The book's clever use of language and imaginative setting make it perfect for Grade 6 students. It stimulates critical thinking and creativity, while also emphasizing the joy and importance of knowledge.
"Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson
Summary: The story focuses on the friendship between Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, who create the imaginary kingdom of Terabithia. This poignant tale deals with themes of friendship, imagination, and coping with loss.
Why Suitable: "Bridge to Terabithia" is an excellent choice for Grade 6 due to its exploration of more mature themes like grief and loss, along with the resilience of the human spirit. It encourages students to use imagination as a powerful tool for understanding the world around them.
