August book bonanza reading list

As ambassadors of education, we always look for motivating ways for our students to get more out of reading. Effective teachers and tutors integrate various methods in our lessons to fit each children’s needs. Since August is Book Bonanza month, we listed some of our favourite books that spark lively conversations and help us reflect. Allow us to share them with you.

Scroll down to see if your favourite made it on our list! 

FILM-ADAPTED BOOKS

ELOISE by Kay Thompson (Age rating: 4+)

The movie for this book is also known as Eloise at the Plaza since she lives at the “tippy top floor” of the Plaza Hotel in New York. Eloise is a very bright girl where boring is not in her vocabulary. She keeps getting into mischief but always ends up learning morals with traces of her innocence. Eloise is also a series of children’s books displaying Eloise’s adventures.

THE BFG by Roald Dahl (Age rating: 6+)

Let us tinge on our imaginative side with The BFG. What does it stand for? Big friendly giant as Sophie nicknamed him. BFG tries to save Sophie from the nine less-gentle giants who threatens children on earth. This book is for the fantasy lovers and will definitely feed your imagination.

LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott (Age rating: 9+)

As a classic tale for young girls entering womanhood, this book celebrates the individuality and uniqueness of each person especially in a family. From film adaptations to television series, from musicals to opera, Little Women is surely popular all over the world.

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS by John Boyne (Age rating 13+)

I am not crying, you are crying! A fictional book that is in the Holocaust setting, two young boys become good friends but are separated by a fence. Not only a fence, but also with such differences in life. It depicts the truth of the past and the beautiful innocence of children.

BOOKS THAT GIVE IMPORTANCE TO RACIAL EQUALITY

HAIR LOVE by Matthew Cherry (Age rating: 4+)

A sweet story of an African American father who tries to style her daughter’s hair for the first time. As Zuri’s mother is away, it is her father’s turn to make her shine. Hair Love promotes confidence and validating all types of hair (especially the beautiful curly ones).

SOMETHING HAPPENED IN OUR TOWN by Marianne Ceano, Marietta Collins and Ann Hazzard (Age rating: 5+)

As much as we want our children to know only the greatest and best of things, violence still exists in our world. Thus, Something Happened in our Town aims to help children be aware of traumatic events. It has an extensive parental/guardian guide to make kid-friendly discussions about such matters. This can also help children understand cultural diversity to impede negative attitude on stereotyping.

LITTLE LEADERS: BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY by Vashti Harrison (Age rating: 6+)

It features 40 iconic women of the African American community. These women made valuable change to break boundaries of color and helped create history. The biographies and inspirational stories of these women can help motivate your young ones to keep dreaming. Little Leaders also has men’s version as Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History and Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World.

SLAY by Brittney Morris (Age rating: 12+)

Kiera is an outstanding kid in school and she joins a virtual reality game named Slay. At the same time, nobody knows she developed this game as a safe space for black gamers. As disputes arise in protecting her game, Kiera learns something about herself.

ADVENTURE STORY BOOKS

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak (Age Rating: 7+)

Have you been naughty and went to bed without having dinner? Max did! Max’s bedroom even turned to a mysterious jungle where his adventure starts and he discovers Where the Wild Things are.

NIM’S ISLAND by Wendy Orr (Age rating: 8+)

Come aboard on our adventure with Nim! She lives on an island with her marine biologist father who disappears with his boat. As disaster strikes Nim’s island, she gets help from her animal friends who teaches her hope and determination.

THE LAKE by Natasha Preston (Age rating: 13+)

If you are fond of overthinking, try reading this book! Two girlfriends were once campers in Camp Pine Lake. Esme and Kayla come back for counselors in training (CIT) and are easily shaken and jumpy. During a good time in camp, they receive a note saying “THE LAKE NEVER FORGETS”. What could not be forgotten?

THE CHESS QUEEN ENIGMA by Colleen Gleason (Age rating: 12+)

Evaline and Mina are undercover bodyguards for Princess Lurelia of Betrovia who is in search of a missing ancient chess queen. As a rift between Betrovia and England emerges, an adventure awaits them to ensure they find the queen before anyone else.

BOOKS ON LGBTQ+ AWARENESS

I AM JAZZ by Jessica Herthel (Age rating: 5+)

Based on the real life of Jazz Jennings, this book simplifies understanding on how kids struggle with their gender identity challenges. It helps children be true to themselves and own their personality. In turn, it aids parents and teachers how to handle situations.

THE PANTS PROJECT by Cat Clarke (Age rating: 9+)

A tenacious Liv (not Olivia) cannot handle her school’s dress code policy as boys can only wear pants and skirts only for girls. And Alas! The Pants Project launch.  This sweet and humorous story lets young readers comprehend gender equality, bullying and social injustice.

ZENOBIA JULY by Lisa Bunker (Age rating: 10+)

With coming of age also reaches coming of one’s self. As Zenobia moves into a new state, she slowly finds herself and captivates what is true to her heart.

THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta (Age rating: 13+)

Michael is Greek-Cypriot and Jamaican-mix gay teen growing up in London. An eye-opening novel how one’s identity can be very complex. It also demonstrates how society pressures you to fit in uncomfortable shoes.

Have you read any of these? Try reading them with your kids, too!