There’s no better time than the school holidays for your child to get into reading, and for many children, frequent reading is a hobby that may last a lifetime. Additionally, reading helps students perform better in tests and exams, helps them write better, and introduces facts and information in a fun and entertaining way.
Here are 10 fantastic books for Holiday Reading for students in Year 3-6.
- Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
When twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers his father is actually Poseidon, god of the seas, he finds a new life in Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods. Meeting new friends and foes along the way, he embarks on an epic quest to save his mother and recover Zeus’ stolen master bolt and return it safely to Olympus.
A fantastic read that you won’t want to put down, it’s entertaining but also informative; students can discover Greek mythology and history in a fun and approachable way.
- Ranger’s Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
Orphaned Will is unsure about his new apprenticeship in the Rangers’ Guild, a secret band of spies loyal to the King. All his life Will has wanted to be a knight, but through the mentorship of gruff but lovable Halt, Will finds a new life and destiny through becoming a Ranger. When there’s word of an assassination attempt on the King, there’s no one better than Will to stop the threat.
Written by an Australian author and set in a fantastical medieval world, it’s a classic sword and shield adventure that all readers will love.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda is a talented girl with a very special gift. Having been banished by her parents to Crunchem Hall Primary School, she’s met by the villainous Principal Trunchbull, who’s determined to make her life miserable. But when Matilda discovers she has the power of telekinesis, she begins to fight back against Trunchbull and make her school a better place.
Matilda is a fantastic Roald Dahl classic that readers can relate to, showing how to stand up against bullying and what it’s like to be misunderstood by family and peers. It’s a must read for every child!
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into Middle School, where smaller and weaker kids share the halls with bigger, meaner and older kids. Along with him is his best friend, Rowley, and he’s grateful to share the ride. But when Rowley starts getting popular, Greg tries to jump on the ride to fame, creating a series of unpredictable and hilarious events that will test their friendship.
A unique and relatable read, Greg tells his story in diary format, complete with drawings. This new and unusual style is bound to interest any reader, and the struggles of being a new Middle Schooler surrounded by older kids is something every student can relate to.
- The Famous Five: Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton
Julian, Dick and Anne are three siblings visiting their tomboy cousin George for the Holidays. One day George invites them to explore Kirrin Island, a mysterious ruined castle abandoned on the rocks. However, something is hidden within the old walls, and only the Famous Five are ready to discover it.
Packed with adventure, danger and fun, this book is loved by all ages and is still a popular classic today. Readers are instantly swept along with the Five on their adventures, and through the fantastic world and lovable characters, they’ll want to read more and more.
- Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
After Charlotte the spider hears that a pig named Wilbur is headed by the slaughterhouse, she devises an epic plan to save him. Writing positive messages through her webs, she works tirelessly to persuade the farmer to spare Wilbur, much to the gratitude of Wilbur’s owner, Fern Arable.
A touching and well-loved story, Charlotte’s Web is a tale of friendship, bravery and resourcefulness. It’s also a classic that younger students in particular will love.
- Geronimo Stilton #1: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye by Elisabetta Dami
Follow the adventures of Geronimo Stilton, a newspaper editor dragged into a treasure hunting expedition by his sister, Thea. All she has is a map pointing to a faraway island, but with Geronimo and their cousin, Trap, the three mice set off on an adventure they’ll never forget.
The Geronimo Stilton novels are a favourite of children around the world, with action packed adventure, treasure, danger and all too much cheese. Students will be whisked away to New Mouse City, with every page offering something new and exciting.
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Four siblings are sent to live in a mysterious mansion during the second World War. While exploring, they discover a wardrobe leading them into a magical world called Narnia, filled with talking animals and an evil White Witch, who’s covered the land in an eternal winter. With their newfound friends and an old and wise Lion called Aslan, the children must defeat the Witch’s power and bring Spring back to Narnia.
One of the most famous children’s classics, this book will sweep you into a magical world that you won’t ever want to leave. Filled with creativity, fun and adventure, it’s a book every child will love for holiday reading.
- Tommy Appleby, Convict Boy by Jackie French
Chimney sweep Tommy Appleby is accused of stealing and banished to Botany Bay at only 8 years old. His old life behind him, he must face a new and strange world in Australia, where nothing is certain, and colonisation has barely begun. Working as a servant under kindly Sergeant Stanley, Tommy must face hardships and a world of unfamiliarity to survive his new life.
Written by an Australian author and historian, this novel is a fantastic introduction to Australia’s colonial history, teaching about the First Fleet, colonisation and English settlement in a riveting, easy to understand manner.
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl is a twelve-year-old boy genius and criminal mastermind, whose intellect is four times ahead of the average. After he kidnaps a Fairy to restore his lost family fortune, he’s thrown into a world of science, magic, dwarves and more and must outsmart the LEPrecheon Police’s attempt to stop his plans – and even his life.
Filled with action, technology and intellect, Eoin Colfer creates a fantasy world unlike any other, combining science fiction and the modern world with classic fantasy. Artemis is a quintessential anti-hero that’s lovable all the same, and his intellect, problem solving abilities and scheming plans will keep readers hooked all the way through.
With these ten fantastic and action-packed novels, your child will have no end of fun and learning over the Holiday period. Reading is an invaluable skill that can benefit all students, and this list will appeal to even the pickiest reader. For this holiday season, we advise choosing 1-2 books to read over the break for fun and future benefits.