3H Book Recommendations for the Summer Holidays – part 4
The summer holidays is the perfect time to do a lot of reading before the busyness of term 1 steals all your free time. The English mentors of 3H have specially compiled a list of books suitable for each year level for you to read. Most of the books we recommend will be readily available to be borrowed at the local library or bought on an online bookshop.
A new book recommendation for each age group will come out every week, so make sure you visit the 3H website often!
Year 3 and 4: As Small as an Elephant - Jennifer Jacobson
Ever since Jack can remember, his mom has been unpredictable, sometimes loving and fun, other times caught in a whirlwind of energy and “spinning” wildly until it's over. But now she is gone, leaving him all alone on a campsite in Maine. Can he find his way back to Boston before the authorities realize what happened? With nothing but a small toy elephant to keep him company, Jack begins a journey that will test his wits and his loyalties - and his trust that he may be part of a larger herd after all.
As Small as an Elephant is a classic journey story, following a young boy as he sets out on an adventure to return home after being left alone by his psychologically challenged mother. He is forced to rely solely on his limited knowledge and instinct. The author, Jennifer Jacobson, introduces the concept of mental illness in a simplistic child friendly manner. The storyline is both heartwarming and enlightening, and illuminates the fact that everyone has different struggles..
Year 5 and 6: Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie's house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief.
This novel is an honest portrayal of a child’s grief and capacity for creating beauty from tragedy. The themes portrayed in the novel such as gender roles, friendship and individuality versus conformity strongly relates to various situations in real life. Readers will find common interests with the protagonist, Jesse, ultimately easily creating an emotional connection with the character that leaves a lasting impression of the overall novel.
Year 7 and 8: A Single Stone – Meg McKinlay
Every girl dreams of being part of the line—the chosen seven who tunnel deep into the mountain to find the harvest. No work is more important.
Jena is the leader of the line—strong, respected, reliable. And—as all girls must be—she is small; years of training have seen to that. It is not always easy but it is the way of things. And so a girl must wrap her limbs, lie still, deny herself a second bowl of stew. Or a first. But what happens when one tiny discovery makes Jena question the world she knows? What happens when moving a single stone changes everything?
A Single Stone is set in an isolated society whose primary’s purpose is to harvest and provide for its people. This means for some members to obey without question for the good of the community. The author challenges the reader to question the ethics and reason behind the directive of the elders and leaders of the community who are willing to sacrifice the lives and wellbeing of its members. This is a thought provoking book that encourages the reader to think beyond the text.
