Books to read with Year 6 in the summer term
SATs are done (big cheer!) and now thoughts turn to the final half-term of primary school for Year 6s. What an exciting few weeks, filled with summer fayres, leaving assemblies, sports day and more!
No doubt, you will be doing lots of work to help prepare children for the big move to secondary school. With transition day not far away, how about delving in to one of these fantastic books too? They are filled with themes that support children’s preparation for Year 7 – managing change, friendship woes, mixed feelings and more. Perfect to keep those tired eyes engaged during the last few warm summer weeks of the year.
The First Year by Matt Goodfellow
We all loved ‘The Final Year’, right? Possibly the most popular KS2 book of the last few years. So, give its sequel a try and get those creative ideas flowing with a book that takes an honest look at Year 7 life.
You Can Do It by Marcus Rashford
Another popular choice, in fact there is probably a Marcus Rashford book on your shelves already. This one is a fantastic non-fiction option that helps children to see the power of kindness and standing up for what’s right.
The Amazing Edie Eckhart by Rosie Jones
A fun and lovable story about being separated from friends at secondary school – a common worry for many children. It’s an easy and enjoyable read, with a great sequel that covers lots of other worries too.
October, October by Katya Balen
A story to get lost in. Vast, beautiful and wild. One that talks about dealing with lots of change all at once, and while it isn’t specific to starting secondary school, it covers many feelings that will resonate with children.
Class Act by Jerry Craft
A graphic novel that packs a big punch. This is a brilliant story for starting conversations about fitting in, opportunities, discrimination and friendship battles. A thought-provoking book just in time for secondary.
Hazel Hill Is Gonna Win This One by Maggie Horne
We have recommended this book before because we really love it! With many children beginning to venture into social media as they move to Year 7, this wonderful book about standing up for yourself is the perfect way to prepare. The story follows Hazel as she confronts a bully online and in-person and fights against harassment.
Finding My Voice by Aoife Dooley
A funny and positive graphic novel to read before starting secondary school about being yourself. The author, Aoife, also has autism so wrote this and the prequel (Frankie’s World) based on her experiences.
Who Are The Story Project?
The Story Project is a small, but mighty not-for-profit that specialises in wellbeing and PSHE curriculums all taught through popular children’s books. Our primary curriculum supports children from Reception to Year 6, covering all the statutory RSHE requirements while also encouraging reading for pleasure and oracy.
If you’re a Reading or Literacy Lead looking to embed more reading across the curriculum, we can help!
Why are books such a powerful way to talk about wellbeing?
This is a topic we’re really passionate about. Stories provide a fantastic scaffold to exploring sensitive content. We’ve written a blog all about it here…
