We hope that you and your child are looking forward to joining Nicholas Breakspear. We think reading

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Welcome!
We hope that you and your child are looking
forward to joining Nicholas Breakspear. We think
reading is extremely important here, and your
child should have a reading book with them in
school every day.
Why is reading important?
Reading is important because our culture is
organised around stories and around words.
Reading improves your understanding of language.
Reading can transport you to other worlds.
Reading helps you to understand other people and
learn about different viewpoints and cultures.
Reading can calm you down, cheer you up, make you
cry or get you excited!
Reading improves your concentration.
Reading helps you to understand your own
emotions, fears and dreams.
Recent research has found that, "Being more
enthusiastic about reading and a frequent reader,
was more of an advantage on its own than having
well educated parents in good jobs."
www.literacytrust.org.uk
Your childs reading ages (i.e. how good a reader
they are) can actually go DOWN over the summer
between y6 and 7 if they dont keep reading.
Remember reading is about HABIT and ENJOYMENT.
It is more important that children enjoy reading
and do it regularly, than that they read
particular books. This includes novels,
magazines, newspapers, graphic novels and comics,
catalogues, manuals, internet, even cereal
packets!
Turn over for ideas over the summer recommended
reads
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Tips to get your child reading
1. Read yourself.
Reading needs to be seen as the norm, whether
that is scanning the newspaper, looking at
internet sites or tackling a huge novel.
Maybe everyone in the family could take a book on
your summer holiday.
2. Read together.
Talk to your child about what they are reading.
Listen to them read, or read to them (no one is
too old to listen to a story!) Or get your child
to read with younger siblings.
3. Visit the public library its free!
Over the summer, the public library is running
the Quest Seekers reading scheme where children
can get rewards for reading a number of books of
their choice over the summer period. Find out
more at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk Look at
suggested reads over the page from our local
librarian!
If you havent joined the public library service,
it is very easy and free. Just ask at any
branch for details or online at
http//www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/libraries/s
ervices/howtojoin/.
4. Have books in your home.
Sometimes ownership is important. You can pick
up cheap books in charity shops, supermarkets, or
second-hand. Download free bookplates at
http//www.myhomelibrary.org/ or get your child
to design their own.
5. Dont forget the internet!
There are lots of sites where you can keep up
with new books, see whats popular, find out
about authors and write reviews. One of the best
is www.achuka.co.uk.
Turn over for some suggested summer reads
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Chosen by current year 7 8 students Ms
Swinyard (school librarian).
Suggestions
But remember its not about what you read but
that you enjoy it and keep doing it. These are
just a starting place.
easier reads ! bit more
challenging
Key
Meg Cabot, The Princess Diaries recommended by
Charlotte and Charlotte. Pink-lit fun about
girls, friendship, dreams, and (of course) boys.
! Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising sequence,
recommended by Paul. Some of the best English
fantasy writing (but think Holy Grail rather than
dragons).
Cressida Cowell, How to speak Dragonese Chris
says it was eye-popping. Humorous Viking
adventure.
Joe Craig, Jimmy Coates series. Jimmy is half
human, half machine. Can his conscience keep him
human? As recommended by public librarian Helen
Towers.
Roald Dahl, various titles, recommended by
Adrian. Funny, silly and interesting stories
which never fail to be enjoyed.
Roddy Doyle, The Giggler Treatment. Orla says
its laugh-out-loud funny.
Goosebumps series Harvey says I enjoyed it
because it is weird and mysterious when you
start reading it you just want to keep going and
see what happens next. These are scary books!
Michael Grant, Gone. Recommended by local public
librarian Helen Towers. She says its Lost
meets Lord of the Flies. We predict it will be
a very popular book this year!
! Charlie Higson, Young Bond series, Ewan says
it goes on getting better and better 10/10.
Well, its Bond. But when he was a teenager.
Anthony Horowitz, Alex Rider series and
Ravens Gate series Joe says full to the brim
with action, Thomas says keeps bringing
surprises. Funny, fast-paced and well-written
adventure and fantasy series.
Michelle Magorian, Goodnight Mister Tom
recommended by Simon and Gaetano. Heart-warming
story set in WW2 about friendship, war, and
growing up.
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Chosen by current year 7 8 students and Ms
Swinyard (school librarian).
Suggestions
But remember its not about what you read but
that you enjoy it and keep doing it. These are
just a starting place.
Sophie McKenzie, Blood Ties. The winner of the
Red House Award 2008, and our y7 and 8 favourite
of the shortlist too.
! Stephenie Meyer, Twilight, as recommended by
Erin, Chantel, Angela, and lots of other people!
A very, very, very popular book about vampires.
Michael Morpurgo, various titles Charley likes
his books because of the wide range of
vocabulary and expression and Chris says he is
an awesome author. Morpurgo used to be the
Childrens Laureate and his books show his
understanding of young people and their thoughts
and feelings. Hes a big favourite here at NBS.
Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson series as recommended
by public librarian Helen Towers.
Darren Shan, various titles, recommended by
Brandon and Matthew. Dark, adventurous and
monster-filled stories. One of our most popular
authors at NBS!
Francesca Simon, Horrid Henry titles. Funny
stories about a naughty boy.
Justin Somper, Vampirates Demons of the Ocean
Swashbuckling pirate story with a twist.
Jacqueline Wilson, various titles recommended
by Jasmine, Dannielle, Danielle, Millie, Jadene,
Zoë, Candice Stories dealing with issues
affecting young people.
And remember the LIC is full of good reads.
Encourage your children to visit at the start of
term!