Top 100 Children’s Books for Teachers – ages 7-9

Posted on 6 March 2017

Earlier this academic year, we conducted a survey with over 1000 book-loving teachers across the UK and Ireland to find out which books they most loved sharing in class.

The result is the top 100 children’s books for teachers. Chosen for teachers by teachers, you’ll find an inspiring mix of new and old classics – perfect for instilling a love of reading in every child.

Our experts have split the top 100 into four age-ranged lists, so it’s easy to pick out books based on your class or key stage. In a series of posts, we’ll be looking at each list in more detail and giving some suggestions for how you can use these books in class to their best effect. In our third post, discover the top picks for children aged 7-9.

Five tips on reading with Lower Key Stage 2 classes

1. Let them choose. When you read together as a class, take it in turns to let pupils choose which books they want to read. Children are statistically much more likely to enjoy books they’ve picked themselves.

2. Talk about it. Don’t just finish a book, put it away and move on to the next one – talk about it! Discuss with your class what you liked about it, what you maybe didn’t like, and whether the experience would influence their reading choices in the future.

3. Group reading. Some children may be more confident at this age, and would relish the opportunity to read part of a story themselves. Ask for volunteers, and let them read a page or line each.

4. Write. Now that they are beginning to be more comfortable with reading, incorporate writing activities into reading time. They could start from scratch, or use a book you’ve read as a class as a spring board. You could split your class into groups and ask each one to write part of the same story, or ask each group to write a whole story on the same topic, so that what they come up with can then be read together.

5. Reading space. As your class start to read more independently, make a space in your classroom where they can go during break or a quiet time to read if they want to. It’s important to make sure they know it’s always an option.

The books – five to get started with

The Magic Faraway Tree

This tale of faraway lands and magical creatures is the perfect book for children just starting to make their own choices and use their imaginations. It’s a classic they’ll love forever.

The Iron Man

A modern fairy tale sizzling with genius. Mighty heroes, terrible villains, incredible black-and-white art. Imagine a superhero story written by one of the greatest poets ever – this is it.

The Butterfly Lion

This modern classic from Michael Morpurgo sweeps from a British boarding school to the African wilderness, and from the First World War to the present day. Full of striking landscapes and dramatic encounters, it is a vivid and heartwarming story of friendship against all the odds.

Revolting Rhymes

These hilarious rhymes are full of hungry wolves, wicked stepmothers, and naughty, cheeky, beastly little children. With wicked wit and the cunning of a big bad wolf, Roald Dahl turns six favourite fairy tales really revolting!

The Story of Tracy Beaker

One of Jacqueline Wilson’s most enduring heroines. Tracy is a feisty ten-year-old dreamer who lives in a children’s home they call ‘the Dumping Ground’. She’s never seen her mum or dad, but she secretly longs for a real home and family of her own. Will she get her happily-ever-after?

Take a look here to see the full range of books and the rest of the Top 100.