The Ultimate 11+ Reading Guide

Want to get help your child branch out from Diary of a Wimpy Kid and David Walliams books? 

While all reading is valuable, reading from a wide range of authors and genres gives your child a huge advantage in the 11+ exam.

Reading widely is the best way to build the rich vocabulary, comprehension skills, and confidence your child needs to tackle challenging texts — not just in the exam, but in secondary school and beyond.

As a former primary school teacher and school librarian, and now a parent and 11+ tutor, I’ve brought together all my experience and passion for children’s books to create the ultimate 11+ Reading Guide.

This beautifully organised guide includes over 200 hand-picked, high-quality titles, from modern favourites to timeless classics — all grouped by genre to help children explore beyond their usual reading choices.

Each title includes a short, child-friendly description to spark interest and help them choose what to read next.

To make it even easier, books are divided into two levels:
⭐ Core reads – brilliant stories that are accessible but still stretching
🔥 More challenging reads – for confident readers ready for trickier vocabulary or deeper ideas

Whether your child is already an avid reader or needs help finding the right books, this guide will save you time, reduce overwhelm, and help them fall in love with reading — while building the skills that matter most.