Best Christmas reads for the 11 Plus

What are the best books for students sitting the 11 Plus to keep them reading over Christmas?

Choosing the right books to engage children and help them to enjoy the festive season with their families and friends is important and great preparation for any examinations they might have to take in January. The Christmas period is good time for families to get together and read together. Here we suggest five brilliant Christmas reads, taken from both classic literature and more modern times, all great preparation for the 11 Plus exams and suitable for ten to eleven year olds.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” – Barbara Robinson

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson tells the story of the Herdman siblings, known anecdotally as the ‘worst kids in the world’. This is a funny and creative story which teaches us that empathy is a key skill and should be celebrated. This would be a greta book to talk about at an 11 Plus interview, as it deals with themes of understanding and redemption. The story is light-hearted and easy to understand but the background context is heart-warming and powerful.

“The Christmas Pig” – J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling’s “The Christmas Pig” is a beautiful story which centres around themes of love, hope and loss. The story describes Jack’s search to find his toy Christmas pig and how he deals with the loss and then the hope that comes afterwards. As you would expect from J. K. Rowling, it’s a beautifully written story and could provide some inspiration for children to write their own story about a much-loved soft toy or family pet.

“A Boy Called Christmas” – Matt Haig?

Matt Haig’s “A Boy Called Christmas” is a story which discusses the origins and background of Santa himself. This beautiful and heart-warming tale combines the breath-taking setting of the North Pole with an insight into how Father Christmas came to be. Haig’s story brings forward a fascinating narrative alongside a vibrant written style which encourages readers to believe in what they may have thought was impossible. Haig also explores the idea of myth and legend, making this a good choice for more ambitious readers who have an interest in history or languages.

“Greenglass House” – Kate Milford?

“Greenglass House” by Kate Milford is a mystery story which is set in the holiday period around Christmas. A party of eccentric guests arrives at the inn where the protagonist Milo lives, leading him to discover hidden secrets and learn what the spirit of Christmas really means. This story has an intricate plot and is suitable for children who have previously enjoyed stories of mystery or adventure, such as Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven or Famous Five novels.

“The Miracle on Ebenezer Street” – Catherine Doyle

Catherine Doyle’s “The Miracle on Ebenezer Street” is a modern tale which cleverly includes Dickensian themes. When the protagonist George discovers a magical snow globe, he begins an adventure that changes his entire perspective and makes him rethink some of this ideas, all next to the backdrop of the festival season. This is a beautifully written story which nods to the great Christmas writer Charles Dickens and is a good starting point for those children hoping to read ‘A Christmas Carol’ and expand their canonical knowledge.

Conclusion – what are the best Christmas reads for budding young minds?

Christmas-themed literature offers readers a chance to explore a blend of relaxing entertainment and learning. The books discussed above provide festive happiness and also enhance children’s vocabulary and comprehension, both crucial for 11 Plus English exams. Whether families are revisiting timeless classics or exploring modern magical tales together, these books will be the perfect addition to your family Christmas.

Resources for Further Reading:

Book

1. The Christmas Pig by J. K. Rowling
2. A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

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