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The 12 books of Christmas for 11 Plus candidates

Profile photo for Hollie-Louise, a tutor with Owl Tutors
Hollie-LouiseOwl Tutor

7 Plus, 8 Plus, 11 Plus, 13 Plus, Other School Entrance & English

December 13th, 2022Last updated: January 20th, 2023

Hollie suggests some festive fables which 11 Plus Candidates should be able to tackle in Year 5 ahead of their exams. Our take on "The 12 Days of Christmas"... "The 12 books of Christmas!"

A handpicked selection of the best Christmas reads, ready and waiting for Santa to fill those stockings!

  1. The Miracle on Ebenezer Street – Catherine Doyle
    A modernised adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas classic, this is a whirlwind of adventure, laughter and a little Christmas magic.
  2. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
    Typifying the festive season, this traditional tale offers a challenging and indulgent read for 11 plus pupils: to be read alongside a viewing of the 2022 theatre production for added festive fun!
  3. The Christmas Pig – J.K Rowling
    One of the world’s greatest story-tellers presents a heartwarming tale of magic, Christmas miracles and a quest to reunite the very best of friends.
  4. Christmas with the Savages – Mary Clive
    Set in an Edwardian home, this offers insight into the hilarity of a caricature Christmas family through the eyes of the rather spoilt, yet hilarious, Evelyn.
  5. Frostheart – Jamie Littler
    Forming the first book in Littler’s trilogy, Frostheart offers the ultimate indulgence for the imagination.
  6. The Girl Who Saved Christmas – Matt Haig
    An action-packed adventure involving no less than Father Christmas, Charles Dickens and the Queen – this is fast-paced fiction. Read hand in hand with Haig’s ‘A Boy called Christmas’ and “Father Christmas and Me’, this will captivate young minds and imaginations over Christmas.
  7. Mistletoe and Murder – Robin Stevens
    Part of the ever-popular ‘A Murder Most Unladylike’ series, this serves up mystery, danger, and a little Christmas crime.
  8. Letters from Father Christmas – J.R.R Tolkien
    This enchanting collection of letters between Father Christmas and Tolkein’s children is filled with humorous tales of life at the North Pole.
  9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
    A classic tale, rather than a Christmas tale: the magic, mystery and frosted fantasy of Narnia offers endless escapism for all 11+ pupils.
  10. Christmas Tales – Enid Blyton
    A collection of 25 short stories, these classic tales present mischief, magic and a little mayhem at Christmas.
  11. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street  – Karina Yan Glaser
    Remaining truly traditional in its message of community at Christmas, this modern tale of diverse characters with busy lives is relatable and accessible for all young readers.
  12. The Haunting of Charity Delafield – Ian Beck
    Although not strictly a ‘Christmas’ tale, Charity and her chimneysweep pals make the perfect stocking filler to boost creative writing for 11 plus level.

Related subjects

11 Plus11 Plus English

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