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Education»book lists» Childhood classics for 6th grade
Remember how much you loved the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Ponyboy Curtis, Hazel and more? Now it's your 12-year-old's turn! Classic books to share with your child.
of:Hank Pellissier
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The Chronicles of Narnia
of:C. S. Lewis- (HarperCollins, 1950)
the hook: Sure, you may have seen the movie, but this seven-volume series, deftly blending the supernatural and reality, is a classic that has influenced children's literature for half a century. The protagonists, children of the real world, are magically transported to Narnia where, under the wise guidance of the lion Aslan, they play a key role in shaping the fateful events of this alternate world (a powerful fantasy for any child). In each of Lewis's books, all written in masterful prose, the fate of Narnia hangs in the balance: will good triumph over evil?
perfect for: Readers aged 8 and over who are attracted to illusionary symbols and magic.
Meetour favoritesat your local library:The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,The magician's Nephew,prince caspian.
oh hobbit
of:J.R.R. Tolkien- (Houghton Mifflin, 1966)300 pages.
Bilbo Baggins was not looking for adventure: he knocked on his door in the form of 13 dwarves and the wizard Gandalf, asking him to join the search for the stolen treasure. The reluctant hobbit embarks on an exciting journey to face the dragon Smaug, encountering hungry trolls, killer spiders, and an ancient magic ring. Readers may recognize some of the characters fromLord of the Ringstrilogy in this prequel that is a more accessible read for tweens.
Do you want see the movie? Experience the live-action trilogy inspired by the book, beginning withOr The Hobbit: An Unexpected JourneyAB 2012.
perfect for: Kids who like epic adventure stories.
Meetoh hobbitat your local library.
white canines
of:jack londres- (Editorial Macmillan, 1906)128 pages.
Half wolf, half dog, White Fang is being abused by a series of cruel owners. Aggressive and rabid, the hound learns to hate both humans and animals until he is rescued by mining expert Weedon Scott. Through gentle handling and patience, Scott eventually tames the wild dog, and the two form an unbreakable bond. Written in part from the White Fang's point of view, this story examines how the environment affects the behavior of humans and other animals and offers factual observations of the natural beauty of the natural world.
want to see the movie Check out the 1991 adaptation starring Ethan Hawke, loosely based on the book's plot.
Perfect for:nature lover.
Meetwhite caninesat your local library.
Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Woman
of:Ana Frank- (Bantam, 1993)304 pages.
In 1942, the Nazis occupied Amsterdam and forced 13-year-old Anne Frank and her family to hide in the back of a warehouse. In this funny, disturbing and intimate diary, Anne celebrates two years of claustrophobic imprisonment, which ends when the Gestapo discovers her hideout. (Anne died in March 1945 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.) This is a remarkable coming-of-age classic, set in tragic circumstances. Anne wrote: "I want to live after I die!...Will I be able to write something great?" Her wish came true.
Perfect for:Teenagers, aspiring writers or children interested in Nazi Germany.
MeetAnne Frank: Diary of a Young Womanat your local library.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
of:L. Frank Baum, illustrated by:W. W. Denslow- (George M. Hill Company, 1900)76 pages.
A hurricane rips Dorothy out of her normal life in Kansas along with her home and her dog Toto. After crash-landing in Oz, Dorothy discovers that her house has inadvertently eliminated the Wicked Witch of the East and freed the Munchkins from her rule. With a pair of magical silver shoes given to her by the Good Witch of the North and her new friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy seeks the Wizard of Oz to help her return home to her uncle. Henry. um. Children who know the story of the movie version may be surprised at the difference between the plot of the original book and the movie.
want to see the movie Check out the 1939 classic starring Judy Garland.
Perfect for:Children who appreciate the fantastic.
MeetThe Wonderful Wizard of Ozat your local library.
The outside
of:SE Hinton- (Viking Press, 1967)224 pages.
A proud greaser from the wrong side of the tracks, Ponyboy is always ready to take on the rich Socs (short for "Socials"). But when his best friend Johnny accidentally kills a member of the Socs gang, the 14-year-old pony boy must face the violent reality of his life and make decisions that will shape his future.The outsideWritten by a high school student in 1967, the themes of classroom history, violence, and teen coming-of-age resonate with today's tweens and teens.
You want to see the movie Check out the 1983 adaptation directed by Francis Ford Coppola, although parents should be aware that the film depicts violence and underage drinking.
perfect for: Children who like gritty and realistic novels.
MeetThe outsideat your local library.
water boat below
of:ricardo adams- (Macmillan, 1972)476 pages.
When Fiver the rabbit has a terrible premonition about his pen, he and his brother Hazel gather a group of young rabbits to find a new home in the English countryside. Escaping predators and farmers' traps, they finally reach the safety of Watership Down. But before they can settle in, they realize their search isn't over yet. Well-developed characters and compelling details make this book an excellent introduction to allegory for young readers. And a handy glossary will help readers struggling with "rabbit."
you want to see the movie Check out the 1978 animated adaptation, which will appeal to older kids and adults alike.
perfect for: Children who love animal stories.
Meetwater boat belowat your local library.
treasure Island
of:Robert Louis Stevenson- (Cassell and company, 1883)160 pages.
After a pirate is killed at his family's inn, young Jim Hawkins finds a map to secret buried treasure. Jim shows the map to the local squire and the two, along with the town doctor, decide to outfit a boat and go on a treasure hunt. But when the trio hires the scheming pirate Long John Silver as the ship's cook, their treasure hunt takes a murderous turn. Engaging characters and plenty of suspense help kids read this classic book that's a great vocabulary builder.
want to watch the movie There are many settings. Readers looking for a classic setting might like Disney's 1950s version, but readers looking for something silly might like it.Muppets Treasure Island(1995) or the animatedtreasure planet(2002), which places the story in outer space.
Perfect for:Children who like adventures in the sea.
Meettreasure Islandat your local library.
Mary Poppins
of:Dr. PL Travers, illustrated by:María Schäfer- (Harpercollins Childs, 2010)768 pages.
The nanny at the Banks' London home has magical abilities. Her name is Mary Poppins and she can fly through the air with her umbrella, serve tea from the roof and take the kids to a faraway star for Christmas shopping. She also has eccentric friends like Bert the Matchstick, Bird Woman, her laughing uncle Mr. Wigg, and various creatures she converses with. But a word to the wise: the title character has a no-nonsense personality full of smugness, domineering, and sarcasm. While it's different from the charming portrayal of Julie Andrews in the movie, it's a great book to read and discuss together how it compares to the movie.
Perfect for:Anyone who loves magical adventures.
MeetMary Poppinsat your local library.
The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle
of:avi- (Scholastic Paperbacks, 2012)240 pages.
Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is the only woman aboard the Seahawk, a schooner that sailed from England to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1832. Immediately drawn into a conflict between the cruel Captain Jaggery and the mutinous crew, she removes her dresses . She of refined and elegant demeanor, she disguises herself as a cabin boy, climbs the highest mast and leads her companions in a triumphant rebellion. The plot includes a hurricane, a stowaway, a flogging, a knife fight, a smelly brig, disgusting food, and plank walking. It is a gripping suspense story in dangerous seas with an inspiring female lead.
Perfect for:Young sailors and born leaders.
MeetThe true confessions of Charlotte Doyleat your local library.
of mice and men
of:John Steinbeck- (Penguin Books, 1993)112 pages.
Best friends George and Lennie are immigrant workers looking for work on California farms in the 1930s. Lennie is tall and strong, but mentally challenged and has a sensitive side. Lennie longs to caress soft textures like rabbit fur and girlish hair, which could get him into trouble. George does everything he can to keep Lennie from getting into serious trouble. His dream is to buy his own 1-acre farm and "live off the land," but that plan backfires when the new boss's son's wife flirts with Lennie. The main themes of the book are financial powerlessness, friendship and loneliness.
Perfect for:Kids who appreciate hard-hitting friendship stories.
Meetof mice and menat your local library.
the red pony
of:John Steinbeck- (Classic Penguin, 1994)128 pages.
This novel contains four different stories about Jody Tiflin, a 10-year-old boy on a California ranch. The title refers to a red foal that Jody gives to her father. Although Jody Gabilan trains carefully and looks forward to the happy day when she will ride him, the filly falls ill and dies. It is a moving story of a teenager dealing with loss.
Perfect for:Children who appreciate stories of love and loss.
Meetthe red ponyat your local library.
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FAQs
What age should kids read classics? ›
Start introducing classics to children as early as 5 or 6 years of age. Continue to read to your kids through the elementary school years, even if they're good readers themselves. Let them read easier books to themselves. You can read the more challenging classics.
What books do sixth graders read in school? ›- Holes. by Sachar, Louis. ...
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. by Rowling, J. K. ...
- The View From the Cherry Tree. by Roberts, Willo Davis. ...
- Where the Red Fern Grows. by Rawls, Wilson. ...
- The Monument. by Paulsen, Gary. ...
- Hoot. by Hiaasen, Carl. ...
- Among the Hidden. ...
- The Dark Is Rising.
- Organization and independence are important sixth-grade skills.
- Sixth graders need to understand place value and be able to work with decimals up to the hundredths place.
- Sixth graders have to write to provide information, to support their opinion, and to tell a story.
A Frequent reader, age 6-11, reads about 44 books per year, while an Infrequent reader reads only around 22. And that difference increases substantially as kids get older. Infrequent readers, age 12-17, only read 4.7 books a year.
Is it okay to not read classics? ›There is nothing amiss about not wanting to read the classics if the classics are not providing you with the kind of read you are looking for. Personally, I consider it important to seek and treasure diversity, to continue to look forward to the books on my TBR, and to continue reading the things that warm my heart.
Should the classics still be taught? ›These classic texts contain themes and ideas that continue to exist in society. Providing today's students an opportunity to make connections with classic literature helps students find deeper meaning in their personal lives and communities.
What should YEAR 6 be reading? ›- Nightfall in New York by Katherine Woodfine. ...
- The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff by Andy Seed. ...
- Absolutely Everything by Christopher Lloyd. ...
- A Boy Called Hope by Lara Williamson. ...
- Illegal by Eoin Colfer. ...
- The Nowhere Emporium by Ross MacKenzie.
6th graders love to be complimented and recognized for doing special things. They want you to brag about them when something is done particularly well or they have gone above and beyond! Let them hear you bragging, too!
What grade level is Harry Potter? ›The Harry Potter book series is Middle Grade, not YA (Young Adult). This means it is generally written for children ages 8-12 and grade levels 3-7. What is this?
How many minutes should a 6th grader read per day? ›“Students benefit greatly from a regular reading routine that involves at least 30 minutes of daily reading,” Parrasch says. “Ideally, students should be reading a variety of genres — or at the very least, a mix of fiction and nonfiction.
What should a 6th grader know by the end of the year? ›
In general, by the end of sixth grade, students should have good organization skills and be able to work independently. They should possess more advanced math skills such as place value and decimal work up to the hundredths place.
What are 6th grade literacy skills? ›Students analyze different types of text and learn to interpret figurative and nuanced language. Sixth grade reading entails understanding plot structures, narrative voices, character developments, and the use of language. Students also compare and contrast themes in articles and stories.
What grade level is Charlotte's Web? ›This book's Lexile measure is 680L and is frequently taught in the 4th and 5th grade.
What grade level is Diary of a Wimpy Kid? ›The intended audience is kids in grades 3-7, or ages 8-12. However, many kids that fall outside that age bracket are reading and talking about this series. What's it about? It's about Greg, a skinny middle school student near the bottom of the social pecking order and his misadventures at school and at home.
What grade can kids fully read? ›Experts say that most children learn to read by age 6 or 7, meaning first or second grade, and that some learn much earlier. However, a head start on reading doesn't guarantee a child will stay ahead as they progress through school. Abilities tend to even out in later grades.
Why is reading classics so hard? ›Classics are hard to read because of the writing style, the historical settings, narrative structures, and symbolism. To improve understanding, read an annotated version and research a book's historical period. You can also read commentaries and watch a movie to grasp the concept.
How should a beginner read classics? ›- Emma. by Jane Austen. Buy the book. ...
- Jane Eyre. by Charlotte Bronte. Buy the book. ...
- The Great Gatsby. by F. Scott Fitzgerald. ...
- Animal Farm. by George Orwell. ...
- Frankenstein. by Mary Shelley. ...
- Little Women. by Louisa May Alcott.
- Classic novels can help readers to reflect on the past.
- They often expose readers to a wide range of vocabulary.
- Classics also expose readers to a more formal style of writing.
- Reading classics can be challenging and rewarding.
- the ability to research, collate and analyse materials, including written documentation and statistics.
- critical evaluation skills and the ability to interpret resources.
- effective oral and written communication skills.
Classics (Literae Humaniores) is a wide-ranging degree devoted to the study of the literature, history, philosophy, languages and archaeology of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.
Why do schools teach classics? ›
Classical literature helps students understand more complex ideas. It also assists students in developing character, says educator Lisa Van Gemert. “Quality books often contain thought-provoking socio-ethical situations, thus leading to character development.
Can kids read at age 6? ›At age 6, most first-graders can: Read and retell familiar stories. Use a variety of ways to help with reading a story such as re-reading, predicting what will happen, asking questions, or using visual cues or pictures. Decide on their own to use reading and writing for different purposes.
Can a 6 year old read fluently? ›Tots may be able to decode words on a page, however it's worth highlighting this is not reading fluency. Reading fluency develops around the ages of seven and eight, it happens when a child has developed knowledge and skill for word recognition with some automaticity, accuracy and speed.
What is the hardest grade for kids? ›Are you aware that the transition from second to third grade is often considered to be one of the most difficult years in your child's education? Most educators are aware of this big leap, but many parents may not be.
What do 6th graders struggle with? ›Social problems.
With puberty and harder schoolwork also comes a rise in social pressures. Peer pressure is especially intense now as they are relying less on you and more on their friends and classmates. Sixth grade is also a prime time for children to experience bullying, especially from children in older grades.
Students' middle school grades are a crucial point of intervention. Students show considerable growth and declines in grades between sixth and eighth grade, and these changes can have strong implications for high school grades.
What grade level is Junie B Jones? ›Junie B. is a kindergartner in Books 1-17, and then a first grader, beginning in No. 18, She is funny, strong-willed, and prone to misunderstandings and mishaps.
What level should a 7 year old read? ›First and Second Grade (Ages 6–7)
use pictures and context to figure out unfamiliar words. use some common punctuation and capitalization in writing. self-correct when they make a mistake while reading aloud. show comprehension of a story through drawings.
TITLE | FORMAT | |
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Lexile Collection Middle School Levels 700-790 | Paperback Book Collection | Add To Cart |
Hyperlexia is advanced and unexpected reading skills and abilities in children way beyond their chronological age. It is a fairly recently named condition (1967) although earlier descriptions of precocious reading do exist.
Why can't my 10 year old read? ›
The most common indicator that a child will struggle with reading is whether they have a family history of reading or learning issues, or dyslexia, says Truch. “We do know from research in the last 20 years that there's a heavy genetic component to reading difficulties,” he says.
What should a 6th grader know in writing? ›In the first year of middle school, kids are expected to write essays and stories, share their writing, and compare literary texts. This year, your sixth grader should learn to use precise language, the right pronouns, and high-quality sources for research.
What do 6th graders learn in ELA? ›A typical course of study in language arts for sixth grade includes components of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Students will read a variety of genres including fiction and non-fiction; biographies; poetry; and plays.
What is typical 6th grade curriculum? ›The curriculum covers language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In language arts, students build their writing and reading skills by studying poetry, literature, and informational texts. As for mathematics, they'll gain a deeper understanding of the four operations.
How often should a 6th grader read? ›3. The majority of children don't spend enough time reading outside of school. According to teachers, students should be reading between 15 minutes and 1 hour a day outside of school (85% of teachers expect daily reading in this range), but most of their students are reading less than the 15-minute daily minimum.
What math skills should a 6th grader have? ›- Course summary.
- Ratios.
- Arithmetic with rational numbers.
- Rates and percentages.
- Exponents and order of operations.
- Negative numbers.
- Variables & expressions.
- Equations & inequalities.
There are 3 Literacy Skills within the 21st-century skills framework, these are Information Literacy, Media Literacy and Technology Literacy.
What grade level is Because of Winn Dixie? ›This book's Lexile measure is 660L and is frequently taught in the 4th and 5th grade.
What reading level is Boxcar Children? ›The Boxcar Children Early Readers Set has leveled readers appropriate for ages 5-7. They are Level 2 readers, which means that the child is “reading with help.” The series is appropriate for grades K-2.
What grade level is Frog and Toad books? ›Winner of the Newbery Honor award, Frog and Toad Together is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.
What Lexile is Harry Potter? ›
A book, article or piece of text gets a Lexile text measure when it's analyzed by MetaMetrics®. For example, the first Harry Potter book measures 880L, so its Lexile text measure is 880L. The Lexile Framework measures students and texts on the same developmental scale to seamlessly match readers to targeted texts.
What reading level is Wings of Fire? ›Wings of Fire Grades 5-7 by Tui T. Sutherland.
What age is Dork Diaries for? ›The Dork Diaries reading level is perfect for kids 8+ and the diary book style makes them fun and easy to read. Dork Diaries 1 came out over 10 years ago and we are now up to number 14!
At what age should a child read fluently? ›On average, most kids are able to read independently and fluently by the end of third grade, which is around when they are 9-10 years old. Children at this age are able to read simple sentences and storybooks. By age 11-13, your child should begin to use reading as a learning tool.
What percent of kindergarten can read? ›Two percent of pupils (1in 50) begin kindergarten able to read simple sight words, and 1 percent are also able to read more complex words in sentences. These children already know how to read.
Can struggling readers catch up? ›The National Institutes of Health state that 95 percent of poor readers can be brought up to grade level if they receive effective help early. While it is still possible to help an older child with reading, those beyond third grade require much more intensive help.
What stage book should a 7 year old be reading? ›Turquoise book band
Level 7. Recommended reading age 6 - 7 years. Children can read complex sentences fairly fluently, taking note of punctuation. They use expression and do not rely on illustrations to help them.
First and Second Grade (Ages 6–7)
read familiar stories. "sound out" or decode unfamiliar words. use pictures and context to figure out unfamiliar words. use some common punctuation and capitalization in writing.
- Peter Pan. by J.M. Barrie. ...
- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. ...
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. by L. ...
- The Swiss Family Robinson. by Johann D. ...
- The Hundred Dresses. ...
- Treasure Island. ...
- Danny the Champion of the World. ...
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Like most milestones, there is no “right age.” It all depends on the kid—and the parents. But there are a few age-related guidelines to take into consideration: From a technical standpoint, Harry Potter is categorized as a middle-grade read, which typically encompasses 9–to–12-year-olds.
What reading level is Harry Potter? ›
The series is written at a Lexile level of 870L, meaning that an average 8th grader should be able to read these books with moderate ease.
Can most 7 year olds read? ›Experts say that most children learn to read by age 6 or 7, meaning first or second grade, and that some learn much earlier. However, a head start on reading doesn't guarantee a child will stay ahead as they progress through school. Abilities tend to even out in later grades.
What age is Roald Dahl suitable for? ›Answer and Explanation: Roald Dahl's books are written for children in the age range 7-9. The stories told can really be enjoyed by anyone, but his colorful tales really interest children in reading. Roald Dahl uses main characters around the same age range as his books are intended for.
Is it normal for a 7 year old not to read? ›Most kids learn to read between the ages of 4-7 and some do not until age 8. If kids don't learn to read in Kindergarten, they're not behind. They don't have a learning disability, although some may. They just may not be ready to or interested in reading yet.
What book should a 11 year old read? ›- High-Rise Mystery. Author: Sharna Jackson. ...
- The Crossover. Author: Kwame Alexander. ...
- Roller Girl. Author: Victoria Jamieson. ...
- The Wolf Wilder. Author: Katherine Rundell. ...
- Drone Racer. Author: Andy Briggs. ...
- S.C.R.E.A.M: Carnival of Monsters. Author: Andrew Beasley. ...
- The Nowhere Emporium. ...
- Phoenix.
The Harry Potter Series: Ages and Stages
The first three Harry Potter books are great to read aloud to kids aged from about six or seven up. Certainly most children - both boys and girls - will love them from the age of eight.
Percy's Age
Percy is 12-years old and in the sixth grade. Generally, books are meant to be read by people around the same age as the main protagonist (though that is not always the case). Using this logic, Percy Jackson is a great book for anyone around 6th grade age, or around 12 years old.