7 Classic Books Every 11 Plus Child Should Read

If you only add a handful of books to your child’s 11 Plus preparation, make them classics. Older stories use richer vocabulary and more complex sentences than most modern children’s fiction, which is exactly the kind of writing that appears in many entrance exam extracts. These seven are all out of copyright, so they’re free to read, and every one is a cracking story.

1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Twelve short mysteries, each one a lesson in noticing details and reasoning step by step. Perfect for confident readers who love a puzzle, and the short story format makes them easy to read one at a time.

2. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Lonely Mary Lennox discovers a locked garden and slowly brings it, and herself, back to life. A gentle introduction to older English, with lots to discuss about feelings and change.

3. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Pirates, maps and a treasure hunt. The suspense keeps reluctant readers turning pages while they absorb a wealth of new vocabulary.

4. Aesop’s Fables

Short, punchy stories that each end with a lesson. They’re ideal for practising inference: ask your child what the moral is before they read it.

5. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Mole, Ratty, Badger and the irrepressible Toad. The descriptions of the riverbank are some of the most beautiful writing in children’s literature, and a superb vocabulary builder.

6. The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

A traveller journeys hundreds of thousands of years into the future. Best for older or stronger readers, it’s a brilliant way to stretch imagination and comprehension.

7. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Told by a horse, this moving story builds empathy and gives children plenty to talk about when it comes to characters’ feelings and choices.

Getting the most from these books

• Read a chapter together and ask your child to predict what happens next.
• Keep a notebook of new words and use them in conversation that week.
• Ask why a character acted as they did, the same kind of question exam comprehension asks.