Top Ten Reads for World Book Day 2021
We logged into our Saturday club meeting to ask our young writers and mentors to list their top ten reads to enjoy this World Book Day.
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Nominated by Cian
Coming in strong at number one is the golden ticket favourite, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A cautionary tale best read with a mug of hot chocolate.
Nominated by Saint-Cyrs
Is he a dog? Is he a man? In second place, from the creator of Captain Underpants, comes Dog Man. A new hero who ‘digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers’.
3. The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Nominated by Emma (Mentor)
A canine classic, The Hundred and One Dalmatians comes rolling into number third place. Our writing mentor Emma picked it because ‘I like the way we see the world from the dogs’ perspectives’. Journalist Alison Flood recently wrote ‘‘in these locked-down days it’s as comforting as hot buttered toast’.
4. James and The Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Nominated by Simbiat
Another Roald Dahl masterpiece takes its place, with James and The Giant Peach rolling into number four. Our young writer Simbiat ‘really likes the aunt characters’ and the fantastical adventure the reader’s taken on.
5. Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman
Nominated by Adam (Mentor)
Hitting high at number five is a story ‘which features a time-travelling stegosaurus, aliens, vampires, dinosaur police and the Queen of the Pirates’ and much more. That’s why our mentor Adam loves Fortunately the Milk ‘it has so many crazy tall tales and unusual characters’.
6. Lighting Chase Me Home by Amber Lee Dodd
Nominated by Hikma
Hikma told us; ‘This is my favourite book, because it has a girl who can disappear!’ Lighting Chase Me Home sails into sixth place with a story based on an island ‘steeped in myths and legends, and with a permanent sense of a storm brewing, no matter the season.’
7. Paper Avalanche by Lisa Williams
Nominated by Maysaa
Maysaa loves Paper Avalanche our pick at number seven. Maysaa explains; ‘It’s based in Victorian Britain, all about this girl called Clover, whose mum has died and she has to live with her stepmom and her sister dies and she has to go to the workhouse.’
8. Wind Singer by William Nicholson
Nominated by Emily (Mentor)
Wind Singer drops in at number eight. A story where ‘only one family has the strength to rebel, fighting the system, and, in doing so, risks it all’. A daring read to welcome in the weekend.
9. Have You Seen Elephant by David Barrow
Nominated by Jessica (Programme Leader)
For very young readers Jessica and her toddler Finn recommend for number nine Have You Seen Elephant. Beautifully illustrated, it’s a hilarious story of a very unlikely hide and seek friend.
Nominated by Becky (Mentor)
Lastly, at number ten, it’s another Roald Dahl legend Matilda. Picked by our writing Mentor Becky who loves ‘that it’s a story about an extraordinary girl who stands up to some very mean people!’
Want to write your own book? Check out our resources below to get you started:
Write an Adventure story with Piers Torday
Explore biographies with Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Not sure what to write about? Start here!
Looking for more on World Book Day? Explore some resources from our friends on the links below:
Remember, books are for life, not just for World Book Day. Find your next one here.
