Reading – 15 minutes a day makes a difference!

Research consistently shows that reading for at least 15 minutes a day has a huge impact on a student’s academic achievement and mental well-being.

According to international studies, students with an average daily reading time of between 15 – 30 minutes are likely to encounter 5.7 million words by the end of Year 12, while those who read for more than 30 minutes are projected to encounter 13.7 million words. Their peers who averaged less than 15 minutes of daily reading practice are likely to be exposed to only 1.5 million words – that is a dramatic difference of up to 12 million words!

At SCEGGS we believe that it is never too late to begin the routine of reading. The English Department are prioritising developing a reading culture this year – sharing recommendations, building wide reading into our lessons and assessments and promoting the power of reading.

I enjoyed visiting Mrs Nicholas’ Year 7 class this week to hear about the places that help her students to really enjoy their reading. Sarah spoke about how she loves reading in the library as it is “nice and quiet,” while Isla described how she rugs herself up on the floor at home with her back to the wall. Sienna talked about how she enjoys reading in public on a “park bench,” while other students echoed this joy of reading in public on trains and buses. There were students who enjoyed reading at the beach or snuggled in bed and Macy who loves to relax in the bath!

The common factor for all these students was finding a place where they feel comfortable and relaxed, and where they can tune out from distractions. Over the holiday break, it is a wonderful time to encourage your daughter to spend time reading and to develop this positive habit. Below are a few more recommendations from some of our students and staff, as well as links to some book suggestions which we hope might be useful. We wish you all the best for a relaxing holiday.

Readings Reading Lists

Premiers Reading Challenge

Goodreads recommendations

	Caraval by Stephanie Garber ‘Caraval’ by Stephanie Garber follows the events of Scarlett Dragna as she steps foot into the magical and dangerous game of Caraval. Every year the immortal Caraval Master Legend hosts a game, (invite only) and it has been Scarlett’s dream for as long as she can remember to attend. Scarlett becomes a player in the risky game in search for her younger sister, Tella. The world in which the game takes place in is in more ways than some, a complete reverse of our world and as the game goes on, things begin to mess more and more with Scarlett’s head (and I don’t mean just with her companion Julien). When you enter the dangers of Carval there is only one rule, to ‘Remember, it’s only a game..’ I would recommend this book for students in Year 7 and older. Sienna Morris (Year 8)
	To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, written by Harper Lee in 1960, is a classic of American literature. Set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression, it is told from the perspective of Scout Finch, a young girl who lives with her brother Jem, and their father Atticus who is a lawyer. When a black man is falsely accused of raping a white woman, Atticus agrees to defend him, and Scout has an awakening to the racism and prejudice embedded in society. The story explores Scout’s transition from a perspective of childlike innocence to a deeper understanding of human nature and moral values. I found this book very engaging and would highly recommend it. Amelie Singer (Year 9)
	These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong ‘These Violent Delights’ by Chloe Gong is a thrilling and compelling retelling of “Romeo and Juliet,” set in 1920s Shanghai. The novel follows two rival gang leaders, Roma Montagov and Juliette Cai, as they navigate a tumultuous city riddled with chaos. Gong’s vivid descriptions of Shanghai’s political upheaval and her multi-dimensional characters make for an immersive read. The plot is full of action and intrigue, with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall, “These Violent Delights” is a must-read for fans of YA fiction and those looking for a fresh take on a classic Shakespearean story. Verona Floro (Year 10)
	Akarnae by Lynette Noni Akarnae is a stunning start to an amazing series. Alexandra Jennings is found in a new world, full of things she would have never believed were real. She finds herself pretending that she belongs in this new and mysterious world. Making new friends and enemies. Whist running from evil and venturing into the unknown, Alex discovers many more spectacular inventions and people. This book leaves you asking yourself, who is good and who is evil. This book is full of many plot twists and cliffhangers. Akarnae leaves you wondering what will happen next. Tabitha Hyde (Year 7)
	Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo ‘Six of Crows’ is a captivating fantasy novel by Leigh Bardugo. Set in a magical city inspired by Amsterdam, six teenage criminals are hired by Kaz Brekker, a cunning and dangerous gang leader to break into the ‘Ice Court’. The team will face internal and external battles, all while forging new relationships and facing their pasts. Some key characters include Inej, a highly-skilled acrobat and spy, Matthias, a traitor to a corrupt army, Jesper, an expert marksman, Wylan, an inexperienced chemist with a dark family secret, and Nina, an incredibly powerful witch. You will continually be surprised with this engaging and fascinating plot. This book is rich in complexities and intricately intertwines all aspects, leaving an impossible-to-put-down novel that will leave you wanting more. Ruby Sunman-Peters (Year 9)
	Prophet Song by Paul Lynch This beautiful, prescient and harrowing dystopian novel follows Eilish Stack, a one-time microbiologist and mother of four, who fights to keep her family together as the Republic of Ireland succumbs to totalitarian control. Written without paragraph breaks or speech marks, the novel’s atmosphere is marked by claustrophobia and a relentless urgency. Funnelled through the eyes of this ordinary woman, we feel the imposition of the State as a growing emotional wound. I haven’t been so affected by a novel in a long time. It is a tough read, but one that reminds us of literature’s role to teach us empathy. Ms Hawkins English Teacher