Reading over the holidays…

As the holidays approach, the Library and the English Department take the opportunity to share some reading recommendations from students and staff. We are fortunate to have many keen readers at the school and are trying to use our Wide Reading lessons and reading time in class to encourage students to share recommendations and develop the habit of reading.

Some of you may be aware that in 2026 the UK government launched the “National Year or Reading” – the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people (re) discover the joy of reading and make it a part of their everyday lives.

Here at SCEGGS, we are also acutely aware of the emotional and academic benefits that come from regular reading. A recent report on “What Kids are Reading” from Renaissance found that the middle years (Years 6 – 8) are a critical period when reading habits can either flourish or decline. The report found that a series can be a great way to hook students in this age bracket, developing engagement and reading stamina.

At SCEGGS, the following series are popular at the moment: Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Inheritance Games, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and Karen M McManus’ One of Us is Lying.

As the Year 11 students have all begun their ‘Reading to Write’ course this term, they have also been encouraged to read widely and expand the genres which they read from. Below are some reading recommendations from students and staff, as well as prize shortlists and updates to the SCEGGS library catalogue.

• SCEGGS Darlinghurst – new Senior Reading catalogue
• Children’s Book Council of Australia – ‘Notables’ for 2026
• The Carnegie Shortlist and medal winners
• John Newbery Medal

We hope everyone has a relaxing Easter with some enjoyable reading!

Jenny Bean (Head of English)
Alison Conliffe (Head of Library)