Marc Pilven Top Picks from the English Book Club: 25 must-read novels chosen by students for students (with recommended age ranges added next to each title) ● 1. Harry Potter – J.K. Rowling (Ages 9–14) The series follows Harry Potter, a young wizard discovering his powers and destiny at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alongside his friends Ron and Hermione, he faces the dark wizard Voldemort. This global phenomenon has captivated millions of readers. ● 2. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins (Ages 12–16) In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen is forced to participate in a deadly televised competition imposed by the government. She becomes the symbol of a rebellion against oppression. A gripping tale of courage and resistance. ● 3. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green (Ages 13–18) Hazel and Gus, two teens with cancer, fall in love while dealing with their illness. The story explores the fragility of life and the beauty of human connection. A heartfelt bestseller that has touched a wide audience. ● 4. Wonder – R.J. Palacio (Ages 8–12) August Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, attends a mainstream school for the first time. The story focuses on acceptance, kindness, and courage. A powerful message about empathy and inclusion. ● 5. Percy Jackson – Rick Riordan (Ages 9–13) Percy discovers he’s the son of Poseidon and is thrust into a world of gods and mythical creatures. He embarks on epic quests to save the world. A thrilling series that mixes adventure with Greek mythology. ● 6. Eragon – Christopher Paolini (Ages 12–16) Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a dragon egg and becomes a Dragon Rider. He embarks on a quest to overthrow a tyrannical empire. An epic fantasy story written by a teenage author. ● 7. Matilda – Roald Dahl (Ages 7–11) Matilda is a gifted girl with telekinetic powers. She uses her intelligence to stand up against cruel adults. A delightful tale of justice and cleverness. ● 8. Charlotte's Web – E.B. White (Ages 7–10) The story of an unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte weaves words into her web to save Wilbur from being slaughtered. A heartwarming story about friendship and sacrifice.
Marc Pilven ● 9. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak (Ages 13–17) In Nazi Germany, Liesel finds comfort in stealing books and sharing them with others. Narrated by Death, the novel explores the power of words. A moving story of humanity in wartime. ● 10. The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway (Ages 14+) An aging Cuban fisherman battles a giant marlin alone at sea. The story symbolizes perseverance and dignity in the face of hardship. A timeless reflection on the human struggle. ● 11. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë (Ages 14+) Orphaned Jane Eyre becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. The novel explores themes of love, morality, and female independence. A classic of Victorian Gothic literature. ● 12. Howards End – E.M. Forster (Ages 16+) Two English families from different social backgrounds are linked by an unexpected inheritance. The novel examines class divisions and human connection. A subtle critique of Edwardian society. ● 13. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett (Ages 8–12) Mary, a lonely orphan, discovers a hidden garden and brings it back to life. The garden becomes a place of healing for her and her friends. A story about resilience and transformation. ● 14. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon (Ages 14+) Christopher, an autistic teenager, investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. His investigation leads to personal revelations about his family. A unique perspective on life and relationships. ● 15. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children – Ransom Riggs (Ages 12–15) Jacob discovers a remote orphanage that houses children with extraordinary powers. He uncovers secrets that take him into a magical and dangerous world. A haunting tale blending vintage photos with fantasy. ● 16. The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman (Ages 10–14) After his parents are murdered, Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a cemetery. He grows up between the world of the living and the dead. A modern take on The Jungle Book with a gothic twist.
Marc Pilven ● 17. Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) – Philip Pullman (Ages 12–16) Lyra, a brave girl, sets out to find her kidnapped friend in a parallel universe. She uncovers a dark conspiracy involving stolen children. A thrilling blend of science, magic, and philosophy. ● 18. Children of Time – Adrian Tchaikovsky (Ages 15+) A failed terraforming project leads to the evolution of intelligent spiders on a distant planet. The novel explores civilization, evolution, and communication between species. A bold and thought-provoking sci-fi epic. ● 19. Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo (Ages 13–17) Alina discovers a rare magical power that could save her war-torn country. She is drawn into the world of the Grisha, elite magic wielders. The beginning of an addictive fantasy series. ● 20. Eleanor and Park – Rainbow Rowell (Ages 14–17) Two misfit teens fall in love in 1980s Omaha. Their bond is tested by social pressures and family issues. A tender, realistic love story. ● 21. Number the Stars – Lois Lowry (Ages 10–13) During Nazi-occupied Denmark, Annemarie helps her Jewish friend escape to safety. The novel highlights bravery and compassion. A powerful introduction to Holocaust history for young readers. ● 22. Kensuke's Kingdom – Michael Morpurgo (Ages 9–12) Michael, a shipwrecked boy, survives on a deserted island where he meets an elderly man named Kensuke. Despite cultural differences, a deep friendship forms. A touching survival story about trust and understanding. ● 23. The Butterfly Lion – Michael Morpurgo (Ages 8–11) A lonely boy befriends a white lion, only to be separated from him. Years later, he sets out to find him again. A moving tale of friendship and loyalty. ● 24. The School for Good and Evil – Soman Chainani (Ages 10–14) Two best friends are taken to a school where children are trained to become fairy tale heroes or villains. Their destinies are unexpectedly reversed. A playful twist on traditional fantasy tropes. ● 25. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – Sue Townsend (Ages 13–16) Adrian, a 13-year-old boy in England, keeps a hilarious diary of his daily life. He shares his teenage anxieties and observations with wit and honesty. A funny and heartfelt portrayal of adolescence.