2023 Term 2 Holiday Book Recommendation
Year 3/4
Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
The book was originally published in 1977 by Thomas Crowell, and in 1978, it won the Newbery Medal.
The award winning Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Peterson is a novel that goes beyond just the sweet friendship between fifth-graders Jess and Leslie.
With a bridge that connects the children's' worlds of reality and imagination, the novel navigates readers through major themes of friendship, grief, and coming of age.
Encompassing such important subjects makes the book not only a valuable read for students, but also allows students to appreciate the language and style Katherine Peterson has incorporated. Her ability to create such synergy between these diverse themes is something students can reciprocate and apply in future writings.
Year 5/6
Wonder
Author: R. J. Palacio
R. J. Palacio's Wonder is a book truly like no other, being a huge hit with readers of all ages.
Its story surrounds 10 year old August Pullman, who has facial anomaly.
Readers can expect great resonance with messages of anti-bullying and pro-acceptance as they follow August on his journey outside the sheltered environment of his family.
Along with these life lesson, students can learn and appreciate the language techniques used by Palacio to bring forward such empowering messages of strength and resilience, and moreover how she has succeeded in evoking empathy and a response from readers.