50 Books for Enriching 11+ Vocabulary

The most common tip you will ever find for improving your child’s vocabulary is to read a lot of books. Book reading can be more effective than direct teaching or talking. However, what if your child is not so much into books? or like most parents, you hand them the wrong book at the wrong time.
Finding the right book for your child can be another snag, and pressuring your child to read a book that doesn’t interest him/her is not the right way to do it. Moreover, finding a book that focuses on vocabulary development while engaging your child to make him read every day can be another catch.
Here we have listed some of the best vocabulary development books for your kids.

1. Phantom Tollbooth

Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is a 1961 children’s fantasy adventure novel that follows a young boy Milo and his dog Tock as they visit strange places when they go through the phantom tollbooth.
The extensive vocabulary and its high-level humour make the book more suitable for children older than eight years.

2. Tom’s Midnight Garden

Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce is a 1958 children’s fantasy novel. The book is about a young boy Tom Long who has to stay with his aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan’s without his will to be quarantined while his brother recovers from the measles. It is a fascinating book with a hidden mystical presence that your child would love to enjoy. This book is suitable for 9+ years. 

3. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a novel by E. L. Konigsburg, originally published in 1967. The book follows Claudia Kincaid, a suburban girl who decided to run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. She invites her brother Jamie Kincaid to go with her as he would have money and can help her with a serious cash-flow problem.

4. The Worst Witch

The worst witch is a series of children’s much-loved classic books written and illustrated by Jill Murphy. It was originally published in 1974. The story is about a girl called Mildred Hubble, a trainee at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches and her life at a magical boarding school. It is suitable for 7+ students.

5. The Terrible Tales of the Teenytinysaurs!

The Terrible Tales of the Teenytinysaurs! is an Entertaining, hilarious, and super-inventive comic strip adventure. It was written by Gary Northfield published in 2013. The Teenytinysaurs is an adventurous gang of five tiny dinosaur friends.

6. Private – Keep Out!

Private – Keep Out! is a book by Gwen Grant published in 1978. The book is about a young, high-spirited, impulsive girl, the youngest in a family of six; the story is set up in a North Midlands colliery town just after the war. The story unifies the everyday events of a year in her life of growing up in the low area of a market town with a colliery nearby.

7. Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau 

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau is a magical and inspiring biography of Jacques Cousteau, an oceanographer, inventor, explorer, philanthropist, environmentalist, and writer by Jennifer Berne. His childlike sense of wonder and his uninhibited desire to explore the unknown endears him to the youth of any age. Manfish tells the story of Cousteau’s extraordinary life. The book is suitable for 4 to 8-year kids. 

8. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is a light-hearted fantasy book by English author J. R. R. Tolkien, published on 21 September 1937. The story is about a young Bilbo Baggins who lives his comfortable little in a hobbit hole. Bilbo Baggins is whisked away by Gandalf, the legendary wizard, and thirteen dwarves to kill the dragon Smaug and reclaim their stolen treasure. The book is suitable for 8+ year kids.

9. Jane Goodall: Researcher Who Champions Chimps 

If your child is interested in science and wildlife, then this book is for him. Published in 2010Jane Goodall: Researcher Who Champions Chimps is undoubtedly one of the best and most entertaining biographies of scientists for young readers. Published in 2010, it written and illustrated by artist Mike Venezia. His hilarious, cartoon-style illustrations complemented his easy-to-read text. The book is suitable for 8 to 11-year kids.

10. Harriet the Spy

Harriet the Spy is a classic children’s novel published in 1964, written by Louise Fitzhugh. She is an eleven-year-old girl aspiring to be a writer. To master her writing skills, she observes people and jots down what she sees in her notebook. The story takes a turn when her classmates found about her notebook. The book is suitable for 8 to 12-year kids.

11. The Dancing Bear 

The dancing bear is a gentle and profoundly moving story of a young girl Roxanne, who finds a bear cub and names him, Bruno. Soon they develop an inseparable bond. The book was written by Michael Morpurgo and published in 1994. The book is suitable for 8 to 10-year-old kids.

12. The Legend of Spud Murphy

The legend of spud murphy is a brilliant part of a series for young readers from the bestselling author Eoin Colfer, illustrated by acclaimed cartoonist McCoy. Will woodman is one of the five brothers and being the upper middle child the world isn’t easy for him. The two brothers Will and Marty go to the library every week after their parents decide to drop them off a few times a week.

13. Holes

Holes is a fascinating novel of intrigue, humor, and excitement by Louis Sachar, published in August 1998. The book is about a young boy Stanley Yelnats, whose family’s under the curse from generation. His misfortune takes a turn for the worse when he’s found guilty of stealing a pair of shoes and has been unjustly sent to a detention center in Texas. The story touches on themes such as racism, illiteracy, homelessness, and arranged marriage.

14. Stormbreaker

Stormbreaker is an action-adventure book written by Anthony Horowitz, published in 2000. The book is about a 14 years old high school boy Alex Rider who is taken care of by his uncle. However, when his uncle dies from an accident he got to know that his uncle was not a banker but a top-secret intelligent spy agent. He is then forcibly recruited for a mission to investigate a man named Herod Sayle is working on a computer system called Stormbreaker. This book is suitable for the ages of 8 to 15 years old.

15. Inkheart

Inkheart is another spellbinding series of adventure and magic by Cornelia Funke author of the international best-seller, published in 2003. Its original title was Tintenherz. Meggie loves stories, one night her father, Mo, read aloud, words come alive, and dangerous characters named Capricorn step out of the pages. In 2007 in an online poll, The National Education Association listed the book as one of its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children”. The book is suitable for 10 to 14 year old.

16. The Girl of Ink & Stars

The Girl of Ink & Stars is a fascinating fiction filled with magic, myth, friendship, and adventure by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, publishes in May 2016. The book is about a young girl, Isabella, who dreams of faraway lands once mapped by her cartographer father. When her best friend goes missing, she volunteers to guide the search and use all the skills she learned from her father to track her friend down. The book is suitable for 9 to 17 year old.

17. Little House on the Prairie 

The little house on the prairie is an autobiographical children’s novel and the third book in the “Light House” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, published in 1932. It is a captivating story of the author’s own childhood. This story is the continuation of the first book, Little House in the Big Woods. The book is suitable for 7 to 12 year old.  

18. Pig-Heart Boy

Pig-heart boy is a powerful, thought-provoking story written by Malorie Blackman, published in 1997. The book is about a 13-year-old boy Cameron Casey who has few months to live because of a viral infection, which he got a few years back; his heart hasn’t been the same since, but there’s a shortage of human heart donations out. They meet Dr. Richard Bryce, a scientist proposing the world’s first pig heart transplantation but will the operation will be a success, will Cameron’s body accept the transplant, and what did the wider well think about the first pig heart boy.

19. Black Beauty

Black beauty is a classic Victorian children’s novel written by Anna Sewell, published on 24 November 1877. The story is about a beautiful black horse who narrates his life’s tales and the hardships he faces after his beloved owners are forced to sell him. Along his journey, he meets lots of new animals. In his life, he witnesses love and cruelty, wealth and poverty, friendship, and hardship. The poignant tale of black beauty rails against animal mistreatment. The book is suitable for 9-12-year-olds.

20. Slime

Slime is an amusing children’s book by no.1 bestselling author David Walliams, published in November 2017. Artistic genius Tony Ross excellently illustrates this tale. The book is about an 11-year-old boy Ned who lives in the ISLE OF MULCH, a little island home to horrible grownups. Ned discovers that her evil sister Jemima has collected all the gross gunk to ruin his yearly birthday bath. To get his revenge, he put all the disgusting gunk in her bath but accidentally created slime, his new best friend. Slime and Ned travelled together around the island, seeking revenge on the foul grownups who sought to terrify and torture children. The book is suitable for 9-12-year-olds.

21. Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is a children’s book by E.B White, published in October 1952. The story is about a pig named Wilbur, was who was saved by a little girl named Fern, who stopped her father from slaughtering him. Eventually, Fern’s father made her sell Wilbur to her uncle, where the other animals didn’t like him, and he’s lonely. He made friends with the spider, Charlotte. To save him from being slaughtered, charlotte spun into her web, which town’s folk believe was done by a supernatural force on behalf of Wilbur. Charlotte’s Web is a solicitous novel of friendship, love, life, and death; it is suitable for 8-12 year-olds.

22. Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom is a superbly written classic wartime story by Michelle Magorian, published in October 1981. The story is about a sad, and deprived eight-year-old boy William Beech who is evacuated to go and live in a village as a punishment. He slowly begins to grow with the love and affection under the care of old Tom Oakley but his new-found happiness is shattered by a telegram from Willie’s mother summoning him to come back. The story shows that even the most unlikely people can become exceptional parents. The book is suitable for 11- 15 year-olds.

23. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is the first part of the internationally acclaimed trilogy by Judith Kerr. The partly autobiographical book tells the story of nine-year-old anna and her Jewish family fleeing from Germany at the start of World War II. Everything is moving too fast for anna as she has to leave everything behind and learn the skills needed to be a refugee. Although the story is about expulsion, the tone used is optimistic. The book is suitable for 8+ year kids.

24. Carrie’s War

Carrie’s war is the modern classic by Nina Bawden, originally published in 1973. It is one of the most enduring and loved wartime novels. The heartening story is about two evacuees of world war II Carrie, and his brother Nick, who are billeted with Mr. Evans, the fierce old shopkeeper, and his mousy sister, Louise. Initially, the children feel alone but with time they begin to feel comfortable in their war-time home. However, Carrie does a terrible thing to heal the rift between Mr. Evans and his estranged sister. The book is funny, sad and thought-provoking and provides young readers with an insight into some of the complexities and ambiguities of the adult world, suitable for year 7+ year kids.

25. Northern Lights: His Dark Materials

His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman is a modern fantasy classic series. The story is about Lyra and Will, Lyra is rushing to the cold, far north to save her best friend Roger, who is stolen away by cobblers, they are child snatcher who is headed by this woman who has golden hairs and golden monkey. On her journey she meets Will who’s from the normal world, she travels many different worlds. The incredible well-written series is a real treat for the imagination and has the perfect balance between the real and magical world. The book is suitable for the age range of 12 to 17 years old.

26. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the chocolate factory is a children’s classic by Roald Dahl, originally published in 1964. Our protagonist Charlie Bucket’s wonderful adventure begins when he wins Mr. Willy Wonka’s precious Golden Tickets and gets to spend the whole day inside the mysterious chocolate factory. Charlie and the other 4 children get the golden tickets to go to this magical chocolate factory but one by one all the other children misbehave and do naughty things because of which they get knocked out of the race to win this chocolate factory and by the end charlie and his grandpa Joe who has been very well behaved are told by Willy Wonka that charlie has won the possession of chocolate factory. The book is suitable for the age range of 8 – 12 years old.

27. The Incredible Journey

The Incredible Journey is a Vintage Children’s Classics by Sheila Burnford, published in 1960. The story is about three pets, a Siamese cat, Tao; a young Labrador retriever, Luath; and an old English bull terrier, Bodger. The three pets set through the Canadian wilderness to find their way home. On their adventure, they faced starvation, exposure, and wild forest animals just to make their way home to the family they love. But can they find their way home? It is one of the greatest stories of all time. The book shows that friendship and determination pay off. The book is suitable for 8-12 year old.

28. Peter Pan

Peter Pan, a beautiful hardback Ladybird Classic edition by Sir J. M. Barrie is the perfect classic Neverland story for younger readers. This version of the ever-popular peter pan story has been retold and sensitively abridged to make it suitable for young children 5+. The detailed illustration makes it easy to follow while adding much interest to it. This book is great for reluctant readers and to instill the love of reading in your child.

29. Horrid Henry 

Horrid henry is a series of children’s books by best-selling author Francesca Simon and illustrated by Tony Ross. The first book was written and published in 1994. The story revolves around a naughty, self-centred boy Henry who often got himself into problematic situations and retaliates in unusual ways using trickery, rule-breaking, and practical jokes. The series has sold more than 21 million copies worldwide and is suitable for 5 to 7-year-old kids.

30. Treasure Island

Treasure Island is a classic book, based on pirates and treasure hunt by Robert Louis Stevenson, published in 1883. It is the oldest pirate adventure book and its appeal hasn’t lessened over the centuries. The story revolves around a boy named Jim Hawkins, who has a treasure map. Jim goes to an island to find the treasure and meets many memorable characters along the way. The story is very well written and is full of mysteries, thrill and excitements and is suitable for young readers.

31. School!: Adventures at the Harvey N. Trouble Elementary School

School!: Adventures at the Harvey N. Trouble Elementary School is a humorous children’s book filled with puns and school stories by Kate Mcmullan, published in July 2010. The story revolves around Ron Faster as he learns about some important life lessons during his adventures in a most unusual school. The book is suitable for 6 – 10 years old.

32. I Was a Rat!: Or, the Scarlet Slippers

I Was a Rat!: Or, the Scarlet Slipper is an intriguing and exciting tale by Philip Pullman, published in April 1999. The story is about a boy who turns up at the door of a childless couple named Bob and Joan. He is not able to say much to them except ‘I was a rat’, the kindly couple adopts him. Our hero has realistic difficulties in understanding the differences between rat and human behaviour. The book is very well written and filled with fascinating characters that will grip your child’s attention. This book is suitable for 8-11 years old children.

33. A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is a classic story by Charles Dickens, published in December 1843. This book has been adapted multiple times over the years and has been loved by people over the centuries. It is not a typical Christmas book but is a haunting story that has some very touching parts as well. The story revolves around Ebenezer Scrooge, an isolated mean man who doesn’t like anybody and has no friends. Things get interesting on Christmas eve when he is haunted by his former business partner Jacob Marley who warning Scrooge to change his ways before it’s too late. The book is suitable for kids over age 9.

34. Miss Rumphius

Miss Rumphius is a beloved classic written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney, published in November 1982. The story is about Alice Rumphius who live in a house by the sea and longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. The beautiful story teaches children that there are so many options in life, it tells the importance of home and the wonder of travel. The book is suitable for 5 to 8 years old children.

35. The Butterfly Lion

The Butterfly Lion is a lyrical and moving tale by Michael Morpurgo, published in 1996. The story is about a young boy Bertie and his lifelong friendship with a white lion. Bertie is a lonely child before he met the lion club, they are inseparable. The story takes a turn when Bertie is sent to boarding school far away in England and the lion is sold to a circus. but how will Bertie react? It’s a story of friendship, loyalty, bravery, loss and a boy, and bonding with an animal. The book is suitable for 9 to 11 years old.

36. The Elephant Scientist

The elephant scientist is an environmental biography for children by Caitlin O’Connell-Rodwell and Donna M. Jackson, published in 2011. This book tells us the discoveries of Caitlin O’Connel who dedicated her life to the study of elephants. This very interesting book has information on the discovery of elephants in the wild. There are several chapters to this book, and each new chapter brings new vocabulary and information that can be understood from previous knowledge. The book tells us that elephants are very smart animals, and they have a very orderly way of living their life. The book is suitable for 8 to 10 years old.

37. The Green Men of Gressingham  

The Green Men of Gressingham enjoyable story for young readers by Philip Ardagh, published in 2002. Tom is very excited to be going to train to become a knight. On his way, he is kidnapped by Green Men of Gressingham, some medieval outlaws who are protesting unfair taxes. This book is suitable for reluctant readers and kids over 7.

38. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The boy in the striped pyjamas is a historical dramatic novel by John Boyne, published in January 2006. The story revolves around a nine-year-old boy Bruno, who lives with his family. Bruno moves to Poland because of his dad’s job. Bruno meets a Jewish boy of the same age, Shmuel, who comes from the other side of the fence. Bruno doesn’t know that Shmuel is a prisoner of the concentration camp he can see from his bedroom. This touching yet haunting story deals with the holocaust in an unusual manner. The book is suitable for 11 – 14 years old.

39. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The Dead End is book number 15 from the popular children’s comic series; Diary of a Wimpy Kid written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney, the international bestselling author. The series is about a kid, named Greg, who fills his journal will all the misadventures that happen with his family and friend. The book is perfect for reluctant readers. However, if you are looking for something more intellectual or profound wisdom, you will be disappointed, it is more of a funny book. This book/series is suitable for kids over 9.

40. Watership Down

Watership Down is a classic adventure novel by Richard Adams, published in 1972. The story is about a group of rabbits in search of a home, when Fiver, a young rabbit has a premonition of great danger to the rabbit’s home. This stirring tale of perilous adventure, courage and survival follows a band of rabbits on their journey to find their new home. The book is very well written and is suitable for kids over 8.

41. Boy at the Back of the Class

Boy at the Back of the Class is an inspiring and sweet tale by Onjali Q. Raúf, published in July 2018. The book shows empathy, friendship, kindness, adventure and a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis. There used to be an empty chair at the back of the classroom, but now Ahmet, a new boy who is a refugee from Syria is sitting in it. This story shows the sensitivity, curiosity, ingenuity, bravery and innocent niceness, of one ordinary nine-year-old boy and his three classmates. The book is suitable for age 9 to 11-year-old kids.

42. Journey to the River Sea

Journey to the river sea is a beautiful children’s adventure story by Eva Ibbotson, Published in May 2001. Set in 1910, the story is about a thirteen-year-old orphan girl Maia and her colourful, joyous, adventurous journey. Maia has been sent to start a new life with her distant relatives in Manaus, hundreds of miles up the Amazon with her new governess, Miss Arabella Minton. The story is filled with mystery and memorable characters. The descriptions of the scenery are vivid, and the characters are lovely as well as thoroughly despicable. The book is a suitable read for kids over 10.

43. To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic, compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving novel by Harper Lee, published in 1960. The book highlights social issues such as racial inequality and became both an instant bestseller and a critical success and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1961. The book is written from the first-person point of view of a six years old Scout Finch who lives with her brother, Jem and father, Atticus. Atticus is a lawyer and is the most respected man in town. When Tom Robinson, a black man, is falsely accused of raping a white woman, the town’s judge appoints Atticus to defend him. The book is suitable for kids over 13.

44. The 1000 Year Old Boy

The 1000 Year Old Boy is a beautiful children’s story by Ross Welford, published in January 2018. This story is about a boy, named Alfie Monk who looks like an eleven-year-old but as the title suggests is a 1000-year-old. Alfie and his mother managed to live quietly for centuries, but after losing his mother and everything he loved, he is determined to bring an end to his endless existence which is only possible through the last surviving life pearl hidden by his mother hundreds of years ago. The astonishing book follows the theme of family, friendship, love, history, and time passing. It explores issues such as grief, bullying, isolation and responsibility. The characters in the book are well developed and believable. The book is suitable for 8 – 12 years old.

45. Grandpa’s great escape

Grandpa’s great escape is another delightful children’s book by best selling author David Williams, published in 2015. The story is about a twelve-year-old boy, Jack and his grandfather, a famous former pilot of the second world war. Problem is, as grandpa is gradually getting older, he is getting forgetful and believing that war is still happening. This engaging tale is filled with high octane adventure, comedy and heart. It portrays a beautiful relationship between a small boy and his beloved Grandpa. The book is suitable for kids over 7.

46. Ghost

Ghost is an outstanding book and the first part of the Run series by Jason Reynolds, published in August 2016. The story is about an eight-grader boy, Castle Cranshaw, who calls himself Ghost. Three years have passed since Ghost’s dad chased him and his mum with a gun, Ghost still feels the trauma. It’s the first time he learned how to run. Ghost has always though basketball is his game, and never thought of athletics as a sporting option until he challenges a sprinter to race and won himself a place on an elite running team. The story shows how your passion can overcome all the hardships and struggles and emphasizes friendship, hard work, determination and perseverance. The book is suitable for kids age 10 to 17 years old.

47. The Trials of Morrigan Crow

The Trials of Morrigan Crow is an adventurous and magical children’s series by Jessica Townsend, published in October 2017. The story is about a young girl Morrigan Crow who was born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born. Being a cursed child, she is blamed for every local misfortune but that’s not all the curse means she is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. The story takes a turn when a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. The enchanting fantasy novel is full of funny scenes, magic, mischief, and wonder. The book is suitable for ages 9 to 13 years old kid.

48. Gangsta Granny 

Gangsta Granny is a hilarious and moving novel written by David Walliams, published in October 2011. The story revolves around an eleven-year-old young boy Ben and his Granny. Every Friday his parents leave him at his Granny’s to go and watch ballroom dancing. Ben thinks his Granny is boring and hates those dull, smelly, cabbage-dominated evenings. The story takes a dramatic turn when he discovers his granny isn’t quite what she seems. The hilarious story is complemented with Tony Ross’s entertaining and funny illustrations. The book is suitable for kids 9 to 11 years old.

49. War Horse

War Horse is a Historical Fiction novel by Michael Morpurgo, published in 1982. The story is set in 1914, about a beautiful bay-red foal, Joey and his adventurous journey filled with a series of encounters with a wide range of people. Joey develops an inseparable bond with Albert, a thirteen-year-old at the family farm but soon Albert’s struggling dad sold him to the Army. This moving tale focus on the valuable role that animals played throughout the war. The book is suitable for kids over 7.

50. Diary Of An Awesome Friendly Kid

Diary Of An Awesome Friendly Kid is another book from the series Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, but this time unlike the rest of the thirteen books, this journal belongs to Rowley Jefferson, Greg’s best friend. Now it’s Rowley’s turn to give his side of the story and write about his experiences. He agrees to play the role of biographer for Greg along the way but ends up with a hilarious mess. The Wimpy Kid books always emphasize characters and gags rather than the plots. The character work in this book is wonderful and filled with serviceable gags. The book is suitable for kids over 8.

More resources

A comprehensive list of adjectives
Comprehensive list of adjectives for kids