<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-82504" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/23955963_s.jpg" alt="boys reading " width="533" height="652" /> 
In the US, a 2016 <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reading-minds/201803/what-is-it-boys-and-reading">survey</a> of over 2,000 children (aged six to 17) showed that only 52% of boys (versus 72% of girls) said they liked reading books during the summer holidays, while 45% of boys (versus 36% of girls) said they had trouble finding books they liked. In general, boys have also scored lower than girls on national reading tests, with the gender gap widening as children get older.
Two <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/oct/22/the-truth-about-boys-and-books-they-read-less-and-skip-pages?CMP=aff_1432&amp;utm_content=The+Independent&amp;awc=5795_1578736951_661a527c9cc84017bee5e1ea2541c2dd">large-scale studies</a> conducted in the UK several years ago also revealed that boys of every age are less careful readers than girls, i.e. they take less time to process what they’re reading, tend to skip over parts, and prefer books that are easy for them.
Here in Singapore, a <a href="https://repository.nie.edu.sg/bitstream/10497/20182/1/OER-5-16-LohCE.pdf">2017 survey</a> of about 6,000 secondary school students showed that 59.2% of boys enjoyed reading, compared to 77.7% of girls. Local boys were said to read more for functional reasons, whereas girls tended to read for pleasure. However, both genders reported enjoying adventure, horror, science fiction, and fantasy books, as well as biographies and travel books.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82531" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/82346172_s.jpg" alt="" width="808" height="593" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/82346172_s.jpg 808w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/82346172_s-800x587.jpg 800w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/82346172_s-320x235.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px" />
If your son is in primary school and hasn’t caught the reading bug, what can you do? A KSP member with a Primary 3 boy shares her tips:
Start slow. Don’t be pressured to keep up with what other kids are reading, or feel that you need to steer your child towards “proper” or “better” books. My own daughter was reading Harry Potter by age seven, while my son entered Primary 1 still having trouble sounding out and deciphering words. 
For my son, I focused on reading picture books with him in his Primary 1 year, and we gradually moved on to Scholastic’s beginner readers, which were useful for helping him to transition to chapter books. 
Find creative ways to hone reading skills. Beyond books, you can create opportunities in daily life for your child to read. For instance, you could get your child to check your text messages for you, or to read your e-mails. 
When my son watches Netflix or YouTube, I’ll get him to turn on the captions — it’s only natural to read along, and it’s particularly useful when there’s a word that he hasn’t encountered before, so he can see and hear it at the same time.  
Buy more than one version of a book. Beginning readers find many books intimidating, usually because a book appears too thick or wordy. In our home, we have the full-colour illustrated versions of well-loved books such as Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, which are much more enticing than the regular texts. 
For my son, I’ve taken the additional step of borrowing or purchasing audiobooks for some of the stories in our collection, so he can listen and read at the same time, or simply listen to the story at bedtime. It’s helped to ease his resistance to more challenging books, and to raise his reading level.
<h2>What Primary 1 &amp; 2 Boys Are Reading</h2>
<blockquote>
“In my son’s Primary 2 year, I asked other parents what their sons were reading. A handful of his classmates were reading more advanced stories such as Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia. Some boys were reading classic stories such as Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven series, or books by Roald Dahl. Below are more series books recommendations, based on what my son and his classmates enjoyed in Primary 1 and 2.”
</blockquote>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82546 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/boys-books.jpg" alt="boys books" width="556" height="537" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/boys-books.jpg 556w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/boys-books-320x309.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px" />
<h4>Fly Guy (Series)</h4>
Author: Tedd Arnold
Synopsis: A boy catches a fly, and he is amazed when the fly calls him by his name — Buzz. Buzz’s parents think the fly is a pest, not a pet. However, the fly soon proves how smart he is with some quick flying, and earns the name Fly Guy. The adventures of Fly Guy and Buzz are filled with puns, slapstick humor, and goofy illustrations; all guaranteed to keep beginning readers laughing and reading. (<a href="https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/series-and-characters/fly-guy.html">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 4+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A.  
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=fly%20guy">available</a>.
<h4>Scholastic Branches (Series Books For Growing Readers)</h4>
Author: Various
Synopsis: Scholastic’s Branches line of early chapter books is designed for those ready to read independently, and helps them transition from leveled readers (e.g. Ladybird’s <a href="https://www.ladybirdeducation.co.uk/book-characters/peter-and-jane/">Peter and Jane</a> series) to chapter books. With different series options, each featuring riveting stories, fun characters, and engaging art, there is a Branches book for every reader. (<a href="https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/books/branches/">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 5+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A.  
Find It At The Library: E-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=scholastic%20branches">available</a>.
<h4>Dog Man (Series)</h4>
Author: Dav Pilkey
Synopsis: From the creator of Captain Underpants comes Dog Man, the crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, and all hero! With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this hybrid hound has animal instincts and a nose for justice. Although parents might frown upon the toilet humour and deliberate misspellings, kids find the books endearing and compelling — don’t be surprised to find your reluctant reader clamouring for more. (<a href="https://pilkey.com/series/dog-man">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 6+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: Mild <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/dog-man-dog-man-book-1">warnings</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=dog+man+dav+pilkey&amp;cont=book">available</a>.
<h4>Geronimo Stilton (Series)</h4>
Author: Elisabetta Dami
Synopsis: Imported from Italy, this series about a globetrotting mouse journalist is great for kids who love funny adventures, along with a good dose of cheesy puns. Geronimo Stilton is the editor of The Rodent&#8217;s Gazette, the newspaper of New Mouse City, capital of Mouse Island. He embarks on various adventures with his wacky family, each of which is detailed using illustrations and fun fonts. The graphics may be distracting for intermediate readers, but they are good for enticing beginning readers to pick up a chapter book. (<a href="https://geronimostilton.com/">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 7+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A. 
Find It At The Library: Print, e-book, and audiobook editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?TitleQuery=geronimo%20stilton">available</a>.
<h4>The Magic School Bus (Series)</h4>
Author: Various
Synopsis: The Magic School Bus is a series of children&#8217;s books about science, featuring the adventures of Ms. Valerie Frizzle and her class, who have access to a school bus that takes them on field trips to impossible locations, including the solar system, clouds, and the human body. (<a href="https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/books/the-magic-school-bus/">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 7+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: Mild <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-magic-school-bus-series">warnings</a>.  
Find It At The Library: Print editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?TitleQuery=magic%20school%20bus">available</a>.
<h4>The World’s Worst Children (Series)</h4>
Author: David Walliams
Synopsis: From Dribbling Drew, a boy whose drool gets him into terrible trouble, to Sofia Sofa, a couch potato so stuck to the sofa that she’s turning into one, the uproariously funny cast of characters in The World’s Worst Children will delight young readers. (<a href="https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/book/the-worlds-worst-children/">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 8+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A. 
Find It At The Library: Print editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=&amp;titlequery=world%27s+worst+children&amp;creatorquery=&amp;publisherquery=&amp;subjectquery=&amp;cont=book&amp;mode=advanced">available</a>.
<h4>The Treehouse Series</h4>
Author: Andy Griffiths
Synopsis: Andy and Terry live in a treehouse that would delight any child — their treehouse has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a secret underground laboratory, a marshmallow machine, and so much more! (<a href="https://us.macmillan.com/series/thetreehousebooks/">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 8+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: Mild<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-13-story-treehouse-the-treehouse-books-book-1"> warnings</a>.  
Find It At The Library: E-book editions<a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=&amp;titlequery=treehouse+series&amp;creatorquery=andy+griffiths&amp;publisherquery=&amp;subjectquery=&amp;cont=book&amp;mode=advanced"> available</a>.
<h4>Diary Of A Wimpy Kid (Series)</h4>
Author: Jeff Kinney
Synopsis: It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through the words and drawings in Greg’s diary. (<a href="https://wimpykid.com/">Website</a>)
Recommended Age: 9+ 
Commonsense Media Rating: Mild <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid">warnings</a>.  
Find It At The Library: Print, e-book, and audiobook editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?TitleQuery=diary%20of%20a%20wimpy%20kid">available</a>.

How To Help Boys To Love Reading: Booklist Included!

<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-81305 size-full" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/39848579_s.jpg" alt="advanced readers" width="848" height="565" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/39848579_s.jpg 848w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/39848579_s-320x213.jpg 320w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/39848579_s-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px" />
Are your book-loving children progressing beyond the reading level of their peers? Use our <a href="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/article/school-holiday-reading-10-links-great-book-recommendations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">guide</a> to learn about the best places to discover fresh reads for your children. There are also numerous social media groups that you can join to trade or seek book recommendations — an example is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/590748131429276/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gifted Children &#8211; Advanced Readers</a> group on Facebook. 
Below, a mother of two advanced readers shares some of the books that her older son, now 11, has enjoyed. In an earlier post, she has also recommended <a href="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/article/10-kid-approved-series-titles-for-advanced-readers-lower-primary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">series books</a> that have worked for her younger son, age eight. 
Be sure to bookmark her lists if you’ve been having trouble finding age-appropriate books for advanced readers!
<h2>Fiction Titles</h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-81421 size-full" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/b1-3.jpg" alt="advanced readers" width="681" height="247" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/b1-3.jpg 681w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/b1-3-320x116.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" />
<h4>Science Chronicles (Singapore Series)</h4>
Publisher: Institute of High Performance Computing
Background: The Science Chronicles competition, organised by <a href="https://www.a-star.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A*STAR</a> over several years, is a science-fiction writing competition for local upper secondary school and junior college students. The Science Chronicles books are compilations of the winning stories from these competitions. 
Recommended Age: 11+
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A. 
Additional Info: Read about the Science Chronicles <a href="https://www.a-star.edu.sg/ihpc/Youth-Science/Science-Chronicles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">competition</a>.
Find It At The Library: Print editions<a href="https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?optionsDrop=Full+Catalogue&amp;ENTRY=science+chronicles&amp;ENTRY_NAME=BS&amp;ENTRY_TYPE=K&amp;SORTS=SQL_REL_BIB&amp;GQ=science+chronicles&amp;ISGLB=0&amp;NRECS=20&amp;QRY=&amp;QRYTEXT=&amp;FORCESORT=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> available</a>.
Genius (Series) 
Author: Leopoldo Gout
Synopsis: This series from filmmaker Leopoldo Gout follows the lives of three bright teenagers who are also best friends: Rex, one of the best coders in the world; Tunde, a self-taught engineering whiz; and Painted Wolf, one of China’s most respected activist bloggers. The three teens get caught up in a competition known as Zero Hour, where 200 of the best minds pit their skills against one another. 
Recommended Age: 12+
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A. 
Additional Info: View series <a href="https://www.geniustheseries.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=leopoldo+gout&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>The Maze Runner (Series)</h4>
Author: James Dashner
Awards: View <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dashner#Awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>.
Synopsis: When Thomas wakes up in a lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers — boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out, and no one’s ever made it through alive. Then, a girl arrives. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.
Recommended Age: 12+
Commonsense Media Rating: Mild-to-moderate <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-maze-runner-maze-runner-trilogy-book-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warnings</a>. 
Additional Info: View series <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maze_Runner_(series)" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print, e-book, and audiobook editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=maze+runner&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>Zodiac (Series)</h4>
Author: Romina Russell
Synopsis: A sci-fi-meets-high-fantasy series, set in a galaxy inspired by the astrological signs. The protagonist of the story is Rhoma Grace, a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates are using measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rhoma looks up at the night sky and makes up stories. When a violent blast strikes her world and kills thousands of citizens, Rhoma is named House Cancer’s new leader. As a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, she accepts the responsibility and embarks on her new journey.
Recommended Age: 12+
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A. 
Additional Info: View series <a href="http://zodiacbooks.com/books.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=romina+russell&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>Alex Rider (Series)</h4>
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Synopsis: They said his uncle Ian died in a car accident. But Alex Rider knows that’s a lie, and the bullet holes in the windshield prove it. Yet he never suspected the truth: his uncle was really a spy for Britain’s top secret intelligence agency. And now, Alex has been recruited to find his uncle’s killers&#8230;
Recommended Age: 11+
Commonsense Media Rating: Moderate <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/stormbreaker-alex-rider-adventures-book-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warnings</a>.
Additional Info: View series <a href="https://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/books/list/series/alex-rider" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print, e-book, and audiobook editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=anthony+horowitz+alex+rider&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
The Hunger Games (Series)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Awards: View <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games_(novel)#Critical_reception" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>.
Synopsis: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister&#8217;s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before — for her, survival is second nature. 
Recommended Age: 12+
Commonsense Media Rating: Mild-to-moderate <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-hunger-games-book-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warnings</a>. 
Additional Info: View series <a href="https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/the-hunger-games/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print, e-book, and audiobook editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=hunger+games+suzanne+collins&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>The Belgariad (Series)</h4>
Author: David Eddings
Awards: View <a href="http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/eaw.cgi?1046" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>.
Synopsis: It all begins with the theft of the Orb that for so long protected the West from an evil god. According to an age-old prophecy, as long as the Orb was at Riva, its people would be safe from evil. 
Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical about all things to do with magic. Until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. 
Recommended Age: 12+
Commonsense Media Rating: N.A. 
Additional Info: View series <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/40739-the-belgariad" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=david+eddings&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>Ranger’s Apprentice (Series)</h4>
Author: John Flanagan
Awards: View <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranger%27s_Apprentice#Awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>.
Synopsis: They have always scared him in the past — the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. And now 15-year-old Will, small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger&#8217;s apprentice. What he doesn&#8217;t yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. And, as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom, and he will not be denied&#8230;
Recommended Age: 10+
Commonsense Media Rating: Moderate <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-tournament-at-gorlan-rangers-apprentice-the-early-years-book-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">warnings</a>.
Additional Info: View series <a href="http://www.worldofjohnflanagan.com/rangers-apprentice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>. 
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=john+flanagan&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<hr />
<h2>Non-Fiction Titles</h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-81423" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/b2-2.jpg" alt="advanced readers" width="692" height="261" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/b2-2.jpg 692w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/b2-2-320x121.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 692px) 100vw, 692px" />
<h4>What Einstein Told His Cook</h4>
Author: Robert L. Wolke
Synopsis: Curious about the science of foods? What Einstein Told His Cook will answer all your questions in everyday, jargon-free language. Chemistry professor and Washington Post food columnist Robert L. Wolke debunks misconceptions, helps you make sense of food labels, and teaches you not to be deceived by false advertising. 
Recommended Age: 12+
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=what+einstein+told+his+cook&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
Liquid Rules
Author: Mark Miodownik
Synopsis: We all know that without water we couldn’t survive, but do we really understand how much we rely on liquids, or the destructive power they hold? Set over the course of a flight from London to San Francisco, Liquid Rules offers readers a fascinating tour of liquids, told through the language of molecules, droplets, heartbeats, and ocean waves. 
Recommended Age: 12+
Find It At The Library: Print editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=mark+miodownik&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>Is That A Fact</h4>
Author: Joe Schwarcz
Synopsis: In Is That a Fact?, science writer Joe Schwarcz navigates through the storm of misinformation to separate fact from folly: Are GMOs really harmful? Is BPA dangerous or just a victim of media hype? Is organic better? Schwarcz questions the credibility and motives of “experts” in this easy-to-understand yet critical look at what’s fact, and what’s plain nonsense. 
Recommended Age: 12+
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=joe+schwarcz&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>For The Love Of Physics</h4>
Author: Walter Lewin
Synopsis: For more than 30 years as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Walter Lewin honed his singular craft of making physics not only accessible but truly fun, by putting his head in the path of a wrecking ball, supercharging himself with 300,000 volts of electricity, and demonstrating why the sky is blue and why clouds are white. Now, Lewin takes readers on a marvelous journey in For the Love of Physics, opening our eyes to the ways in which physics can reveal the hidden workings of the world all around us.  
Recommended Age: 12+
Find It At The Library: Print, e-book, and audiobook editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=for+the+love+of+physics&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
<h4>Storm In A Teacup</h4>
Author: Helen Czerski
Synopsis: In Storm in a Teacup, Helen Czerski links the little things that we see every day with the big world we live in. Each chapter begins with something small — popcorn, coffee stains, or refrigerator magnets — and uses it to explain some of the most important science and technology of our time.   
Recommended Age: 12+
Find It At The Library: Print and e-book editions <a href="http://search.nlb.gov.sg/Search?query=helen+czerski&amp;cont=book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">available</a>.
&nbsp;

Best Books For Advanced Readers (Age 11 To 12)

A Primary 6 Reading List, Shared By An MGS Mum

No matter what season of life we’re in, there’s always time to enjoy a book.
Local mum, avid reader, and former magazine sub-editor Eileen Sim would agree; she has written over 2,000 book <a href="https://www.instagram.com/picturethisbook/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reviews </a>on Instagram in the last four years, and it’s no surprise that she’s raised her children to be “hungry book caterpillars” too.
Below, she talks about the titles that have captured her attention in the last two months.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43754" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u135195/Screen-Shot-2017-08-18-at-6.42.58-PM.png" alt="Read Together" width="920" height="595" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u135195/Screen-Shot-2017-08-18-at-6.42.58-PM.png 920w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u135195/Screen-Shot-2017-08-18-at-6.42.58-PM-640x414.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px" />
Favourite picture book? “Grace Hopper: Queen Of Computer Code” by Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu. I&#8217;m trying to get the kids to read more nonfiction and picture books are a great way to engage them. This was an inspiring read and we also learned how the term “computer bug” came about!
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43599" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/2_SaveMeASeat.png" alt="2_SaveMeASeat" width="1123" height="664" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/2_SaveMeASeat.png 1123w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/2_SaveMeASeat-640x378.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 1123px) 100vw, 1123px" /> Favourite read for middle graders (8–12 yrs)? “Save Me A Seat” by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan. My son was recently the target of some bullies in class so this was a timely read for both of us, as it deals with the subjects of friendship and standing up for yourself and others.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43756" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u135195/Screen-Shot-2017-08-18-at-6.45.20-PM.png" alt="Read Together" width="920" height="594" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u135195/Screen-Shot-2017-08-18-at-6.45.20-PM.png 920w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u135195/Screen-Shot-2017-08-18-at-6.45.20-PM-640x413.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px" />
Favourite read for young adults (12–18 yrs)? A recent favourite is “The Perks Of Being A Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. I like that the entire book is written in the form of anonymous letters, and that the author managed to capture a lot of the angst that everyone experiences while growing up and discovering their own identities.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43600" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/4_BrittMarie.png" alt="4_BrittMarie" width="931" height="598" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/4_BrittMarie.png 931w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/4_BrittMarie-640x411.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 931px) 100vw, 931px" />Favourite mom read? “Britt-Marie Was Here” by Fredrik Backman. I love Fredrik Backman&#8217;s writing and am slowly working my way through all his books. I like how his characters are all regular folks getting through life in their own ways, and the insightful nuggets of wisdom that he weaves into the stories.
Do share your noteworthy reads with us too, and tell us why they’ve moved you.