Family is something that we expect to experience warmth, support, and love from, even when everyone else cannot fulfil that. Whether birth family, adopted family, or a chosen family made out of strangers or friends, everyone longs to have a place where they can feel like they belong.
So, this holiday, we are introducing stories about family, including tales of acceptance, loss, reconciliation, family expectations, and more. Whether you are looking to explore the magic of familial connections or seeking stories that reflect your own experiences, this list offers something for everyone.
At the same time, this will be a good way to build up your child’s reading confidence and language abilities, equipping them to excel in English. Aiming for an AL 1? Don’t forget to also check out our PSLE English Tuition classes at Future Academy!
Without further ado, let’s get cosy and take a pick from this list of heartwarming reads:
Bud, Not Buddy (Christopher Paul Curtis)
When things did not seem to be working out for him at his new foster home, ten-year-old Bud decides to set out to look for his father – except he has no idea who he was or where to find him. The only clue he has are the flyers his late mother left him, about Herman E. Calloway and his famous jazz band. With a suitcase and nothing else, Bud powers through with determination, facing homelessness, prejudice, and other obstacles.
Throughout his journey, Bud encounters kind-hearted individuals who offer him shelter, friendship, and valuable life lessons. This award-winning story explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of dreams through a poignant narrative that captures the essence of a young boy’s struggle for identity and a sense of belonging.
Journey (Patricia MacLachlan)
Journey did not understand why his mother left. Living with his grandparents and his sister, Cat, Journey spends his summer searching for clues through photo albums. Revisiting the lens of the photographer, Journey put together torn pictures, catching a glimpse of the past, and discovering about things he never knew about his family.
As much as the story is about the hurt, anger and loss of being abandoned, it is also one of healing, moving on, and treasuring the warmth of family. This emotional story offers a sense of hope and comfort with its timeless appeal.
The Haunting (Margaret Mahy)
Barney Palmer is seeing visions and hearing things and he suspects he is being haunted by his Great-Uncle who had recently passed away. Seeing how gravely the hauntings are affecting Barney, his sister Tabitha takes it upon herself to find out exactly what is happening. As they dig into the matter, a secret legacy of their mother’s family begins to unravel itself.
The Haunting is a spooky little read that is really not all about the supernatural and fantasy, but also about family, expectations, and conflict. Nothing is as it seems, and you have to read it to find out what really happens!
The Silver Sword (Ian Serraillier)
Amidst the war that is plaguing their land, Ruth, Edek and Bronia have lost their parents. They only have each other to rely on as they hide from the Nazis in their war-torn country. By chance, they meet Jan the orphan boy who shows them his treasured paperknife – a silver sword given to him by an escaped prisoner of war. It was then that Ruth, Edek and Bronia realise: their father was the one who gave Jan the sword. Together, the four children begin the risky journey in search of their parents.
A tale of courage and determination, The Silver Sword is based on true accounts of families who have been separated during the war. This powerful and moving story is bound to stay with you for a long time.
The Mudskipper (Ovidia Yu)
After her father’s sudden passing, ten-year-old Lizhi goes to Singapore to meet her father’s family. But Aunt Mona isn’t making any effort to be welcoming, and treats Lizhi nastily because she “doesn’t look Chinese”. Amidst the hostility and forgotten objects, Lizhi discovers an intricately carved mudskipper, and begins to learn more about her heritage while coming to terms with her grief of losing her father.
The Mudskipper is a story told with sincerity and sensitivity, touching upon difficult topics like racism and loss. Singaporean readers will also appreciate the local setting of the story, while viewing the world in the shoes of Lizhi.
Conclusion
Beyond their entertainment value, these stories offer important life lessons for young readers. By exploring family experiences that are different from one’s own, they foster empathy, expand perspectives, and cultivate acceptance. Furthermore, they can also improve one’s descriptive skills of characters’ emotions and expressions as they go through a wide spectrum of experiences like love, grief, acceptance, and reconciliation.
If you would like to explore more books for young readers, don’t miss out our previous reading suggestions:
7 Fantasy Stories Primary School Readers Will Love To Devour
7 Mind-Boggling Mystery Stories For Primary School Readers
Satiate Your Thirst For Adventure: Stories For Primary School Children
Happy reading, young adventurers, and may these tales continue to warm your heart and ignite your imagination!