Primary level 5 min read

Recommended reading - Year 6

Foundational coming-of-age novels, rich fantasy, and memorable stories for Year 6 readers.

Curated by LiteCapsule Reading Vault

Table Block

Title Author Synopsis Rating
Fly a Rebel Flag, the Battle at Eureka
Robyn Annear A fictionalised account of the Eureka stockade battle. The diggers made a stand against license fees and police harassment. They took up arms, built a stockade and swore to defend themselves. When government troops stormed the Eureka stockade the... -
Secrets of Walden Rising First published 1997
Allan Baillie Walden, a town noted for its history of violence and murder, and a bandit's hidden treasure, reappears as the lake that covers it begins to dry up -
The Indian in the Cupboard First published 1980
Lynne Reid Banks The Indian in the Cupboard is the first of five gripping books about Omri and his plastic North American Indian - Little Bull - who comes alive when Omri puts him in a cupboard. For Omri, it is a dream come true when the plastic American Indian he...
★4.1Open Library (27)
Jeremy Jeremiah First published 1996
Antonia Barron This is a story about a friendship between two boys more than a century apart, it also gives vivid glimpses of life in a 19th century gold town. -
The Pinballs First published 1977
Betsy Byars Three lonely foster children learn to care about themselves and each other.
★4.8Open Library (4)
Space Games First published 2020
Mick Carter Like. Share. Comment. Subscribe. Embed. Upload. Check in. The commands of the modern online world relentlessly prompt participation and encourage collaboration, connecting people in ways not possible even five years ago. This connectedness no doubt... -
The Tripods trilogy First published 1967
John Christopher Fourteen-year-old Laurie and his family attempt to flee England when the Tripods descend from outer space and begin brainwashing everyone with their hypnotic Caps.
★4.4Open Library (12) ★3.0Google Books (2)
Dear Mr Henshaw/Strider
Beverley Cleary This sequel to Beverly Cleary's beloved Newbery Medal-winning classic, Dear Mr. Henshaw, stars Strider, a dog who loves to run. Can a stray dog change the life of a teenage boy? It looks as if Strider can. He's a dog that loves to run; because of... -
The Boggart First published 1993
Susan Cooper In a tumbledown castle in the Western Highlands of Scotland lives the Boggart. He is invisible -- an ancient mischievous spirit, solitary and sly, born of a magic as old as the rocks and the waves. He has lived in Castle Keep for centuries, playing...
★3.0Open Library (3) ★5.0Google Books (1)
The White Guinea Pig First published 1994
Ursula Dubosarsky There's a lot going on in eleven-year-old Geraldine's life. There's her older sister who always knows everything before she does. There's her parents, selling the family house because her father's lost all their money. There's her neighbour, who... -
The Last Week in December First published 1993
Ursula Dubosarsky An eleven-year-old Australian girl feels terribly guilty about something she did three years ago when her English relatives were visiting--and now they are returning! -
Flour Babies First published 1994
Anne Fine Flour Babies by Anne Fine, won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book Award in 1992. When the annual school science fair comes round, Mr Cartwright's class don't get to work on the Soap Factory, the Maggot Farm or the Exploding Custard...
★4.0Open Library (2) ★4.5Google Books (2)
The Tulip Touch First published 1997
Anne Fine Reissued for the Originals series of powerful teen fiction. Nobody wants Tulip in their gang. She skives off school, cheeks the teachers and makes herself unpopular with her classmates by telling awful lies. None of this matters to Natalie who finds...
★4.0Open Library (2) ★3.0Google Books (3)
Someone Like Me First published 1997
Elaine Forrestal Tas leads an ordinary life - until Enya and her mysterious Irish family move in next door. The violence Enya thought she had left behind catches up with her and changes Tas's life for ever.
★5.0Google Books (1)
Change the Locks First published 1991
Simon French Remembering can be risky. “I don’t know where we came from. Several times when it had seemed important to know, I had tried asking, but mum never really answered.” Eleven year old Steven is curious about his past. When he hears a stranger’s... -
Eleanor, Elizabeth First published 1985
Libby Gleeson A new edition of multi-award-winning author Libby Gleeson's powerful first novel, Eleanor, Elizabeth. This new editions features a new introduction by the author, and is illustrated with sensitive black and white line drawings by Beattie Alvarez. -
A Grave Catastrophe First published 2003
Nette Hilton Oliver, a German Shepherd, is accused of killing his neighbor, a cat, and must solve the murder before he is sent away to the kennel for good. -
The Belonging of Emmaline Harris
Nette Hilton Emmline felt as though she didn't belong. Her dad lives in another city with his new family and Mum is dating Doug Grenfell. -
Antonio S and the Mystery of Theodore Guzman First published 1997
Odo Hirsch Antonio, living in part of a very large house with his magician father and doctor mother, knows all sorts of unusual things but it is not until he meets his mysterious neighbor, Theodore Guzman, that he is introduced to the magical world of theatre.
★5.0Open Library (1) ★5.0Google Books (1)
The Mouse and his Child First published 1967
Russell Hoban Acclaimed as one of the classics of 20th century children's literature, The Mouse and His Child is a moving story about two clockwork mice thrown on a scrap heap who then have to begin a dangerous quest for a place to belong. It is adapted for the...
★3.0Open Library (1) ★4.0Google Books (1)
The Redwall series First published 1996
Brian Jacques Ever read a Redwall novel and wonder exactly what Abbot’s Special Abbey Trifle is? Or how to make Shrimp ’N Hotroot Soup, that delicacy of otters everywhere? Or Mole’s Favourite Turnip and Tater Deeper ’N Ever Pie? From the simple...
★5.0Open Library (3)
Brother Night First published 1991
Victor Kelleher Rabon and his monstrous brother Lal journey to the twin cities to discover their destiny at the hands of the Sun Lord and the Night Lord. -
All in the Blue Unclouded Weather First published 1991
Robin Klein All in the Blue Unclouded Weather begins the story of the Melling sisters, four girls growing up in an Australian country town in the post war years. Vivienne is the youngest, always the last to wear the hand-me-down clothes - after Grace and... -
Dresses of Red and Gold First published 1992
Robin Klein The Melling sisters and their mother are preparing for a wedding. Cathy is to be bridesmaid and her dress is a thing of awe and beauty, but not in Cathy’s eyes - she hates the idea of being a bridesmaid. Vivienne would love to wear it, and perhaps... -
The Listmaker First published 1997
Robin Klein Twelve-year-old Sarah makes lists. It helps her remain in control when her life is on hold. But what sort of life does she want when the choice is between eccentric elderly aunts and her sophisticated glamorous stepmother? A wonderful portrayal of... -
Quicksand Pony First published 1998
Alison Lester 'Biddy, I'm sorry, we're going to have to leave her.' 'What?' Biddy struggled out of the quicksand. 'You can't leave her! The tide's coming in. She'll drown!' But the pony is trapped and Biddy is forced to go on without her. Next day the only signs... -
A Wrinkle in Time First published 1962
Madeliene L'Engle A Wrinkle in Time is a science fiction fantasy novel by American writer Madeleine L'Engle, first published in 1962. It is about Meg And Charles Walence. Their father, who was working on a interesting project called a tesseract, goes missing! Then...
★3.9Open Library (174)
Number the Stars First published 1901
Lois Lowry "In 1943 Copenhagen, the Germans begin their campaign to "relocate" the Jews of Denmark. So Annemarie Johansen's parents take in her best friend Ellen Rosen and pretend that she is a part of their family."--Provided by publisher.
★4.1Open Library (107)
Ella Enchanted First published 1997
Gail Carson Levine In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her.
★3.8Open Library (38)
The Book of Wizards First published 2001
Ruth Manning-Sanders The Wizard imparts his secret wisdom on everything a wizard needs, including how to create essential wizard gear, room decorations, magical concoctions, and spells for good luck.
★5.0Open Library (1)
The Lake at the End of the World First published 1988
Caroline MacDonald The year is 2025. When Hector ventures out from the underground community that has been isolated for over half a century, he doesn't know what awaits him. He certainly doesn't expect to find any survivors above ground. But then he meets Diana... -
Back Home First published 1984
Michelle Magorian Sent to America from England at age seven to escape war-torn England, Rusty returns five years later to go to a strict English boarding school and renew her relationship with her family, who now seem like strangers to her.
★2.0Open Library (2)
Earthfasts First published 1966
William Mayne A fantasy about an eighteenth century drummer boy who disapears underground, playing his drum and then emerges two centuries later, unaware that time has passed.
★5.0Open Library (1)
Brocky's Bananagram
David Metzenthen A note travelling on a banana is about as well directed as a message in a bottle. I mean, an autographed piece of fruit could end up in anyone's house anywhere in Australia. And this travelling banana would have Matt Brock's name on it, Matt Brock's... -
Gilbert's Ghost Train First published 1998
David Metzenthen Tom's life is full of trouble; at home and at school. His major love is windsurfing, where he is an expert, and his deep friendship with the old fisherman, Gumby, whose livelihood is threatened by the bigger, faster boats. When Gerry enters his life... -
My Place First published 1987
Sally Morgan Sally Morgan traces her life growing up in suburban Perth in the 1950s and 1960s. Through her memories, hidden knowledge about her Aboriginal past is uncovered, and three generations of her family are gradually drawn into a search for truth. -
Five Children and It First published 1905
Edith Nestbit When four brothers and sisters discover a Psammead, or sand-fairy, in the gravel pit near the country house where they are staying, they have no way of knowing all the adventures its wish-granting will bring them.
★4.0Open Library (7)
A Dream of Seas First published 1978
Lilith Norman First published in hardback in 1978, this story for young teenagers was a Hans Christian Andersen Honour Book in 1980. It tells of a young boy who dreams of seals, and is drawn to the sea after his father is swept away by floodwaters. The author's... -
The Borrowers First published 1952
Mary Norton Miniature people live in an old country house and provide for themselves by "borrowing" things from the humans until they are forced to emigrate from their home under the clock.
★3.9Open Library (10)
Deepwater First published 1989
Judith O'Neill Story deals with rural Victoria at the beginning of the of the first World War, a time urban prejudices and good neighbourliness co-existed. -
So Far from Skye First published 1992
Judith O'Neill A story based on the real voyage of The Georgiana, by an author whose own ancestors were among the crofters who had to emigrate from Skye to Australia. The author also wrote The Message, Deepwater and Jess and the River Kids. -
Lyddie First published 1991
Katherine Paterson Impoverished Vermont farm girl Lyddie Worthen is determined to gain her independence by becoming a factory worker in Lowell, Massachusetts, in the 1840s.
★4.3Open Library (3)
Bridge to Terabithia First published 1972
Katherine Paterson The 40th anniversary edition of the classic Newbery Medal-winning title by beloved author Katherine Paterson, with brand-new bonus materials including an author's note by Katherine herself and a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Kate...
★4.1Open Library (59) ★4.0Google Books (9)
Hatchet series First published 1986
Gary Paulsen A bag with ten copies of the title that may also include miscellaneous notes, discussion questions, biographical information, and reading lists to assist book group discussion leaders.
★4.2Open Library (156)
Tom's Midnight Garden First published 1958
Philippa Pearce When Tom is sent to his aunt's house for the summer he resigns himself to weeks of boredom. Lying awake one night he listens to the grandfather clock in the hall strike every hour. Eleven . . . Twelve . . . Thirteen. Thirteen! Tom rushes down the...
★4.3Open Library (11)
Good Luck to The Rider First published 1968
Joan Phipson A twelve-year-old girl, youngest of four children, adopts an orphaned, unlikely foal named Rosinante just before she leaves for her first year of boarding school, and, with the vision of her own horse to inspire her, beings to gain assurance and maturity.
★5.0Open Library (1)
The Alanna series First published 2017
Tamora Pierce Now a knight errant, Alanna goes on a quest for a legendary jewel in this fourth and final book in Tamora Pierce’s Margaret A. Edwards Award–winning young adult series. Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna...
★5.0Open Library (1) ★4.5Google Books (4)
The Wild Magic series First published 2000
Tamora Pierce This first volume of the Immortals Quartet tells the adventures of Daine, a young girl on the edge of discovering her own magic-- and her powerful and strange connection to the animal world.
★5.0Open Library (2)
Empty Frame First published 1997
Ann Pilling A ghost-story from award-winning novelist, Ann Pilling. Sam, Floss and Magnus spend their holidays with cousin Maude at the Abbey. On their first night, Magnus hears a woman crying. Investigating, he discovers the 16th-century portrait of Lady Alice... -
The Great Escape From the City Zoo First published 1998
Toby Riddle When an anteater, an elephant, a turtle, and a flamingo go over the wall at City Zoo, the adventure begins Hot on their heels come the Zookeepers, but for this band of escapees the quest for a new life -- a better life -- knows no bounds. Told with... -
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone First published 2000
J.K Rowling A winner of England's National Book Award, the acclaimed debut novel tells the outrageously funny, fantastic adventure story of Harry Potter, who escapes a hideous foster home thanks to a scholarship to The Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and...
★4.0Open Library (1) ★4.0Google Books (12)
Billy Mack's War First published 2004
James Roy Sequel to Captain Mack (ISBN 070223107X). Danny returns the Victoria Cross to the cold and formal William Mack, but Danny discovers that Williams was once a Billy and his story is just as heroic as his father's - Captain Mack. James Roy gives an... -
Great Deeds of Heroic Women First published 1990
Maurice Saxby Stories for young and old with dramatic illustrations about 25 women from the history and legends of Greece, China, Israel, Arabia, Britain, Europe and the Amerindians. The heroines, rulers, holy women, courageous survivors, enchantresses and... -
Great Deeds of Superheroes First published 1989
Maurice Saxby Valete 1989 Mark Hutcheson. -
Shatterbelt First published 1987
Colin Thiele Troubled by increasingly frequent but puzzling, mind pictures, thirteen-year-old Tracy becomes convinced that they are warning her of impending disaster. But what kind ... and when? -
20000 Leagues Under the Sea First published 1998
Jules Verne Twenty Thousand (20,000) Leagues Under the Sea (French: Vingt mille lieues sous les mers) is a classic science fiction novel by French writer Jules Verne published in 1870. It tells the story of Captain Nemo and his submarine Nautilus as seen from...
★4.3Open Library (3)
The Homecoming series First published 1965
Cynthia Voigt "IT'S STILL TRUE." That's the first thing James Tillerman says to his sister Dicey every morning. It's still true that their mother has abandoned the four Tillerman children somewhere in the middle of Connecticut. It's still true they have to find...
★2.0Open Library (2) ★2.5Google Books (4)
Five Times Dizzy First published 1993
Nadia Wheatley 30th anniversary edition of an award-winning Aussie classic. The popular and award-winning stories FIVE TIMES DIZZY and DANCING IN THE ANZAC DELI are now combined in one book! Together they tell the tale of Mareka and the Wilson kids, who live in an... -
Lucy in the Leap Year First published 1993
Nadia Wheatley Reissue of a novel for young readers. Lucy's mother died when she was very young and she and her dad have managed quite well until this leap year when their world changes dramatically. Things happen to make Lucy grow up in leaps and bounds. She... -
Alexander the Great: Reckless Conqueror
Carole Wilkinson Alexander Romance - Babylon - Bucephalas - Gordian knot - Infantry - Macedonian army - Sparta - Trojan War - Memnon. -

Explore more reading lists

Curated book recommendations and classics across Years 3 to 10.