Reading at HGS
Our aim is for all students to develop a life-long passion for reading and we have a culture where reading is enjoyed and celebrated.
Reading is a core skill which not only helps to improve spelling, increase vocabulary and written skills but also stimulates the imagination and challenges beliefs and perspectives. Reading for pleasure boosts brain and memory function, reduces stress, promotes relaxation and improves sleep; this is why reading regularly is so important.
All students have access to a vibrant and inspiring library, where fiction and non-fiction texts can be borrowed. Whether these texts are complementary to their wider curricular studies or are simply being read for pleasure, our library has something for every reader.
The library can be accessed by all students before and after school and during every morning break and lunch times. Students in Year 7 and 8 also experience one library lesson per fortnight, in which they are able to browse the library, listen to motivating author talks and book recommendations and participate in engaging reading activities.
To achieve excellence in reading, we actively promote reading through form time and via home learning. We celebrate our annual Harrogate Grammar School Reading Week and participate in many national activities and competitions.
Suggested Texts
Looking for books to read to support your reading in school. Click on the links below to access suggest texts:
Recommended Reading
To support students and parents, we regularly share reading recommendations, please click on the links below to access the recommended reads for this academic year.
Recommended Reads for May
Our theme this month is 'Star Wars - May the Fourth be with you!'
Are you a fan of the Star Wars films? Maybe you have never watched one of the films but would like to know more....why don't you dive into one of our recommended 'Star Wars' reads this month,
Remember to pop into the LRC and let Mrs Walker know which book you chose to read.
Key stage 3, 4 and 5
Star Wars - Heir to the Throne #1 New York Times Bestseller In this essential Star Wars Legends novel-the-first ever to take place after the events of the original trilogy, Grand Admiral Thrawn makes his debut on the galactic stage. Five years ago, the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and Emperor, and drove the remnants of the of Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting twins. Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of Jedi Knights. But thousands of light-years away, the last of the Emperor's warlords, Grand Admiral Thrawn, has taken command of the shattered Imperial fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the New Republic. |
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Star Wars - Bloodline Witness the birth of the resistance. When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory. Now a respected senator, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy from both within and without. Underworld kingpins, treacherous politicians, and Imperial loyalists are sowing chaos i the galaxy. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First Senator. It is their hope that this influential post will bring strong leadership to a divided galaxy. As the daughter of Darth Vader, Leia faces with distrust the prospect of any one person holding such a powerful position even when supporters suggest Leia herself for the job. |
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Star Wars Character Encyclopaedia The definitive guide to more than 275 heroes, villains, aliens, and droids of the Star Wars galaxy. The latest edition of this beloved title has been comprehensively updated to include new characters from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and both seasons of Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Want to learn more about the Knights of Ren? Curious as to where Padme Amidala is from? Wonder how tall Grogu is? TO learn the answers to these questions and more, look no further than Star Wars: Character Encyclopaedia Updated and Expanded Edition. Written by Star Wars experts, the book is full of fun facts and intriguing information that's guaranteed to enthral fans of all ages. With plenty of lesser-known details, even die-hard fans will learn new facts about iconic characters. |
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Star Wars - Padawan Obi-Wan sets out a mission alone, determined to prove himself. He encounters a a pack of feral, Force-wielding teens who seem to be the mysterious planet's only inhabitants. As he experiences wild freedom, Obi-Wan can't escape the nagging sense that something is wrong with the Force there. Growing attachments, startling revelations, and a looming threat to both the planet and his new friends bring Obi-Wan face-to-face with her worst fear: maybe he was never supposed to be a Jedi at all. |
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Jedi Battle Scars Cal Kestis leads the Matis crew on an adventure set between Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Cal Kestis has built a new life for himself with the crew of the Stinger Mantis. Together, Cal's crew has brought down bounty hunters, defeated Inquisitors, and even evaded Darth Vader himself. More important, Merrin, Cere, Greez, and faithful droid BD-1 are the closest thing Cal has had to a family since the fall of the Jedi Order. Even as the galaxy's future grows uncertain by the day, with each blow struck against the Empire the Mantis crew grows more daring. On what should be a routine mission, they meet a stormtrooper determined to chart her own course with the help of Cal and the crew. In exchange for help starting a new life, the Imperial deserter brings word of a powerful, potentially invaluable tool for their fight against the Empire. And even better, she can help them get to it. The only catch-pursuing it will bring them into the path of one of the Empire's most dangerous servants, the Inquisitor known as the Fifth Brother. Can the Imperial deserter truly be trusted? |
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The Force Awakens See the vehicles of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is unparalleled detail with this newest addition to the Star Wars Incredible Cross-Sections series. Twelve breath taking artworks bring the new craft to life, showing all of the weapons, engines, and technology, while engaging text explains each vehicle's backstory and key features. |
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Dark Disciple When the Jedi decide to target Count Dooku, Dath Tryanus himself, they turn to his ex-apprentice, Asajj Ventress, for help in getting close to the slippery Sith Lord. But when unexpected sparks fly between Ventress and Quinlan Vos, the unorthodox Jedi sent to work with her, the mission becomes a web of betrayal, alliances, secrets, and dark plotting that might just be the undoing of both Jedi and Sith - and everything in between! |
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