Brookes Moscow Bookshelf: Summer edition

Curated by our School Librarian Miss Tatiana
Summer is the perfect time to read for pleasure — slowly, freely, and just for joy. A good book can spark imagination, build empathy, and help children grow both emotionally and academically.
We’ve put together a selection of trusted, well-loved authors, divided into age groups. Whether your child is just starting out with picture books or exploring more complex themes as a teen, there’s something to inspire every reader.
Early Years (age 2 up)
- Eric Carle — Vibrant Illustrations. Simple yet rich storytelling. Fun and engaging.
- Patricia Polacco — Deeply moving stories. Rich vocabulary and emotional depth. Beautifully illustrated. Perfect for thoughtful summer reading.
- Julia Donaldson — Rhythm and Rhyme. Gentle Humor. Positive Messages. Payful storytelling. Memorable characters. Perfect for the fans of «The Gruffalo».
- Dr. Seuss — Engaging rhymes. Imaginative characters. Playful illustrations. Perfect for encouraging a love of reading.
Lower School (age 8 up)
- Michael Morpurgo — Magical Storytelling, Themes of Courage, survival, and power of nature. Important themes that resonate with young readers. Accessible and thought-provoking.
- Jeff Kinney — Relatable Content. Humorous Storytelling. Accessible Format. Universal Themes. Perfect for the reluctant readers.
- Terry Deary — Humor and grossness. Focus on the Unusual. Engaging Narrative. Visual Appeal. Perfect for learning history in a fun and engaging way.
- Dav Pilkey — Positive Messages. Action and Adventure. The books are filled with silly jokes, slapstick humor, and unexpected plot twists, keeping kids entertained and engaged. Perfect for the reluctant readers.
Upper School (12 up)
- Chris Ryan — high-energy, fast-paced action, relatable teenage characters, authentic and believable settings, positive messages. Perfect for the fans of the adventure stories.
- Jerry Spinelli — humorous and insightful, realistic portrayals of school, friendship, and family dynamics. Perfect read for the teenage as the books delve into the challenges and joys of this period of life.
- Malorie Blackman — Relatable Characters that experience the same anxieties, joys, and challenges that young readers face. Captivating worlds, whether in the realm of science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary settings. Perfect for exploring different perspectives and fostering empathy and understanding.
- Lemony Snicket — Unique blend of humor, dark themes, and engaging storytelling. Rich vocabulary and literary allusions. Perfect for those who want to explore difficult themes in a safe and engaging way.
- Philip Pullman — Complex, engaging narratives with strong, relatable characters. Explore moral ambiguity, challenging readers to think critically about good and evil. lyrical quality and intricate plotting. Children may be drawn to the beauty of his language and the way the author builds suspense and excitement.