The Notre Dame School (NDS) reading programme is built around a carefully curated list of books that support the schools Catholic values while fostering literacy, imagination and critical thinking. The 20202021 Book List reflects the latest curriculum updates, new titles from trusted publishers, and a balanced mix of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Below is an overview of the titles recommended for each grade level, a brief description of the selection criteria, and suggestions for how parents and teachers can use the list to encourage a love of reading at home and in the classroom.
How the List Was Compiled
Each year a committee of teachers, librarians and senior staff reviews the previous list, evaluates reading data from the schools assessment tools and consults with the Dioceses reading specialists. The process follows three guiding principles:
- Alignment with the curriculum: Books reinforce the concepts taught in language arts, science and social studies.
- Faith integration: Stories showcase Catholic virtues such as compassion, honesty and stewardship.
- Developmental appropriateness: Titles are selected for readability, thematic relevance and the ability to spark discussion.
Kindergarten (KG)
Early readers need engaging pictures, repetitive language and clear moral messages. The KG list contains 12 titles, each with a focus on basic phonics, colour recognition and simple values.
1st Grade
Firstgraders transition from pictureonly books to early chapter books. The list includes 15 titles that develop fluency, comprehension and storytelling skills.
- Frog and Toad Are Friends Arnold Lobel Short stories that explore friendship.
- Jesus Calls Me Friend Sarah Raymond Simple anecdotes about Jesus love.
- Mercy Watson to the Rescue Kate DiCamillo Lighthearted mystery to practice prediction.
- The Little Red Hen Paul Galdone A fable about responsibility.
- My First Book of Prayers Various Authors Basic prayers for daily use.
2nd Grade
Secondgraders are ready for longer narratives with richer language. The 20202021 list contains 18 books that blend adventure, historical settings and Catholic values.
- Charlottes Web E.B. White Themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Kate DiCamillo A story of love, loss and redemption.
- A Light in the Attic Shel Silverstein Poetry that encourages imagination.
- Saint Francis of Assisi: A Little Book of Saintly Stories Kathleen Karr Introduces a life of service.
- Because of You Julie K. Wood Explores gratitude and gratitude toward others.
3rd Grade
Thirdgraders move toward independent reading. The list emphasizes historical fiction, moral dilemmas and deeper biblical narratives.
- The Tale of Despereaux Kate DiCamillo Courage and forgiveness.
- The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett Healing and stewardship of creation.
- The Knights of the Silver Sword Susan Cooper Faithfilled adventure in a medieval setting.
- St. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland James W. B. Johnson Biography of a missionary.
- Journey to the River Sea Eva Ibbotson Cultural awareness and compassion.
4th Grade
Students in fourth grade are ready for complex plots and themes of social justice. The list offers 20 titles that challenge readers while reinforcing Catholic social teaching.
- Number the Stars Lois Lowry Courage during WWII, bravery of ordinary people.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe C.S. Lewis Allegory of redemption.
- A Long Walk to Water Linda Sue Park Perseverance in Sudan.
- The Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls Wilder Pioneering spirit and faith.
- The Saint Who Invented Christmas Donna M. Snyder Story of Saint Nicholas.
5th Grade
Fifthgraders mature into critical thinkers. The list includes 22 titles that blend historical context, moral reasoning and a deeper look at the Gospel.
- The Giver Lois Lowry Discussion of freedom, choice and community.
- Anne of Green Gables L.M. Montgomery Imagination, resilience and kindness.
- The Hiding Place (young readers edition) Corrie ten Boom Faith under persecution.
- MobyDick (adapted) Herman Melville Themes of obsession, mercy and Gods providence.
- St. Thomas Aquinas: The PhilosopherSaint R. William Hasker Introduction to Catholic intellectual tradition.
Using the List Effectively
Classroom Integration: Teachers can assign a book of the month, link reading assignments to specific curriculum goals and use the stories as springboards for writing prompts, art projects or servicelearning activities.
Home Reading: Parents are encouraged to set a regular reading time, discuss the moral lessons after each chapter, and keep a shared reading log that families can bring to school for celebration.
Library Support: The school library maintains copies of every title, plus audio editions for students with different learning needs. The librarian holds a quarterly Book Talk where students can share reviews.
Key Themes Across the List
- Compassion & service stories where characters help others.
- Stewardship respect for creation and responsible use of resources.
- Faith in action biblical figures and saints modeling lived belief.
- Justice & peace confronting unfairness and working toward reconciliation.
- Identity & perseverance characters discovering purpose amid challenges.
By weaving these themes through every grade level, Notre Dame School ensures that literacy development goes handinhand with spiritual formation. The 20202021 Book List is a living resource; feedback from students, parents and teachers is welcomed each October, when the next edition will be drafted.
For any questions about the list, availability of specific titles, or suggestions for supplementary reading, please contact the school library at library@notredame.edu.
