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I hated Lord of the Flies.
I read it when I was too young and it shocked and disturbed me in the visceral way that pornography can upset people.
When I started my Grammar school there was a suggested reading list (from the school library). I read them all, although I can't remember them now. They were school approved in that they were in the library, but they'd been suggested by other pupils.
We never had a summer reading list. I'd have eaten it up with a spoon if we had.
I think reading lists should be streamed. NOT being elitest - just streamed according to how much a child enjoys reading. If they don't really like it, give them a list packed with page turners - at least they're reading and absorbing spelling and grammar. So-so readers can have more involved books. Something with a sly sense of humour so they feel involved. Serious readers get a head start on proper literature - but keep it age-specific. I remember a girl I was at school with who boasted of reading Jane Eyre at 10. I was on Judy Blume at that point. Of course a 10 year old can read the words, but how on earth can they relate to the emotions?
"Eat it or wear it" I say.
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