Was there ever a better time to get lost in a good book? As our Nantong Stalford Principal Wu Heping said, “Books are like the plane, train, and road. They are the destination and journey. They are home.” Even though many of us are feeling cooped up at present, books have the power to take us on unexpected journeys and provide a welcome escape from a reality that can be unsettling.

Inspired by the Reading Festival week at Singapore Stalford and in the hope that the reading spirit to be continued in Nantong city, our Singapore Stalford Principal, Mr. Sim has compiled a list of “comfort reads” for all students in Nantong. On this list, you will find books that shape a healthy perspective on the world as well as colourful and unforgettable characters to encounter. There are stories with lessons about life, how we can overcome hardship and inequality and the power of friendship. Finally, there are plenty of opportunities to dive into exotic worlds and new adventures. Happy reading!

4-7岁

When twins Liza and Jeremy run to their mother during a scary storm, she comforts them by telling them about the Invisible String, which connects people who love each other no matter where they are.

While observing the busy world around them, two children and their grandfather take a moment to appreciate being quiet and still. This book encourages children to slow down and use their five senses, to see, listen, smell, hear, and touch, and to appreciate the world around them.

8-11岁

This short but thought-provoking classic about a girl, a pig, and a perceptive spider appears simple at first but addresses important themes of life, death, family, values, and happiness. 

Inspired by a true story, this novel is told from the point of view of a gorilla and perfect for reading aloud. The human-animal relationship at the centre of this story poses important questions about empathy, hope, and how to make a difference in the world.

12-16岁

Ove is a grumpy, stubborn and unlikeable old man who, despite himself, makes a positive difference in the lives of the people in his neighbourhood. The story provides a great opportunity for teens to consider what it means to be a good person and a good friend.

Teens may find that this Pulitzer Prize-winner has a slow start, but it’s hard not to get caught up in this compelling classic about race relations and social justice, which takes place in the Depression-era South.

In this dystopian classic, a boy named Jonas is selected to be the Receiver of Memory in an authoritarian society marked by strict rules and traditions. The story raises important questions about brainwashing, individuality and what it means to be free.