Reading is an essential skill that helps children develop their imaginations, expands their vocabulary, and improves their critical thinking and communication skills. It is a habit that should be cultivated from a young age, and one of the best ways to do this is through reading books.

There are many benefits to reading books from a young age. Firstly, it helps children develop their imaginations. When children read, they are exposed to new ideas, places, and characters that they may not have encountered in their everyday lives. This helps to expand their horizons and encourages them to think creatively.

Secondly, reading helps to expand children's vocabulary. When children encounter new words in the books they are reading, they are more likely to remember them and use them in their everyday speech. This can help to improve their communication skills and give them a greater understanding of the world around them.

Thirdly, reading helps to improve children's critical thinking skills. As they read, children are exposed to different perspectives and ideas, which encourages them to think more deeply about the world around them. This helps to develop their analytical skills and encourages them to form their own opinions on a variety of topics.

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However, in today’s digital age, it can be a challenge to encourage children to pick up a book and engage in this activity. Here are 10 novels that can be a good start to develop a reading habit in kids

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• "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" by J.K. Rowling - This classic fantasy series follows the adventures of Harry Potter as he discovers his true identity as a wizard and battles against the dark forces that threaten the wizarding world.

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• "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - Set in a dystopian society, this novel follows the story of Katniss Everdeen as she is chosen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal competition where children fight to the death.

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• "Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief" by Rick Riordan - This action-packed series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a half-human, half-god who discovers his true identity and sets out on a quest to defeat the powerful god Kronos.

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• "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green - This poignant love story follows the lives of two teens, Hazel and Gus, who are both battling cancer. Despite the challenges they face, their love for each other helps them find hope and happiness.

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• "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner - This thrilling dystopian novel follows the story of Thomas, a young boy who wakes up in a strange place called the Glade with no memory of his past. Together with a group of other boys, he must navigate through a series of dangerous mazes in order to escape.

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• "To Kill a Kingdom" by Alexandra Christo - This retelling of the Little Mermaid follows the story of Princess Lira, a mermaid who is desperate to become human. In order to do so, she must kill a prince and steal his heart, but things become complicated when she falls in love with him.

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• "The Selection" by Kiera Cass - In a dystopian society where young women must compete for the love and attention of a prince, America Singer finds herself chosen as one of the select few to participate in the Selection. As she navigates the dangerous competition, she begins to question the society's strict rules and expectations.

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• "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs - When Jacob discovers a mysterious island and a hidden home for children with unusual abilities, he finds himself drawn into a world of monsters, magic, and danger.

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• "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis - When Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are sent to live with an old professor in the countryside during World War II, they discover a magical wardrobe that transports them to the land of Narnia. There, they encounter a wicked witch and a talking lion named Aslan who is prophesized to defeat her and restore peace to the land. Along the way, the siblings face many challenges and learn valuable lessons about bravery, loyalty, and faith. This classic fantasy tale is suitable for early teens and is sure to capture their imagination with its compelling characters and thrilling adventures.

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• "Looking for Alaska" by John Green - This coming-of-age novel follows the story of Miles, a high school student who is struggling to find his place in the world. When he starts attending a boarding school, he meets Alaska, a mysterious and complex girl who helps him discover who he is and what he wants from life.

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These 10 novels are just a few suggestions for kids who are looking to develop a love of reading. Whether they prefer fantasy, dystopian societies, romance, or mystery, there is something on this list for every reader.

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