There’s a persistent misconception about reading during the holidays: that it’s just schoolwork in disguise, a way to keep kids occupied between screen time. At 314 International School, we believe exactly the opposite. The holidays are, in fact, the best time to read—because you can read without pressure, without having to meet comprehension goals, and without having to turn in a book report.

We read for pleasure. And that’s exactly where it all begins.

Why Bilingual Reading Makes All the Difference

At 314 International School, our bilingual approach is based on a simple belief: a language is learned as much with the heart as with the mind. It’s not by conjugating verbs that you fall in love with a language—it’s by meeting characters who speak that language, laughing with them, feeling fear alongside them, and following them on their adventures.

That is why our spring reading list includes titles in both French and English for each group. Not to double the workload, but to offer two different ways to experience the same sense of wonder.

A selection based on group, not on skill level

Our four groups aren’t “levels” in the traditional sense. They are reader identities —ways of being in the world, ways of engaging with a story. The Curious dive right in. The Seekers ask questions on every page. The Inventors read to feel. The Visionaries read to dream big.

We put together each list with this philosophy in mind: considering not only age, but also mindset, pace, and enthusiasm.

Our absolute favorites

Forty books is a whole forest. To help you dive in, here are a few titles that are particularly close to our hearts this season—books that ask real questions, make you laugh out loud, and leave a lasting impression.

How to read together without it feeling like school

A question families often ask us: How can we inspire interest without being pushy? Here are a few tips we share with our teaching teams.

Let them choose

This list is a suggestion, not a requirement. Let your child flip through the pages, read the back covers, put a book down, and pick up another one. The act of choosing is itself a valuable learning experience.

Reading aloud—even for adults

People often think that reading aloud is just for little kids. That’s not true. Reading a chapter together at night— even for a fifth grader —creates a ritual, a sense of anticipation, and a shared experience. And it’s the perfect opportunity to read English books together: you don’t need to understand everything; the essence comes through in the intonation, the illustrations, and the shared enjoyment.

Don't ask questions; have a conversation

After someone has finished reading, resist the urge to ask , “What did you take away from it?” Instead, try asking , “Was there a passage that surprised you?” or simply, “What did it make you want to do?” An open conversation is worth ten summaries.

Create a reading nook

A dedicated spot—a cushion, a lamp, a shelf at child height—is all it takes to turn reading into an enjoyable ritual. Children are sensitive to their surroundings. A place that says , “This is where we read,” speaks louder than any educational argument.

Our Educational Commitment

At 314 International School, we work every day to help children grow into individuals who are not afraid of the world—because they have been encouraged to explore it, question it, and imagine different versions of it. Reading is at the heart of this approach.

It is not just another tool. It is the prerequisite for all other intellectual freedoms.

This spring break, we invite you to open a book together. It doesn’t matter which one. It doesn’t matter what language it’s in. What matters is the journey.

The complete list

Below you will find our complete selection, organized by group, in French and English.