10 Must-Read Books in the ICSE Literature Program

Category: Recommendation

The syllabus for the English Literature course in ICSE Class 10 features an extensive variety of texts. This article highlights the top 10 books that all English Literature students must read according to the syllabus of ICSE with a short comment on each book’s importance. Timeless plays and influential novels, short stories that leave an impact—these texts set the atmosphere for a rich and fulfilling reading experience. Whether you're a student or a professor, this blog aims to offer help on how to go through the land of ICSE literature through insights and tips that are resourceful.

Understanding the ICSE Syllabus

The ICSE syllabus is comprehensive and designed to provide students with practical knowledge and analytical skills. It emphasizes in-depth study of all subjects, allowing students to choose subjects for advanced study more freely.

Choosing the Best Books for ICSE Class 10

Selecting the right books is important for effective exam preparation. Good ICSE books offer detailed explanations, mnemonic devices for better recall, and expert advice to help students tackle challenging problems.

Print vs. Digital Formats

Both print and digital formats have their advantages. Print books provide a tactile experience preferred for long study sessions, while eBooks are interactive and portable. Combining both can be beneficial for students.

Teacher Insights and Expert Advice

Teachers can provide valuable recommendations on the best ICSE books based on their experience and understanding of the syllabus. Their advice can significantly enhance a student's preparation.

Comparing Study Resources

Evaluating different ICSE books is important before settling on one. Consider factors such as information coverage, comprehension ease, design, and practice materials to build an effective study toolkit.

Importance of Mock Exams and Practice Papers

Mock exams and practice papers simulate the actual exam environment, helping students to practice under timed conditions. This builds confidence, identifies areas for improvement, and enhances time management skills.

Monitoring Progress and Adapting Book Choices

Regularly assess your progress to ensure the chosen study materials are effective. If a book isn’t helping as expected, it may be time to switch to a different one to improve comprehension and exam readiness.

Top ICSE Literature Books

1. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare:

• The author of this book is William Shakespeare.
• The themes of the book are love, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships
• The characters include Bassanio, Antonio, and Shylock
• The play “The Merchant of Venice” is one that captures the reader based on the trio of characters it portrays Bassanio, Antonio and Shylock. 
• Antonio, a merciful businessperson, asks for a loan from Shylock who is a Jewish usurer so he can enable his bosom friend Bassanio to pursue a rich heiress Portia. 
• The conditions of this loan are odd, thereby laying the platform for an intense scrutiny of humanity and socio-political matters.
• The characters move the story with themes of mercy & justice, revealing deep-seated prejudices & moral dilemmas of their time, as the story unfolds. 
• Personal relationships between the characters are intertwined throughout the narrative, along with broader questions about fairness in the legal system as well as human being’s capacity for compassion and forgiveness.

2. Animal Farm by George Orwell:

• The author of this story is George Orwell.
• The themes of the story are power, corruption, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.
• The main characters are Napoleon, Snowball, and Old Major.
• Old Major inspired his fellow animals to rise and take over the farm that had enslaved them. 
• Initially, their plan seemed feasible i.e., they would lead a luxurious life in a fair and just community. 
• Napoleon and the other pigs, however, become increasingly oppressive. The latter then installs himself as a leader to replace Mr. Jones whom they had overthrown by force.
• Napoleon like dictators gradually. 
• The animals, trapped in ignorance about the treachery of the pigs, end up in a state of hopelessness, identifying how power leads to corruption, while oppression repeats itself.

3. The Call of the Wild by Jack London:

• The author of this book is Jack London 
• The themes of the story are survival, adaptation, and the conflict between civilization and the wild.
• The main characters are Buck, John Thornton, and Perrault.
• It is set in the Klondike Gold Rush era, the book depicts a character named Buck who is a family dog but is later stolen from the home and thrown into the wild tough life of Yukon. 
• The story shows how Buck quickly abandons his domesticated qualities to survive in the northern wilderness, assuming wild characteristics till he becomes a master of a dog pack.

4. The Old Man at the Bridge by Ernest Hemingway:

• The author is Ernest Hemingway
• The themes of the book include loss, loneliness, and the fleeting nature of life.
• The main characters are the Old Man and the Spanish Republican Soldier.
• The elderly man (who has been displaced because of the Spanish Civil War) cannot move on or think of starting a new life since his house and all that is in it are gone.
• The narrative captures his desolation and resignation thus reflecting Hemingway’s signature style of addressing profound themes with simplicity and directness. 

5. A Horse and Two Goats by R.K. Narayan:

• The author of the story is R.K. Narayan
• The themes of the story include human relationships, storytelling, and cultural understanding
• The main characters are Raman, the American tourist, and the Indian villager
• R.K. Narayan’s novel “A Horse and Two Goats” is about human relationships, storytelling and cross-cultural misunderstandings as depicted by its major players Raman – an Indian peasant – and an American tourist.
• The story shows how unimportant attempts at communication between them could be idealized in a funny way but still without meaning anything really important. 
• They are trying very hard but fail every time. 
• The situation here is not so different from other times when things end up in total lack of understanding due to cultural differences because people cannot listen to each other even when they try hard enough- they just talk past one another. 
• This is an old message that has remained so relevant throughout time as there are still issues with tolerance among different communities which can only be solved through history or by listening and telling through tradition.

6. Hearts and Hands by O. Henry:

• This short story was written by O. Henry. 
• The themes include love, deception, and irony
• The main characters are Miss Fairchild (a wealthy woman) and Mr. Easton (a prisoner being transported)
• Miss Fairchild, in “Hearts and Hands,” was talking with Mr. Easton on a train who was under arrest by a marshal. 
• She didn’t know that it was a former friend of hers.
• As a result of his shabby look and worn-out clothes, she couldn’t identify him.
• Miss Fairchild is kind to Mr Easton along the journey without knowing his real identity, which culminates in a mysterious ending, reaches his destination where he lets her know him through one of his letters whereby she comes face to face with his past which was unexpected from her side.

7. A Face in the Dark by Ruskin Bond:

• The author of the story is Ruskin Bond
• Themes include fear, loneliness, and the supernatural
• The main characters are Mr. Oliver and the mysterious presence
• In this chilling tale, Mr. Oliver, a teacher, ventures into the woods and encounters an eerie presence that challenges his understanding of reality. 
• Ruskin Bond skillfully weaves suspense and unease, exploring the darker aspects of human existence with haunting clarity.

8. Angel in Disguise by T.S. Arthur:

• The author is T.S. Arthur
• Themes include love, redemption, and the transformative power of kindness.
• The main characters are the wealthy woman and the poor beggar.
• The story, “Angel in Disguise”, is written in a very moralizing way, showing a woman who begins to love an unfortunate after meeting a poor man and embarks on a process of loving and forgiving herself too. 
• This takes place when the main character, who at first seems to have no sympathy, eventually learns to understand and help someone else thanks to a beggar by the name of Marley.
• Arthur highlights the profound impact of love and compassion on personal change by showing that this change is brought about by the interaction between the wealthy woman and the beggar.
• In essence, “Angel in Disguise” reaffirms the view that man is inherently good, and can change his ways through good actions and real compassion.

9. The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen:

• The author is Hans Christian Andersen
• The themes include poverty, hope, and the struggles of life.
• The main characters include the little match girl and her family.
• The set up of the story takes place during a harsh winter’s evening, Hans Christian Andersen paints a picture of a poor little girl trying to sell matches to help her poor family. 
• But she is overwhelmed by the cold and poverty, and it kills her in the end. 
• His story, though sad, reminds us about how hard life can be for the poor. It also shows that we need more love and kindness to live peacefully.

10. All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury

• The author of this story is Ray Bradbury
• The themes include memory, loss, and the fleeting nature of life
• The main characters are Margot and the other children on Venus
• Every Summer on a Sunny Day” was written by Ray Bradbury This story was penned by Ray Bradbury. It speaks about themes of memory, loss, and life being fleeting. 
• Margot was among the main characters as well as other kids on Venus.
• The sun rises only for a few days in every seven years in the world where the play’s theme is based. 
• Andersen’s never-ageing tale dares people to think of social unfairness, and extreme kindness influence and this same story impresses people across different ages: it was first written down in 1845.

Advantages of Reading These ICSE Books

Here are the advantages of using recommended reference books for preparing for the ICSE Class 10 exam in 2025:

1. Aligned with ICSE Syllabus: CISCE textbooks strictly adhere to the ICSE Class 10 syllabus, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all topics by authors affiliated with ICSE.
2. Comprehensive Content: These textbooks are designed to sufficiently cover the syllabus, reducing the need for additional reference materials.
3. Exam Relevance: Questions in the ICSE 10th exam are based on these textbooks, emphasizing the importance of practising activities provided after each chapter.
4. Council Approved: Published by the council, these books enhance foundational knowledge crucial for exam preparation.
5. Effective Revision: Activities provided after each chapter facilitate thorough revision once the syllabus is completed.
6. Board Exam Preparation: The ICSE 10th exam marks the culmination of secondary education and provides an opportunity to achieve academic goals.

Conclusion

The course syllabus under the ICSE Class 10 English Literature ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of literary texts that are cut across various categories and aspects of time as well as coming from different cultures. The books in this list range from the tender plays of Shakespeare and the dystopian novel of Orwell to a selection of short stories of Hemingway and Narayan that share profound themes and emotions as well as a gripping narrative to make anyone who will read them out a great guest in literature.

To get more information on the books you should read as an ICSE student, visit Skoodos. We have also provided proper information on schools and other details related to K-12 education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Which books are recommended for ICSE Class 10 English Literature? 

Ans: The recommended books include classics like "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare and modern tales like "Animal Farm" by George Orwell.

Ques: Why are these specific books important for ICSE students? 

Ans: These books cover a wide range of themes such as love, justice, survival, and societal issues, providing valuable insights into human behaviour and culture.

Ques: How can students benefit from reading these books? 

Ans: Reading these books helps students improve their language skills, understand complex themes, and prepare effectively for their ICSE exams.

Ques: Are these books only useful for exams, or do they offer more? 

Ans: Beyond exams, these books broaden students' perspectives, teach life lessons, and foster empathy by exploring diverse characters and settings.

Ques: What support can teachers and parents provide for students studying these texts?

Answer: Teachers and parents can encourage discussions, provide additional resources, and help students analyze and appreciate the deeper meanings within these literary works.