Over 53,000 free books for schools in bid to get young people hooked on reading

£500,000 Government campaign to raise reading standards amongst 11-18 year olds -
- Books include classics like Charlotte Brontё’s Jane Eyre and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as well as modern favourites -
Schools Secretary Ed Balls and Schools Minister Iain Wright today urged children and young people to make a New Year’s resolution to read more as a hobby in 2010 - as they launch a £500,000 campaign to provide over 53,000 free books for secondary schools.
As the new school term kicks off next week, every secondary school in England will get 15 free books for their school library as part of the Everyone’s Reading campaign being run jointly with the School Library Association.
Around 330 schools with 30 per cent or more pupils eligible for free school meals will get an additional 10 books, as evidence shows that children from low income families tend to have less access to books than their more advantaged peers and tend to spend less time reading for pleasure.
Children's Secretary Ed Balls said:
“There’s nothing better then getting lost in a good book and reading can open up new worlds for young people. It’s a great way to pass the time on the bus into school or whilst waiting to meet friends and it also helps improve your reading skills. There really is no better way to start the New Year.”
Schools Minister Iain Wright added:
“Some children don’t have the same access to books as others, so this campaign aims to give teenager the opportunity to get hooked on reading, with over 53,000 free books on offer across the country.
“I’d encourage teenagers to get involved and make a New Year’s resolution to pick up a good book. There’s some great reads on offer. My personal favourite is, 'How much poo does an elephant do' – it’s funny, it’s full of fascinating trivia, one of my sons finds it hilarious and it has a great title. The book leads you to read other things, which is one of the great delights of reading and literature.”
Schools and students will be able to choose from around 260 great reads – with something for all tastes including:
• classics such as Charlotte Brontё’s Jane Eyre and Bram Stoker’s Dracula,• fun educational titles like Know Your Brain and Bill Bryson’s A Really Short History of Nearly Everything,• quirky books like My Dog is a Carrot and Teach Your Granny to Text & Other Ways to Change the World,• sports themed books like Cup Final Day by England goalkeeper David James and Formula One.
The book list has been specially designed to include plenty of up-to-the-minute titles, the very latest in some fiction series, several modern classics in new guises, and a few tried and tested favourites. There are books targeted both for boys and for girl, for reluctant and struggling readers, for students learning English as an additional language, and some titles to interest older students.
Children's Laureate Anthony Browne said:
"Everyone's Reading is a brilliant project encouraging the enjoyment of reading, a reading culture and a pleasure that will last throughout reader's lives."
Tricia Adams, Chief Executive at the Schools Library Association, said:
“This book giveaway is great news for teenagers and schools across the country. Reading gives children different perspectives on life. It is empowering because through it they can learn new things and develop their reading and personal skills like decision making. I encourage teenagers to pick up a book and get hooked on reading in 2010.”
A survey conducted for the National Year of Reading in 2008 found that over half (62%) of teens have liked reading something so much they have passed it on to a friend or family member. It also found that boys are particularly practical in their approach to reading, with 31% saying that they love reading because it helps them get better at their hobbies (e.g. sports, films or music). It found girls were more pragmatic with 39% saying they loved reading because it is an escape and quiet time they can enjoy on their own.