# data[].attributes.headline
Get smart about online research, learn how to recognise fake news and fact-check those viral posts.....

# data[].attributes.subject
Get smart about online research, learn how to recognise fake news and fact-check those viral posts.....

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The problem with 'boys don't read': The dismissal of divergent reading

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Introducing the winners of the first TikTok Book Awards UK and Ireland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The votes have been counted and verified, and the results are in! We are proud to announce the winners of the first ever TikTok Book Awards UK and Ireland. The TikTok Book Awards are all about celebra

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's news that's all too real: We're drowning in a stream of misinformation. The problem is so acute that the World Health Organization recently declared it an infodemic-a deliberate effort to spread misinformation, resulting in polarized public debate and amplified hate speech that threatens "long-term prospects for advancing democracy, human rights, and social cohesion," the organization warned in a 2020 release.

In classrooms across America, a generation of new readers-digital natives who spend more than seven hours online every day and gather information from social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube-are struggling to parse fact from fiction. In a 2016 study, for example, researchers gave middle school through college-age students 56 tasks-ranging from evaluating the trustworthiness of a source to distinguishing the difference between a news article and an opinion column. "Overall, young people's ability to reason about information on the internet can be summed up in one word: bleak," the researchers concluded.

For educators, teaching kids to be critical media consumers can feel like a daunting-and unfair-responsibility, given the unrelenting flow of information that kids are subjected to daily. Still, a number of states are exploring how to address media literacy in schools, and nonprofit organizations like the News Literacy Project offer news literacy training for educators.

A fundamental problem, says Sam Wineburg, a professor of education at Stanford and the lead researcher on the 2016 study, in an interview with Edutopia, is that typical approaches to teaching information literacy are often outdated. In a holdover from the days of traditional print news, we often teach a vertical analysis of information: closely reading an article to look for mistakes, dubious assertions, or inconsistencies. "We learn to think critically by paying close attention and reading thoroughly from top to bottom, thinking very carefully about what we're reading," says Wineburg, whose body of research over the last three decades has focused on how students judge the credibility of online information.

But poring over a text with a fine-toothed comb from start to finish is time-consuming and inefficient, and few readers are knowledgeable enough to suss out factual errors. Instead, Wineburg offers a simple, teachable strategy, drawing from what he calls the "virtuosos of the internet": professional fact-checkers.

In contrast to typical readers, fact-checkers move laterally rather than vertically, opening multiple browser tabs to validate claims and checking who is behind a site before continuing to read the initial page. They recognize that they're at a disadvantage if they stay within a website, so they cross-check information across many sites to get a second-or even a third, fourth, and fifth-opinion. It's a modern approach to identifying misinformation online that Wineburg says should be much more commonplace in schools.

Can Students Vet Information Like Experts?

In a 2022 study, Wineburg and his colleagues set out to determine whether they could teach kids to read laterally-like fact-checkers-and whether there would be a change in student skepticism about sources.

Using materials they developed at the Stanford History Education Group, they asked 499 high school students to evaluate information found online. In one activity, students assessed the credibility of minimumwage.com, a "site purporting to offer nonpartisan information about minimum wage policy." To get full credit, the students had to avoid being deceived by the site's superficial qualities-that it was a dot-org, referenced scientific studies, and claimed it was staffed by professionals with advanced degrees-and find information about the organization behind the site, any hidden motives or agendas, and any other sources that might challenge the site's claims.

Half of the students were given six 50-minute lessons in lateral reading, while the other half participated in their business-as-usual government classes. After a three-month period, both groups of students were tested on their ability to assess the credibility of a site, the accuracy of the information presented, and whether or not the claims made were supported by evidence. While students in the traditional government classes saw a modest gain of 25 percent, students who were taught the lateral reading strategy nearly doubled their scores, improving their eye for unreliable information by 71 percent.

"Students are bringing analog strategies to a medium that demands a digital way of evaluating information," Wineburg concludes. To keep up with today's ever-changing digital landscape, we need to adapt how we teach information and media literacy in schools.

A Different Way to Navigate the Web

At the heart of lateral reading is the idea that a single source of information should always be read with a critical eye. Instead of taking an article at face value, we should take a step back, says Wineburg, and think about the information it contains as part of a broader ecosystem of both reliable and unreliable sources: Is the claim corroborated by any other sources? Are we looking at firsthand accounts, or does the information originate elsewhere? What is the site's reputation?

Media bias and reliability charts can help readers quickly identify where a major publisher lies on the political divide and how accurate its reporting is-from Slate and The New York Times to The Economist and The Wall Street Journal to Breitbart News-while fact-checking sites like PolitiFact.com, FactCheck.org, and The Washington Post Fact Checker can be used to help quickly verify a claim.

Developing a list of reputable sites and cultivating a skeptical mindset in students-information should be considered dubious until verified-should be central to how students vet information they read online. Meanwhile, a quick scan for spelling or grammatical errors, sensational claims that sound too good to be true, and overtly political perspectives and single-source reporting, along with Google searches about the site itself, can also help students identify possible misinformation on an unknown webpage.

While researching, students shouldn't spend too much time on any one site, Wineburg asserts. Unlike many readers, expert fact-checkers are adept at ignoring information while looking for answers; they almost immediately leave the site of the original claim and move laterally across the computer screen as they open new web pages. They assume that information is low-quality until fundamental questions are answered: Does a quick search on Google yield information about a website or news article that will help me gauge its trustworthiness? Have journalists investigated the site in question and uncovered a flow of funds from organizations that have a hidden agenda? Are the website's claims confirmed by reputable sites in the cascading tabs?

Getting Started in the Classroom

1. Guide students with probing questions. U.S. history teacher Will Colglazier, who is part of the Stanford History Education Group team, launches a lesson on lateral reading by asking his students to answer three key questions when assessing the credibility of a website:

Who is behind the information? Students should investigate the people making the claims and how their motives could influence what is presented and suppressed.

What is the actual evidence for the claim? Claims often appear to be scientific or based on evidence; when students gather and assess the actual evidence, does it still add up?

What do other sources say? Students should corroborate claims and verify information with other sources, such as experts, scholarly journals, and reputable news sites.

2. It's OK to use Wikipedia. Students are often told, "Don't go to Wikipedia," says Wineburg. Yet "one of the first things fact-checkers did was go to Wikipedia and use it as a jumping-off point, as a portal to more authoritative sources," he says. In fact, reading a Wikipedia article "can provide students with an opportunity to learn about peer review, sourcing, footnotes, and internet research," explains Benjamin Barbour, a high school history and government teacher in Fairview, Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, it's a myth that anyone can change what's written on a Wikipedia page. Try changing Donald Trump's Wikipedia page, says Wineburg. "Unless you are the highest-badge Wikipedian, you're not going to be able to touch that page."

3. Work on productive skimming. "You don't have to read everything on a particular website to make a decision," says Wineburg. It's difficult, if not impossible, to spot misinformation on the basis of the original source's claim. Instead, get a quick sense of the content by scanning the page, and then do a Google search and open more sites to see if the information is supported by other sources. Come back to your original page for deeper reading after assessing the claims more broadly.

4. Don't be fooled by appearances. Twenty years ago, creating a professional website was costly; a poorly designed site peppered with spelling errors, clip art, and inconsistent formatting was often a red flag. Today, however, slick websites are more attainable and affordable. Just because a site looks professional doesn't mean it's trustworthy.

Similarly, it's easier than ever to purchase .org and .com domain names, and using those suffixes to determine a site's reliability is a mistake that students often make.

5. Create a list of go-to sources. Engage in a conversation with students about how to develop a roster of reputable, go-to sites-trusted resources from across the political spectrum from The Wall Street Journal to The New York Times, government agencies such as the FDA and the EPA, and independent research organizations like the National Science Foundation and NASA, for example. As part of the conversation, talk about bad-faith outliers on both sides of the political divide, like Daily Kos and Breitbart News, and explain why relying on reputable, well-established publications is a critical part of smart media literacy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Fact-Checkers Know About Media Literacy-and Students Should, Too

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's news that's all too real: We're drowning in a stream of misinformation. The problem is so acute that the World Health Organization recently declared it an infodemic-a deliberate effort to spread misinformation, resulting in polarized public debate and amplified hate speech that threatens "long-term prospects for advancing democracy, human rights, and social cohesion," the organization warned in a 2020 release.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Almost one in five (18.6%) UK children between the ages of five and eight do not have access to books at home, new research has revealed.

According to a report by the National Literacy Trust, the percentage of children in this age group who do not have a book of their own at home has risen by 1.9% since before the pandemic and is now at its highest point since 2019.

The rising cost of living is cited as a key reason for this increase, with 87% of parents saying they now have less disposable income and 64% saying that the amount of money they have to spend on books for their child has decreased. Just over half (51%) say that books are simply too expensive.

The report suggests that access to books at home is another consequence of the squeeze on family finances - and one that has concerning repercussions for children's futures, according to Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust.

Owning books is integral to encouraging children to get into regular reading habits and for increasing literacy levels, said Douglas, who urged that "getting books to children is more important than ever".

"Low literacy levels can hold you back at school, lock you out of the job market, affect your physical and mental health, and even your life expectancy," he added.

The report outlines findings from the National Literacy Trust's annual literacy survey, which explores young children's reading engagement and access to reading materials. Only half the children surveyed said that they read daily, with one in 13 saying they never read at all.

According to the report, a third of parents say reading plays a central role in their child's daily routine, while 31% say their child reads less outside of the school term - posing significant questions about how the UK can increase the number of children reading regularly.

Children who own a book of their own at home are six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age, the report said.

The new report is published in partnership with McDonald's, which has donated more than half a million books to children in deprived areas across the country this month, with the aim of ensuring as many children can start the new school year with a book of their own. The donations included The BFG by Roald Dahl, Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison and the Little People Big Dreams series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Lisbeth Kaiser.

Television presenter Vernon Kay has partnered with the fast-food chain to raise awareness of the importance of children's literacy. He said it's "heartbreaking" that so many children in the UK are without books.

Kay, who has two daughters with his wife, fellow presenter Tess Daly, said his own children "are lucky to have had lots of books to inspire and engage them as they've grown up, but for many children across the UK that's sadly not the case".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
One in five UK children do not own any books of their own

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Almost one in five (18.6%) UK children between the ages of five and eight do not have access to books at home, new research has revealed. According to a report by the National Literacy Trust, the percentage of children in this age group who do not have a book of their own at home has risen by 1.9% since before the pandemic and is now at its highest point since 2019.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Sick, sad, or in need of comfort? Young adult fiction can be the perfect balm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Show caption
There's a 'cosiness' to be found in your favourite books from younger years - and in finding new ones too. Photograph: Dougal Waters/Getty Images

There's something about a mild case of the flu that has me reverting instantly to my childhood.

Usually when illness strikes, I will go round to my parents' house, get out my teddy bear-shaped heat pack and lie on the couch dramatically, periodically requesting packeted macaroni and cheese or cups of tea.

While there, my favourite indulgence is having a bath while regressing to my childhood bookshelf. It's packed with my oldest and most beloved classics - Winnie the Pooh, Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden and the Famous Five.

After reaching my mid-20s, my favourite young adult novels from teenage-hood have brought me similar pleasure. Seminal 2000 romance The Princess Diaries is a favourite, as is Sarah Dessen, both articulating the specific, all-consuming feeling of a 15-year-old crush that is never again reached.

When I fell sick this winter, though, it was the first time I'd been unwell and solo in a foreign city. I couldn't get home to my old books, and I felt vulnerable in a new way. I gazed at my bookshelf blankly. I love The Bell Jar, but do I want to read it when I am feverish and sweaty? No one makes me feel like Toni Morrison, but with a head full of snot?

Instead, I did what any reasonable adult would do: I donned a mask, a comically large jacket, and drove myself to a bookstore.

So began my obsession with young adult fiction, a category traditionally marketed at teens and tweens from 12 to 18 years of age. In two days, I finished the entire Heartstopper series - a graphic novel and queer romance recently popularised by an extremely cute Netflix program.

I had dipped my toes in, and now I was ready to take the plunge.

Days later, I returned to the bookshop, a little embarrassed, and bought every work of fiction Heartstopper's author, Alice Oseman, has written. Solitaire - published when she was just 19 - was great, but I particularly adored Radio Silence, a book I wish I'd read as a teenager that deftly navigates mental illness, academic pressure and friendships.

Jeanmarie Morosin, head of children's publishing at Hachette - who brought Heartstopper to Australia - says it didn't surprise her that Oseman's works appealed to older readers.

"For me, why young adult is such an emotional punch is it takes you to a time before you've made all the big decisions in your life, when it's all ahead of you and it's all dramatic," she says.

"As an adult, you've had the loves that have or haven't worked out, you've chosen your career - but it takes you back to this exciting time being on the cusp ... you'll never get that again."

Caitlin Cassidy has always reverted to younger books in times of need. Since discovering modern YA like Heartstopper, she can't get enough

The books have changed since I grew up too. In the ones I read when I was in the targeted demographic, romances were between a boy and a girl and characters of colour were relegated to the background; they certainly weren't vocal about issues of gender discrimination and race, like Starr in my next purchase, The Hate U Give.

"YA has been ahead of its time. It's almost an issue if it's not diverse," Morosin says.

"It's a testament to and reflects the realities of the teenagers reading these books, and their expectations, and how vocal they'll be about them. Publishers were catching up to this demand.

"People have grown up and not seen themselves reflected in books and art. By producing books for everyone you're creating a safe space."

The most beloved authors of my childhood were Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy - funny, warm British writers who told stories of young girls in working class families with heart, unafraid to write about adoption and divorce.

Wilson won the Guardian prize in 2000 for The Illustrated Mum, a beautiful novel about two sisters grappling with their mother's mental illness, and the messy way families love and care for one another.

She's still writing books two decades later, aged 76 - and Cathy Cassidy is, too.

Cassidy described her own love of books for younger readers in Guardian list of her top 10 feel good novels, which included Jerry Spinelli's modern day fairytale Stargirl, Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo and my go-to, The Secret Garden.

"We all love a book that makes us feel all warm inside, glad to be alive, even though they are often touching, bittersweet stories," she said.

Publisher Morosin agrees: there's a "cosiness" to a familiar, well-loved tale.

"You reread them because you know what's there," she says.

"It does sound cheesy, but ... if I can give one kid that comfort and nostalgia to take through the rest of their lives, what a privilege."

'It takes you back to this exciting time being on the cusp': the screen adaptation of Heartstopper premiered earlier this year. Photograph: Netflix

{{#ticker}}

{{/ticker}}

{{heading}}

{{#paragraphs}}

{{.}}

{{/paragraphs}}{{highlightedText}}
{{#choiceCards}}

{{/choiceCards}}

We will be in touch to remind you to contribute. Look out for a message in your inbox in . If you have any questions about contributing, please contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sick, sad, or in need of comfort? Young adult fiction can be the perfect balm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There's something about a mild case of the flu that has me reverting instantly to my childhood. Usually when illness strikes, I will go round to my parents' house, get out my teddy bear-shaped heat pack and lie on the couch dramatically, periodically requesting packeted macaroni and cheese or cups of tea.

# data[].attributes.body
Click on the link and scroll down for audio recordings of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo and an abridged version of A Christmas Carol.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2 / Key Stage 3 / Key Stage 4 / Age 5 - 11+

School Radio offers a number of teaching resources to support the primary curriculum at and and an abridgement of the original text of Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for and . The content targets the key learning objectives of the curriculum and all the resources for English also have this further purpose in common: to stimulate the imagination of the listener and viewer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
English curriculum resources for KS1 and KS2 including both video and audio with an emphasis on stories and narrative. BBC School Radio. BBC Teach.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Accelerated Reader Bookfinder UK & Ireland - Welcome

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our site uses cookies to ensure you have the best possible experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to this process. OK

# data[].attributes.body
The big annual book prize that we always follow closely in the school library.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Explore the 2024 Nominations

Discover the 129 books nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medals for Writing and Illustration
Read the announcement

Join thousands of groups across the UK and internationally
in reading and judging the shortlists from March - June 2024.

What are you looking for?

Explore the full list of illustrators and their nominated books for the 2024 Medal

Register now for shadowing in March-June 2024 and opt in to receive a free publicity pack

Order with our official book supplier, Scholastic, for 35% off the regular retail price.

Discover the authors and their books that have been nominated for the 2024 Medal

Latest news from the Carnegies

6th November, 2023

Nominations Announced For The 2024 Yoto Carnegies

Read more

19th July, 2023

Cilip Statement On Carnegies Rebranding

Read more

21st June, 2023

Historic Win As Yoto Carnegie Medal For Writing Awarded To A Book In Translation For The First Time; A Graphic Novel Wins Illustration Medal For The Second Consecutive Year

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

We will keep you up to date with all the latest news as excitement builds for this year's Carnegies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the 129 books nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medals for Writing and Illustration Read the announcement Join thousands of groups across the UK and internationally in reading and judging the shortlists from March - June 2024.

# data[].attributes.headline
Children and Young People's Reading is at an all time low

# data[].attributes.subject
Children and Young People's Reading is at an all time low

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reading For Pleasure | National Literacy Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover why reading for pleasure is important and what the National Literacy Trust is doing to make sure no child is left behind.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A young man walks from the halfway line to the penalty spot. His country's fans are dancing; their hope swoops and soars around him. He watches as his opposite number makes the lonely walk back to his teammates, shoulders hunched, and suppresses his sympathy. He knows what's at stake.

He places the ball 12 yards (10.97m) away from the two-metre goalkeeper who batters his crossbar for effect. It's late. The air has cooled. In an hour it will be a new day. A thousand camera lights float behind the goal like fireflies.

A deep hush settles in the stadium. Who knew 60,000 people could become so quiet. Three paces back from the ball, the young man only notices the quiet inside. He's lived this moment before a thousand times from the comfort of his imagination. He's watched heroes fall and rise and fall again. He's read many stories about men and women who have risked it all in a game of pitch-and-toss and lost, only to start again. And because of this, in this moment, he fears nothing.

As you are reading this, 552 footballers are making their way to France for Euro 2016. On their shoulders sits the weight of 24 countries' hopes, dreams and fragile national self-esteem - the making or breaking of summer. A huge amount of pressure.

Danny Scott: The stereotypes of school sometimes suggest that people can't be both bookish and sporty but, for me, that's the wrong message for potential athletes.

From a young age, coaches will have worked hard with these footballers on their technique and fitness. But I wonder how many of them were encouraged to read books as part of their training regime. Are there book groups at Premiership academies? Perhaps there should be.

A long time ago, I remember being on an Under 18s football team bus travelling from Edinburgh to London and getting a book out of my bag to read on the long journey - my teammates started laughing at me so hard that I decided to put it back in my bag. Even my coach shook his head and said, "Danny, what are you doing mate?"

It's a shame. The stereotypes of school sometimes suggest that people can't be both bookish and sporty but, for me, that's the wrong message for potential athletes. I think that reading can only aid athletic performance - especially at the very top where the pressure is so intense.

The coaching mission statements of Europe's leading football associations all list similar character traits they want coaches to develop in their country's next generation of talent. Concentration is key.

11-a-side football is an intense experience. Concentrating while 19 other outfield players swirl around you, for 90 minutes, is tough going. Perhaps the job might be made easier with regular reading. You could supplement your strategy sessions with time spent reading, say, a fantasy trilogy. Outside of practice, nothing is going to help your brain get better at processing multiple different outcomes from different 'characters' on the pitch.

Once concentration is demonstrated, today's aspiring footballer must also display intuition, creativity and decision-making. Three qualities that surely make reading fiction, and non-fiction, an absolute necessity for anyone with serious soccer ambitions.

Indeed, why would any coach reject reading as a legitimate training tool. The hearts and lungs are worked through endless cardiovascular work so it follows that the body's most complex organ, the brain, should get as much attention. As the greatest European footballer of all time, the late, great Johan Cruyff, said, "You play football with your head, and your legs are just there to help you."

It is now a proven scientific fact that reading regularly enhances your ability to think on your feet and solve problems more quickly. And it's not just your English skills that it helps. Books and reading are shown to help you get better at loads of other subjects, including maths.

Of course, reading is often a solitary activity and football is a team game. It requires 11 brains thinking as one - see Leicester this season. Lauded and rich from a young age, the modern professional footballer can sometimes lack the ability "to climb into someone's skin and walk around in it" as the hero of To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch suggests we do. What Atticus Finch is describing is empathy and there is no better way to boost your ability to empathise with others than seeing the world through different people's eyes in books.

It must be a manager's dream to look out at a dressing room full of players who understand how their own mind works while also 'getting' how their teammates think. This is especially true in the world of international football where unfamiliar faces must get over club football differences to work towards a common goal. In fact, I'd bet a book token that no matter what happens at Euro 2016 the teams that build the deepest bonds will get the furthest in the competition.

Of course, they will also benefit from luck. You need luck in football. But, more than that, you need talent, self-belief and to work as hard as you can. Reading can't make you lucky but it can help your mental performance on and off the pitch - coaches watch how you perform in both places. Books train your brain to think faster, harder and smarter. They will help you spot patterns where others see chaos. Reading about characters with different views on life than your own will help you get the most out of talented teammates who others have given up on. Who knows, reading might just give you the edge you need to reach the top - or at least to stay calm the next time you need to take a penalty.
Danny Scott is the author of Scotland Stars F.C., a series of six football-filled chapter books aimed at young readers aged six to eight. Find out more about the books at: www.discoverkelpies.co.uk. Follow Danny on Twitter @ASimpleDan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why reading books can help you become a better footballer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ahead of Euro 2016 kicking off on Friday, children's author and keen footballer Danny Scott on why books should be part of every footballer's training regime

# data[].attributes.body
Diversify what you read.....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
* Did you know that only 7% of children's and young adult books published in the UK in 2018 featured Black, Asian and minority ethnic characters? CLPE's Reflecting Realities report highlighted the shocking lack of diversity in UK publishing. * This is improving but there is a long way to go before children's books truly reflect the population. * More so than ever, it is important to find books that represent the diverse experiences and cultures of all students. *The following is an introduction to 21 of the most exciting authors of different cultures, races and religions all writing books today for young people aged 11-16. *Where possible, each author focus below includes a direct link to a book preview so you can get reading straight away if something catches your interest. Click on the images to start reading.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Did you know that only 7% of children's and young adult books published in the UK in 2018 featured Black, Asian and minority ethnic characters? CLPE's Reflecting Realities report highlighted the shocking lack of diversity in UK publishing. * This is improving but there is a long way to go before children's books truly reflect the population.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.body
Bookish content for teens!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Penguin Platform - Penguin’s home for bookish content for teens! Here you’ll find videos filled with bookish chats, discussions, recommendations, giveaways & some special YouTuber guests. Join our Discord full of YA and teen readers: https://discord.gg/zr9TGZH Sign up to our YA newslett…

# data[].attributes.body
Generate a reading poster in seconds including a QR code.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share what you are reading with your class

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Latest Issue

BfK 263 November 2023

This issue's cover illustration is from The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón. Thanks to Usborne for their help with this Christmas cover.

View Latest Issue

Book of the Week

Based on the five Tiffany Aching books written by Terry Pratchett, which include his final novel The Shepherd's Crown, this illustrated and practical guide to being a witch in Discworld, covers everything readers have ever wanted to know from telling the bees to magical cheese, working with other wi ...

Based on the five Tiffany Aching books written by Terry Pratchett, which include his final novel The Shepherd's Crown, this illustrated and practical guide to being a witch in Discworld, covers everything readers have ever wanted to know from telling the bees to magical cheese, working with other witches to dealing with elves, tending flocks to fending off forces from other worlds. It's ostensibly written by witch Ti ...

Based on the five Tiffany Aching books written by Terry Pratchett, which include his final novel The Shepherd's Crown, this illustrated and practical guide to being a witch in Discworld, covers everything readers have ever wanted to know from telling the bees to magical cheese, working with other witches to dealing with elves, tending flocks to fending off forces from other worlds. It's ostensibly written by witch Tiffany herself, but is in fact the work of Terry Pratchett's daughter Rhianna, ably assisted by author Gabrielle Kent, with multiple, detailed illustrations by Paul Kidby, Pratchett's 'artist of choice' (and no wonder). It is a thing of beauty that will delight fans of the series. Treats include an introduction to the Nac Mac Feegle or Wee Free Men - forewarned is forearmed as they say, though Tiffany advises any arm ...

View Book of the Week

Featured Author

A.M. Dassu won acclaim and attention with her debut novel, Boy, Everywhere which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and won the Little Rebels Award for Radical Fiction. Her new book, Kicked Out, continues the story of the characters in Boy, Everywhere. Fen Coles spoke to her for Books for Keeps. Az Dassu never intended to write a novel. She saw herself as a picture book auth ...

View Full Interview

Recent Articles

It's a happy tenth birthday to Flying Eye Books, a publisher consistently bringing us intriguing, original and distinctive books. Sam Arthur, Co-Founder/Creative Director looks back, and forward. The story I tell ab ...

TikTok, mystical beasts, romantasies (no, us neither), it's been another busy and exciting year in children's publishing. Fads aside, which are the books that really stood out and which are the books we'll be readin ...

From the origins of life to the mysteries of the unexplained, Sue McGonigle selects recently published non-fiction that could find a place under the Christmas tree. The Natural World What's Wild Outside your Door? b ...

View All Articles

Receive the latest news & reviews direct to your inbox!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Books For Keeps - The Children's Book Magazine Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
BfK 263 November 2023 This issue's cover illustration is from The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón. Thanks to Usborne for their help with this Christmas cover.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
(Photo: Mattel/PA Wire)

It is never to early to start reading with your children because they can gain life-long benefits from the experience at just a few days old, according to a bestselling children's author.

Smriti Halls argues that reading with children from an early age helps to set them up for life.

It not only helps them to develop language earlier but it is good for their mental health, according to Ms Halls, a bestselling writer who has sold more than half a million books in 37 languages.

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that reading should be left to the professionals but parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles make the best teachers, argues Ms Halls, whose picture books include "I Love You Night and Day", "I'm Sticking with You" and "Elephant in My Kitchen!".

"Sometimes you can think 'school is best and the expert knows best," she said. "They will read better to my children and teach them how to read'. But a parent reading to them is the most influential, brilliant thing you can do. A child being read to by the people they love, admire and respect the most is profound.

"Children reading for pleasure is really important. It connects with their educational outcomes, it improves their life chances, their confidence and their ability to achieve.

"These things have a huge impact on their future, their jobs as an adult. The foundations for all of that happen so young, when they are little people approaching books for the first time."

Reading with children - whether they are doing the reading, you are or you are doing it together - is also a great bonding experience in which children are more likely to open up about their lives, says London-based Ms Halls.

She has three boys of nine, 13 and 15 and still reads with them.

She added: "It isn't just about the reading. It is also about the bonds made and the other things that come up. That might be the time that your child decides to tell you that things weren't great at school today.

"They might not be bouncing through the door to tell you that. But having that downtime - that 15 minutes with them - where you're sharing something in a close way might be the moment that they might want to share something about their day. And you don't want to miss that," she said.

Ms Halls has been a Costa Book Awards judge and last year was named writer in residence for BookTrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity.

How to read to your children

"As soon as you can get going, straight away reading is wonderful. It sounds ridiculous but you can do it from birth," Ms Halls said.

"We have books made out of cloth that are created for the youngest readers, often in high definition with a mirror at the back. I think that act of just turning the pages and having an adult voice - soothing you along, reading, making animal noises and engaging with books - is incredibly valuable."

"Throwing them around, biting them and having a taste of them and realising that these things are your companions and gateways to other worlds."

Small children maybe progress at 12 months onto picture books and they're turning the pages themselves. And of course they're not reading yet but they're absorbing so much through the process of engaging the book and hearing their parent's or grandparent's voice.

"But the sweet spot is at around three, where they are actually beginning to make out words and letters on their own and they're asking questions about their reading and they're anticipating what's going to happen in the stories and they're really excited about it. At that point you might take them down to the library to choose a book together," she said.

Children are reading less, new study finds

The number of children who read books daily or nearly every day for pleasure has dropped from 38 per cent to a quarter in a decade as kids turn to their screens, a new study finds.

One in five children don't read books at all, according to the report, by the publisher Farshore, a division of HarperCollins UK.

The study also found that only around one-third of parents of under 13s recognise that children who read for pleasure do better at school in all subjects.

But the report finds that parents can turn this around by reading with their children; around two-thirds of 5- to 13-year-olds who are read to daily/nearly every day read daily themselves. In contrast, only around a quarter of those who are read to weekly by their parents read daily themselves.

"Over the last ten years children have been spending more time on screen and less time reading," said Farshore's Consumer Insight Director, Alison David.

"Two-thirds of parents wish their child would spend more time reading books and many struggle to know what to do, but in reality, changing behaviour is really very easy. Simply reading aloud to children, regularly, transforms their ideas about reading," she said.

The Reading for Pleasure and Purpose report has shown that children are increasingly turning away from books for enjoyment.

Almost one-fifth of parents say that their child prefers to do something else before bed than reading, and 64 per cent of those aged under 17 would rather watch TV, play video games, or go online than read books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reading to babies just days after birth can help develop language earlier, says leading author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It is never to early to start reading with your children because they can gain life-long benefits from the experience at just a few days old, according to a bestselling children's author. Smriti Halls argues that reading with children from an early age helps to set them up for life.

# data[].attributes.body
Aimed at students aged 13+

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tips on boosting your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for young adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The PSHE Association is the national body for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. PSHE supports a network of teachers and schools with advice and training enabling pupils to be safe, healthy and prepared for modern life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The PSHE Association is the national body for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. PSHE supports a network of teachers and schools with advice and training enabling pupils to be safe, healthy and prepared for modern life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Children's reading enjoyment has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades, with just one in three young people saying that they enjoy reading in their free time, according to a new survey.

Only 34.6% of eight- to 18-year-olds surveyed by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) said that they enjoy reading in their spare time. This is the lowest level recorded by the charity since it began surveying children about their reading habits 19 years ago, representing an 8.8 percentage point drop since last year.

It is also part of a broader downward trend since 2016, when almost two in three children said that they enjoyed reading.

Reading frequency is also at a historic low, with 20.5% of eight- to 18-year-olds reporting reading daily in their free time, compared with 28% last year.

The gender gap in reading enjoyment has widened, with 28.2% of boys aged eight to 18 now saying they enjoy reading in their free time, compared with 40.5% of girls.

"We know that children who read for pleasure, and children who are read to, gain all kinds of benefits, from increased vocabulary to vastly improved mental wellbeing", said children's laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce. "But today's survey shows that too often as a nation we are withholding those benefits from our children." He described the benefits as an "invisible privilege".

The NLT found that twice as many children who said they enjoy reading in their spare time have above average reading skills (34.2%) compared with those who don't enjoy it (15.7%).

Children who read in their free time at least once a month said that it helps them to relax (56.6%) and feel happy (41%), learn new things (50.9%), understand the views of others (32.8%) and learn about other cultures (32.4%).

skip past newsletter promotion
Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
after newsletter promotion

Secondary school-age children showed the steepest declines in reading enjoyment. Three in 10 secondary pupils reported enjoying reading in their spare time, compared with more than half of primary-age pupils.

"With children and young people's enjoyment of reading at an all-time low, and high numbers leaving primary and secondary school without the reading skills they need to thrive, the futures of a generation are being put at risk", said NLT chief executive Jonathan Douglas.

"For a report focused largely on reading enjoyment, much of this is not an enjoyable read," concluded the report. "The declining levels of reading enjoyment and reading frequency are, frankly, shocking and dispiriting."

The charity called on the government to form a reading taskforce and action plan to address the declining rates of reading enjoyment, and prioritise reading for pleasure in its curriculum and assessment review.

"The bad news is that we are at risk of losing a generation," said Cottrell-Boyce. "The good news is that the solution is in our hands."

The NLT surveyed 76,131 children and young people aged five to 18 between 3 January and 14 March this year as part of its Annual Literacy Survey.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Report finds 'shocking and dispiriting' fall in children reading for pleasure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
National Literacy Trust finds only 35% of eight to 18-year-olds enjoy reading in their spare time, a sharp drop on last year to the lowest figure yet recorded

# data[].attributes.headline
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure....” 

# data[].attributes.subject
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure....” 

# data[].attributes.body
Just stumbled across this uplifting article....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," and garbage collectors in Turkey have truly taken that phrase to heart. In the country's capital of Ankara, they have opened a library composed of discarded books headed for landfills.

Since word of the library has spread, people have started donating their unwanted books to the cause. The library was initially intended to be used solely by employees and their families, but as interest grew, it officially opened to the public.

The library, hosted in a former brick factory, now houses over 25,000 fiction and nonfiction works, sorted into 17 categories. It's a great spot for sanitation workers of the Çankaya district of Ankara to take a break.

Following the success of the library, workers have converted a garbage truck into a small mobile library to bring books they collected to nearby schools and other district libraries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Turkish garbage collectors open library of discarded books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," and garbage collectors in Turkey have truly taken that phrase to heart. In the country's capital of Ankara, they have opened a library composed of discarded books headed for landfills. Since word of the library has spread, people have started donating their unwanted books to the cause.

# data[].attributes.body
A simple way to help your literacy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stephen Fry talks about turning on the subtitles

# data[].attributes.body
Kirsten and Aiyven inspire people of all ages to have a love for books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
books\ "childrens books\" reading\ "teen reads\" "books for kids\" \booktube\ "\young adult\" \reading\ \book\ bookstagram\ \mbawabookreviewers\ "\children's...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On this channel, we do children's, middle-grade & young adult book reviews to share our love for reading and writing with everyone especially children like us. Our debut novels; Sagas of Anya (Kirsten) & Land of the Nurogons (Aiyven) are available on Amazon and our website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pick vowels and consonants to build a letters selection, run the clock, and check your words as you go.

Includes conundrum mode and clues, so you can play along at home or over a video call.

Can you help improve Countdown Tools?

There is a short survey about what is useful, confusing, or missing.

You might like: Nick Hewer's book My Alphabet (paid link)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Play Countdown letters rounds and conundrums online with vowel and consonant picks, the timer, and word checking.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Audiobooks can benefit childrens' reading skills, according to new research published by the charity, the National Literacy Trust.

The report looks at the advantages of listening to a recording of a novel being read, and the impact on young readers.

It found that audiobooks can also help with enjoyment as well as mental health and emotional wellbeing.

What is the National Literary Trust?

The charity says its aim is to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need it most.

Getty Images

The research also suggests that listening to a recorded story needs the same mental skills as when reading in print, so audiobooks can help with understanding words and remembering information.

Another benefit is that they can give children access to a broader range of texts as well as engaging readers who might be reluctant, struggling or developing.

Emily Best, from the National Literacy Trust, said: "Audiobooks can be the key to unlocking a child's love of reading. They enable children of all reading abilities and interests to access and explore the incredible world of stories, which are brought to life by a range of exciting voices, different accents and sound effects.

"You can listen to an audiobook almost anytime and anywhere, and in the days of tablets, smartphones and smart speakers, listening to stories is easier than ever before."

In the last year alone the popularity of audiobooks amongst children increased by 138%, with one in three children listening to them for 15 minutes or more a week.
But what's your favourite way to read? Do you love picking up a printed book or do you prefer a digital version? Let us know by voting and commenting below. If you can't see this vote, please click here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Literacy Trust on why audiobooks are good for young readers - CBBC Newsround

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Audiobooks can benefit childrens' reading skills, according to new research published by the charity, the National Literacy Trust. The report looks at the advantages of listening to a recording of a novel being read, and the impact on young readers. It found that audiobooks can also help with enjoyment as well as mental health and emotional wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
Many GCSE pupils never study a book by a black author.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pupils could complete their GCSEs and leave secondary school in England without studying a novel or play by a non-white author, research has found.

The largest exam board in the country, AQA, does not feature a single book by a black author among set texts for its GCSE English literature syllabus, according to a report by the education charity Teach First.

More than half a million pupils sit AQA GCSE English literature every year - 80% of candidates. The AQA syllabus features just two novels by non-white authors - Meera Syal's Anita and Me and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.

Students are currently required to study one Shakespeare play, one 19th-century novel from a selection including Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, one modern text from a selection including Alan Bennett's The History Boys, and one poetry selection.

"There is no doubt that pupils should continue to learn from - and enjoy - the kinds of literary classics they already study today," the report says, but the curriculum fails to represent "the multitude of perspectives and backgrounds that make up our country's diverse population".

AQA said it was reviewing the content of its English GCSE but pointed out that in addition to Syal and Ishiguro, there were four other writers included in anthologies on the curriculum [see footnote].

"We completely agree that students should learn about a diverse range of writers," a spokesperson said. "We're actually already reviewing equality, diversity and inclusion in our English literature GCSE and other qualifications to make sure they're as representative as possible of modern Britain.

"However, it's wrong to suggest that our set texts don't feature any black authors - or that, in a normal year, students might not study any BAME writers."

He noted Claudette Williams' presence in the curriculum's short-story anthology, and added that the poetry anthologies contain BAME authors, "so regardless of other selections made by teachers of what their students will study, they will study work by a BAME, non-white author".

Teach First is calling for exam boards to guarantee at least a quarter of authors in their GCSE English literature specifications are from BAME backgrounds. It says additional funding must be available to train and support teachers so they are equipped to explore racism appropriately with their pupils, and a fund should be set up to help schools to buy books by ethnic minority authors.

Jason Arthur, a Teach First trustee, said: "I left school without studying a single book by a black author. Many years on, and in the wake of worldwide attention on the Black Lives Matters movement, it's a tragedy that this is still the case for many young people today."

Djamila Boothman, an English teacher and assistant headteacher at Woodside high school in Haringey, north London, who contributed to the report, said: " My catchphrase at school is 'you cannot be what you cannot see', and that wholeheartedly applies throughout all of education - from what you're learning, to who is teaching you.

"Changing the English curriculum to include more positive representations of all heritages would ensure that our young people are proud of where they come from and strengthen their relationships with other cultures."

The Department for Education was contacted for comment.

Recommended reads by BAME authors

Andrea Levy. Her book Small island 'provides context for the lived experiences of so many'. Photograph: David Levenson/Getty

Boothman recommends pupils read:

Akala - Natives Akala's personal appraisal of Britain's relationship to race and class engages with students on their level and should become an essential part of rebalanced English courses, she says. "I think it's important that there is a text out there that promises light at the end of the tunnel."

Reni Eddo-Lodge - Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race Boothman believes this work acts as a primer for students trying to articulate what racism is. "Having a text that says the things that they may be feeling or thinking in print, I think there's a lot of power in that," she says.

Andrea Levy - Small Island Fiction can be even more powerful than fact, says Boothman. She includes the Windrush-era story because it "provides context for the lived experiences of so many".

George the Poet - My City Boothman includes work from George the Poet and John Agard, pairing George the Poet's My City with William Blake's London. She says that makes Blake come alive to her London students, who see his ode to the capital differently after engaging with My City.

John Agard - Checking out me history The poem offers an accessible way into an often untold black history with its references to Toussaint L'Ouverture and the Zulu leader Shaka, Boothman says. The use of patois is also important for her: "A lot of the time when you do things like John Agard, the student who gets to be the expert in that lesson - whose granny talks like that - is often the student who's usually in trouble."

* This article was amended on 30 September 2020. Headings and a sentence in text were corrected to reflect the study's finding on the absence of books by black authors (as distinct from work in other literary forms by the wider group of BAME writers. Contrary to earlier headings and the text sentence, some of these do appear in the AQA syllabus). Further detail from AQA was inserted to note the syllabus presence of a Claudette Williams short story in Telling Tales, the AQA Anthology of Modern Short Stories. Two exam-board poetry anthologies include BAME writers Daljit Nagra, John Agard and Imtiaz Dharker.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Many GCSE pupils never study a book by a black author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pupils could complete their GCSEs and leave secondary school in England without studying a novel or play by a non-white author, research has found. The largest exam board in the country, AQA, does not feature a single book by a black author among set texts for its GCSE English literature syllabus, according to a report by the education charity Teach First.

# data[].attributes.body
Children are reading and enjoying reading more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This report outlines findings from our tenth Annual Literacy Survey relating to children and young people's reading in 2020, in addition to findings from our survey of children and young people's reading during the COVID-19 lockdown.

58,346 children and young people aged 9 to 18 in the UK took part in our Annual Literacy Survey between January and March 2020, while 4,141 children and young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK took part in our survey during lockdown between May and early June 2020.

With special thanks to kind financial support from Puffin.

Key findings
Children are reading and enjoying reading more during lockdown

Children's enjoyment of reading has increased during lockdown (from 47.8% pre-lockdown to 55.9% post-lockdown), having reached a 15-year low before lockdown

More than a quarter (27.6%) of children and young people say they are enjoying reading more during lockdown

A third (34.5%) of children and young people say they are reading more during lockdown

Children have turned to adventure, comedy, fantasy and real life stories during lockdown and have found joy in discovering books they'd never read before

Children are reading more fiction (genres: adventure, funny books, realistic stories and magical/fantasy), song lyrics, news, non-fiction, etc. with a real uplift in reading on screen, compared with before lockdown

Almost 1 in 2 (46.3%) children said that they had read new books during lockdown and 1 in 7 (14.1%) had re-read books they have at home

Reading has also provided refuge in this difficult time, supporting children's mental wellbeing and enabling them to dream about the future

3 in 5 (59.3%) children and young people told us during lockdown that reading makes them feel better

3 in 10 (31.6%) said that reading helps them when they feel sad because they cannot see their family and friends

Reading is encouraging half of children (50.2%) to dream about the future

While the gender gap in children's reading has widened during lockdown, audiobooks may provide a route into reading for boys

Lockdown has increased the literacy engagement gap between boys and girls, with the gap in reading enjoyment widening from 2.3 percentage points at the beginning of 2020 to 11.5 percentage points during lockdown. The gender gap in daily reading also widened during lockdown, increasing from a 4.3 percentage point difference at the beginning of 2020 to a 7.4 percentage point difference during lockdown

Audiobooks might be a way to re-engage boys with stories, as this is the only format where more boys than girls said that they enjoy it more and are doing it more often.

Overall, slightly more boys than girls (25.0% vs. 22.4%) said they had listened to audiobooks more during lockdown than before

Audiobooks also appear to offer a way into literacy for boys, with 1 in 2 (51.1%) boys saying that listening to audiobooks has increased their interest in reading, and 2 in 5 (43.2%) saying that it has made them more interested in writing

However, the conditions of lockdown have meant that some children have faced greater barriers to reading
Some children and young people reported that a lack of access to books (with schools and libraries closed), a lack of quiet space at home and a lack of school/peer support had negatively affected their ability to read and their motivation to read for enjoyment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children and young people's reading in 2020 before and during the COVID-19 lockdown | National Literacy Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This report outlines findings from our tenth Annual Literacy Survey relating to children and young people's reading in 2020, in addition to findings from our survey of children and young people's reading during the COVID-19 lockdown.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everything about Anne Frank: her life, her diary, and the Secret Annex. The Anne Frank House was established on 3 May 1957 in cooperation with Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father. We are an independent non-profit organisation that runs a museum in the house where Anne Frank went into hiding and we try…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I'm Anna James and I'm a London-based books and arts journalist, and children's author. Subscribe for primarily booky videos about new releases, book prizes and literary life.

# data[].attributes.headline
Barrington Stoke                      Dyslexia Friendly Books

# data[].attributes.subject
Barrington Stoke                      Dyslexia Friendly Books

# data[].attributes.body
Read first chapters online and find out about new, super-readable books. Download samples to assess your reading age if you are not sure. The books are ‘hi lo’ meaning the content is appropriate to the age of the reader but the text is edited to the reading age.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Every child can be a reader - Barrington Stoke

# data[].attributes.body
If you live, work or study in Shropshire you can become a member - it's free. You can join here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you live, work or study in Shropshire you can become a member - it's free. You can join online and will immediately be able to use many of the e-library services, including e-Books and e-Audio, e-Magazines and e-Newspapers. You'll be able to place requests via the online library catalogue. For instructions on how to join online, follow the link on this page. To borrow books and use the full range of services you'll need to come into a library, with a proof of address, to collect your card.

Also in this section

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you live, work or study in Shropshire you can become a member - it's free. You can join online and will immediately be able to use many of the e-library services, including e-Books and e-Audio, e-Magazines and e-Newspapers. You'll be able to place requests via the online library catalogue.

# data[].attributes.body
The only Graphic Novel & Manga book award!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Excelsior Award is the only nationwide book award for graphic novels and manga - where kids aged 11-18 decide the winner by rating each book as they read it! In 2021, twelve graphic novels/manga will be selected for the four age-appropriate shortlists and it now attracts over two hundred schools from all over the UK and Ireland! The overall goal of this scheme is to encourage reading amongst teenagers. However, its secondary target is to raise the profile of graphic novels and manga amongst school librarians and teachers. This storytelling medium has been a largely underused resource within education for many years. The Excelsior Award attempts to highlight some of the amazing books that are out there - books that fully deserve to be in our school libraries alongside regular fiction!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Excelsior Award is the only nationwide book award for graphic novels and manga - where kids aged 11-18 decide the winner by rating each book as they read it! In 2021, twelve graphic novels/manga will be selected for the four age-appropriate shortlists and it now attracts over two hundred schools from all over the UK and Ireland!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Choose a background theme

Code Name Bananas

SELECT

Gangsta Granny Strikes Again

SELECT

Little Monsters

SELECT

Marmalade - The Orange Panda

SELECT

Megamonster

SELECT

Spaceboy

SELECT

The Midnight Gang

SELECT

The World's Worst Children 2

SELECT

The World's Worst Parents

SELECT

World's Worst Pets

SELECT

The World's Worst Children

SELECT

Awful Auntie

SELECT

Grandpa's Great Escape

SELECT

The Boy in the Dress

SELECT

Mr stink

SELECT

Gangster Granny

SELECT

Demon Dentist

SELECT

Ratburger

SELECT

Billionaire Boy

SELECT

The Bear Who Went Boo!

SELECT

The First Hippo on the Moon

SELECT

The Slightly Annoying Elephant

SELECT

You think YOUR parents are embarrassing? They’ve got nothing on this lot!

We’ve got a brilliant set of FREE boredom-busting activity sheets for David’s brand new book The World’s Worst Parents available to download!

Just click the image below to download your free activity sheets:

The World's Worst Parents

MEET THE WORST PARENTS EVER! These ten tales of madcap mums and dastardly dads will leave you rocking with laughter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Download your FREE World’s Worst Parents activities! - The World of David Walliams

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We’ve got a brilliant set of FREE boredom-busting activity sheets for David’s brand new book The World’s Worst Parents available to download!

# data[].attributes.body
People are reading more and enjoying reading more during lockdown 📚

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) of people are reading more during lockdown

Particular spike among young people (18-24) where almost half (45%) are reading more than before lockdown

7 in 10 have been reading fiction

Crime and Classics very popular categories

Books about fictional epidemics including The Plague by Albert Camus and The Viral Storm by Nathan D. Wolfe (up 1393.2%) are seeing huge sales

Survey results by The Reading Agency to mark World Book Night, celebration of books and reading

The Reading Agency has revealed that the nation is reading more during lockdown with 1 in 3 adults reading more, rising to almost one in two (45%) 18-24 year olds.

Announced on World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading, The Reading Agency is pleased that the survey shows in these difficult times that more people are enjoying the pleasure of a book - in print, in e or in audio.

31% of UK people surveyed (Populus Omnibus survey, 15-16 April, sample 2,103) were reading more since the lockdown began, 51% surveyed said they their reading habits hadn't changed, and only 3% were reading less.

Many people cited reading as a form of release, escapism or distraction and many people also said that having more time was the key driver for increased reading during the lockdown.

Debbie Hicks, The Reading Agency, said:
"This year's World Book Night celebrations provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the proven power of reading to connect people through reading. Never has this connectivity been needed more than at this anxious time of social distancing. Talking about reading and sharing book recommendations on April 23 as part of #Reading Hour will bring individuals, friends and families together to connect a nation in self isolation, whilst also stimulating learning and creativity and providing escapism and relief."

Responses from people surveyed included:

"I can lose myself in a book and it sort of keeps me company as my partner and I live in different places and we have to be on lock down in our own homes many miles apart."
Female, 75

"It has been something I have gotten into, wanting to read on for excitement. It passes the time and I'm learning new things."
Female, 20

"It takes me to another, better place and allows me to escape the current situation for a while."
Female, 67

Other stats revealed include:
* 65+ were the most likely to say reading was beneficial for them (56%)
* Regionally, respondents in Northern Ireland were most likely to say they are reading more since the lockdown began - 39% reading more, followed by:
* London - 34% reading more
* Scotland - 30% reading more
* North East - 33% reading more
* Wales - 31% reading more
* East Midlands - 31% reading more
* South East - 32% reading more
* East - 30% reading more
* Yorkshire & Humberside - 27% reading more

Genres being read:
* The survey showed that people indicated they were reading the same genres as previously, just increasing amount of books.
* Publishers have reported large rises in classic literature e.g. Penguin Classics sales increased 64.5% on the week before lockdown - books were stockpiled too.
* Literature about fictional epidemics including The Plague by Albert Camus and The Viral Storm by Nathan D. Wolfe (up 1393.2%) has done very well.
* 18-24 year olds reading non-fiction (36%), crime fiction (20%) and classic literature (16%)
Find out more about World Book Night.
Looking for your next read? The World Book Night booklist has something for everyone.

Join in the #ReadingHour from 7-8pm on 23 April. Read alone, aloud with someone else, or call a friend to swap recommendations. Share what you're doing on social media using #WorldBookNight and #ReadingHour.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New survey says reading connects a nation in lockdown

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) of people are reading more during lockdown Particular spike among young people (18-24) where almost half (45%) are reading more than before lockdown 7 in 10 have been reading fiction Crime and Classics very popular categories Books about fictional epidemics including The Plague by Albert Camus and The Viral Storm by Nathan D.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
All the latest BBC Bitesize content about fact or fake.

# data[].attributes.body
Information and advice on dealing with worries and feelings, daily life and getting through a tough time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Reading Well is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected as part of the Libraries Connected Universal Health Offer. It is funded by Arts Council England, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Welsh Government.

# data[].attributes.headline
Make Your Own Penguin Classics Book Cover

# data[].attributes.subject
Make Your Own Penguin Classics Book Cover

# data[].attributes.body
Have fun messing around with this tool to create your very own personalised great work!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create and download custom Penguin Classics book covers

# data[].attributes.body
A short film to remind us we’re all different and that’s fine!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The quiet power of introverts | BBC Ideas

# data[].attributes.body
Free classics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to Planet eBook, the home of free classic literature! The latest version of the site, with its mobile-friendly design and multi-format eBooks, attempts to make our collection of eBooks available on all devices.

Existing free eBooks on the web tend to be well beneath the quality of paper books, making them more difficult and less pleasurable to read. In a small way, we're trying to change this. Its goal is to publish a small selection of high-quality eBooks - each a genuine alternative for readers wanting to enjoy reading a book without having to pay for it.

The books we publish in Australia are all in the public domain and out of copyright. Please be sure to check the copyright laws for your country before downloading.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Planet eBook, the home of free classic literature! The latest version of the site, with its mobile-friendly design and multi-format eBooks, attempts to make our collection of eBooks available on all devices. Existing free eBooks on the web tend to be well beneath the quality of paper books, making them more difficult and less pleasurable to read.

# data[].attributes.body
Free classics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Project Gutenberg is a library of over 70,000 free eBooks

Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world's great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks, for you to enjoy.

Trouble downloading or viewing books? Let us know. We have made some fixes that seem to address some issues that had been reported, and we would like to hear if any troubles persist.

No fee or registration! Everything from Project Gutenberg is gratis, libre, and completely without cost to readers. If you find Project Gutenberg useful, please consider a small donation to help Project Gutenberg digitize more books, maintain its online presence, and improve Project Gutenberg programs and offerings. Other ways to help include digitizing, proofreading and formatting, or reporting errors.

No special apps needed! Project Gutenberg eBooks require no special apps to read, just the regular Web browsers or eBook readers that are included with computers and mobile devices. There have been reports of sites that charge fees for custom apps, or for the same eBooks that are freely available from Project Gutenberg. Some of the apps might have worthwhile features, but none are required to enjoy Project Gutenberg eBooks.

50 years of eBooks 1971-2021. In 2021, Project Gutenberg celebrated the first eBook for reading enjoyment and unlimited free redistribution. This eBook was created on July 4, 1971 by Project Gutenberg's founder, Michael S. Hart. Read more about this lasting innovation. Project Gutenberg is grateful to all volunteers who helped to reach this milestone anniversary. Project Gutenberg offers a vibrant and growing collection of the world's great literature. Read, enjoy, and share!

Find Free eBooks

Audio books

Audio books are a great way to enjoy and share literature. Project Gutenberg no longer adds new audio books to the collection, and suggests these audio book resources. These audio books are all freely available and in the public domain in the US. They may be easily played back on computers, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices. They may be shared non-commercially, without limitation except in countries where the printed source is still copyrighted. All of the sources listed below are digitizations of texts from Project Gutenberg.

Project Gutenberg's human-read audio books. 662 titles read by people, sometimes with sound effects or other enhancements. These are from a few different contributors.

Project Gutenberg's computer-generated audio books. 386 titles from 2003, using text-to-speech automation. These are listenable but relatively low quality compared to today's technology.

Human-read audio books from LibriVox. LibriVox is a volunteer community that produces high-quality performances that are done by many different volunteers. Follow the link to find audio books, and also to help create new audio books.

The Project Gutenberg Open Audiobook Collection. Almost 5,000 titles from 2023, via a Project Gutenberg collaboration with Microsoft and MIT. These use neural text-to-speech technology for more natural-sounding computer-generated audio books. These audio books are also available on major music/podcast platforms as well as The Internet Archive. Project Gutenberg and partners were recognized by TIME for this work in their Best Inventions of 2023.

Get Help

How to Help

Distributed Proofreaders welcomes new volunteers. This is the main source of new Project Gutenberg eBooks. Getting started is easy, and just a page a day will help!

Fix and improve Project Gutenberg by reporting errors, bugs, typos, and suggesting changes.

Record audiobooks with our friends at LibriVox.

Special Areas

Terms of Use

Project Gutenberg eBooks may be freely used in the United States because most are not protected by U.S. copyright law. They may not be free of copyright in other countries. Readers outside of the United States must check the copyright terms of their countries before accessing, downloading or redistributing eBooks. We also have a number of copyrighted titles, for which the copyright holder has given permission for unlimited non-commercial worldwide use.

The Project Gutenberg website is for human users only. Use of automated tools to access the website may trigger a block of your access. This site utilizes cookies, captchas and related technologies to help assure the site is maximally available for human users. See full terms of use here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Project Gutenberg is a library of free eBooks.

# data[].attributes.body
Free audiobooks for anyone who struggles to read print material

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We support anyone who is unable to see, read, manipulate or comprehend printed text due to difficulty or inability. This can include:

A learning disability, such as dyslexia;

A brain injury or cognitive impairment such as head trauma or stroke;

A visual impairment or blindness;

Physical dexterity problems, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's disease, arthritis, paralysis, or terminal illness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 1974, Calibre Audio has brought the joy of audiobooks to anyone struggling to access print, so they can immerse themselves in wonderful stories, memorable biographies or travel the world in their mind.

# data[].attributes.body
Homework help, revision and learning resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use BBC Bitesize to help with your homework, revision and learning from KS1 to GCSE. Find free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes.

# data[].attributes.body
Learn through games and quizzes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Kahoot! | Learning games | Make learning awesome!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that brings engagement and fun to 1+ billion players every year at school, at work, and at home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

Select your location for up-to-date news and information in your local area My Area

Get me out of here

Starting secondary school

Love your body, love yourself, #lovehealth

Cookie consent

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. To find out more, review our cookie policy.

Find help in your local area

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health For Teens | Everything you wanted to know about health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Health for Teens offers a great choice of content and quizzes across all areas of your health, from sexual health to your feelings, growing up, lifestyle and much more.

# data[].attributes.headline
Free Audiobooks - Just Register on BBC Sounds

# data[].attributes.subject
Free Audiobooks - Just Register on BBC Sounds

# data[].attributes.body
Many of these books are aimed at an older audience. Please check before listening.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Browse all Audiobooks radio shows, podcasts and mixes in BBC Sounds. See what’s new, what’s popular, or browse by a-z.

# data[].attributes.body
Read free comics online - select ALL - select COMICS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
WB Kids GO! - DC Kids - WB Parents - Games, Movies - and so much more! | WB Kids GO! DC Kids - prod.dckids.com/en

# data[].attributes.body
Free audiobook downloads of classics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free Audio Books! Books Should be Free. Best Online Audiobook Downloads for Android, iPhone & mp3. Listen to Audible & Talking Books on Tape. eBooks in English, French, Spanish, Tamil, Portuguese, German & more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Escape from Wonderland Digital Escape Room

# data[].attributes.body
Digital escape room

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Flora Carmichael and Marianna Spring
BBC Trending

Coronavirus misinformation is flooding the internet.

A UK parliamentary sub-committee is asking members of the public to submit examples. The committee has particularly requested submissions of disinformation spread in private groups and closed apps such as WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, experts are calling on the public to practise "information hygiene".

So what can you do to stop the spread of bad information online?

1. Stop and think

You want to help family and friends and keep them in the loop. So when you receive fresh advice - whether by email, WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter - you might quickly forward it on to them.

But experts say the number one thing you can do to halt misinformation is to simply stop and think.

If you have any doubts, pause, and check it out further.

2. Check your source

Before you forward it on, ask some basic questions about where the information comes from.

It's a big red flag if the source is "a friend of a friend" or "my aunt's colleague's neighbour".

Some of the details in the post were accurate - some versions, for example, encouraged hand washing to slow the spread of the virus. But other details were potentially harmful, making unproven claims about how to diagnose the illness.

"The most reliable sources of information remain public health bodies like the NHS, the World Health Organisation, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA." says Claire Milne, deputy editor of UK-based fact-checking organisation Full Fact.

Experts are not infallible. But they are much more reliable than a stranger's distant relative on WhatsApp.

3. Could it be a fake?

Appearances can be deceptive.

It is possible to impersonate official accounts and authorities, including BBC News and the government. Screenshots can also be changed to make it look like information has come from a trusted public body.

Check known and verified accounts and websites. If you can't easily find the information, it might be a hoax. And if a post, video or a link looks fishy - it probably is.

Capital letters and mismatched fonts are something fact-checkers use as an indicator a post might be misleading, according to Claire Milne from Full Fact.

4. Unsure whether it's true? Don't share

Don't forward things on "just in case" they might be true. You might be doing more harm than good.

Often we post things into places where we know there are experts - like doctors or medical professionals. That might be OK, but make sure you're very clear about your doubts. And beware - that photo or text you share might later be stripped of its context.

5. Check each fact, individually

There's a voice note that has been circulating on WhatsApp. The person speaking in the note says she's translating advice from a "colleague who has a friend" working at a hospital. It's been sent to the BBC by dozens of people around the world.

But it's a mix of accurate and inaccurate advice.

When you get sent long lists of advice, it's easy to believe everything in them just because you know for certain that one of the tips (say, about hand washing) is true.

But that's not always the case.

6. Beware emotional posts

It's the stuff that gets us fearful, angry, anxious, or joyful that tends to really go viral.

"Fear is one of the biggest drivers that allows misinformation to thrive," says Claire Wardle of First Draft, an organisation that helps journalists tackle online misinformation.

Urgent calls for action are designed to ramp up anxiety - so be careful.

"People want to help their loved ones stay safe, so when they see 'Tips for preventing the virus!' or 'Take this health supplement!' people want to do whatever they can to help," she says.

7. Think about biases

Are you sharing something because you know it's true - or just because you agree with it?

Carl Miller, research director of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at think tank Demos, says we're more likely to share posts that reinforce our existing beliefs.

"It's when we're angrily nodding our head that we're most vulnerable," he says. "That's when, above everything else, we just need to slow down everything that we do online."

Learn more about media literacy:

Have you seen misleading information - or something you have doubts about? Email us.

With additional reporting from BBC Monitoring

Follow BBC Trending on Twitter @BBCtrending, find us on Facebook or subscribe to the BBC Trending podcast. All our stories are at bbc.com/trending.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coronavirus: Here's how you can stop bad information from going viral

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Flora Carmichael and Marianna Spring BBC Trending Coronavirus misinformation is flooding the internet. A UK parliamentary sub-committee is asking members of the public to submit examples. The committee has particularly requested submissions of disinformation spread in private groups and closed apps such as WhatsApp.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
YoungMinds are a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
stem4 - supporting teenage mental health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
stem4 is a charity that supports positive mental health in teenagers. Mental health information, apps and education. Founders of Youth Mental Health Day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
We’re Mind, the mental health charity | Mind

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Games

Calling all cruciverbalists! Sharpen your mind with crosswords and word games, or take a brain break with your favorite classic games.
Play 80+ games

Newsletter

Salutations, logophile!

Sign up to get everything a word lover could want: word origins, fun facts, and the latest language trends.

About

Careers

Contact us

Cookies, terms, & privacy

Do not sell my info

Follow us

Get the Word of the Day every day!

My account

© 2024 Dictionary.com, LLC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pick from 1000+ KS2, KS3, GCSE & A Level courses based on exam board specifications. We've condensed the content to what you actually need to know for your exams. Your teacher can also create classes and set homework for any revision topic on the study platform creating the perfect lesson plan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Homework & Revision for A Level, GCSE, KS3 & KS2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free revision for your GCSE & A Level exams. Join over 6.5 million students learning 2x faster across 250+ exam board specific A Level, GCSE & KS3 Courses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A free poetry anthology of wonderful poems - old and new - on the theme of "messages".

The fourteen poets in this eBook - created by Macmillan Children's Books with Forward Arts Foundation - were all National Poetry Ambassadors.

Contributors include: Deborah Alma, Liz Brownlee, Paul Cookson, Sally Crabtree, Joseph Coelho, Jan Dean, Matt Goodfellow, Sophie Herxheimer, Rachel McCrum, Brian Moses, Michaela Morgan, Rachel Rooney, Joshua Seigal and Roger Stevens. The cover is by Harriet Russell.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A free poetry anthology of wonderful poems - old and new - on the theme of "messages". The fourteen poets in this eBook - created by Macmillan Children's Books with Forward Arts Foundation - were all National Poetry Ambassadors.

# data[].attributes.body
Find out what happened on this day in history, access biographies and check out popular quizzes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Britannica Money

Discover all you need to know about retirement, investing, and household finance, without the jargon or agenda. Get reliable guidance, insight, and easy-to-understand explanations, written, edited, and verified to Britannica's exacting standards.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore the fact-checked online encyclopedia from Encyclopaedia Britannica with hundreds of thousands of objective articles, biographies, videos, and images from experts.

# data[].attributes.body
Learning tools and flash cards for free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this special episode for GCSE Film Studies students we are joined by John Rain, host of SMERSHPOD

And author of THUNDERBOOK to talk about the underlying aesthetic of Bond films. Unsuprisingly, we also veer off the topic a bit and end up talking about Marvel films and why Infinity War is better than Endgame and why Film Studies students should watch JFK.

This is our bumepr episode on the Tower of London, the White Tower. William I's residence, symbol of power, refuge of last resort... why was it built? How did it function? How does it fit in with other castles built across England? Why was it white?

This is key episode for the 2021 exam as there will be a 16 mark essay question on this.

Part of the Power and the People Theme Study for Paper 2.

The Chartists weren't the only game in town in the 1800s when it came to reform movements. There were also the Anti-Corn Law League, the anti-slavery Abolitionists and the various social and factory reformers. What tactics did they use and what success did they achieve?

No Geographers were harmed in the making of this podcast.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this special episode for GCSE Film Studies students we are joined by John Rain, host of SMERSHPOD And author of THUNDERBOOK to talk about the underlying aesthetic of Bond films. Unsuprisingly, we also veer off the topic a bit and end up talking about Marvel films and why Infinity War is better than Endgame and why Film Studies students should watch JFK.

# data[].attributes.headline
FREE SPECIAL FAKE NEWS EDITION OF FIRST NEWS

# data[].attributes.subject
FREE SPECIAL FAKE NEWS EDITION OF FIRST NEWS

# data[].attributes.body
Free audiobooks for anyone who struggles to read print material

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We support anyone who is unable to see, read, manipulate or comprehend printed text due to difficulty or inability. This can include:

A learning disability, such as dyslexia;

A brain injury or cognitive impairment such as head trauma or stroke;

A visual impairment or blindness;

Physical dexterity problems, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's disease, arthritis, paralysis, or terminal illness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since 1974, Calibre Audio has brought the joy of audiobooks to anyone struggling to access print, so they can immerse themselves in wonderful stories, memorable biographies or travel the world in their mind.

# data[].attributes.body
Reduce eye strain, help with Dyslexia and Visual Stress.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ColorVeil: Reduce eye strain, help with Dyslexia and Visual Stress

A screen color filter over any application you are using

Helps users with Dyslexia and Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome

Reduce eye strain along with screen brightness

Easily customize the color and opacity of the filter

Match the prescription from the optometrist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dim screen brightness, reduce eye strain, and save energy. It helps with eye strain, Dyslexia, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, or Visual Stress.

# data[].attributes.body
Practical and emotional support if you’re affected by sightloss.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Information Book Award is an annual event, now in its eleventh year, and was a major development for information books. It has been designed to support school libraries and to reinforce the importance of non-fiction whilst highlighting the high standard of resources available.

As well as a panel of judges from education there is also the Children's Choice - where children vote for their favourites in each category and overall favourite - each winner is presented with a trophy. We release the shortlist with activities that can be easily implemented in a school library or classroom setting.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Annual award supporting school libraries and promoting the importance of information resources and excellent non-fiction publishing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Epic Reads | Young Adult (YA) Books & Books for Teens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Young Adult books from A to Z. Including videos, new releases, interviews, top lists and much more!

# data[].attributes.body
Book reviews, news, competitions and activities for all ages.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everything you need to know about children's books and authors, including new books, extracts, reviews, interviews, and competitions.

# data[].attributes.body
A hub of reading ideas and resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
BookTrust transforms lives by getting children and families reading. We are the UK’s largest children’s reading charity. Each year we reach 3.4 million children across the UK with books, resources and support.

# data[].attributes.body
A book-community website with book reviews and recommendations for ages 0-14.  Lot’s of resources, blogs and giveaways!

# data[].attributes.body
Register with an email and get free or discounted ebook tips.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BookBub: Get ebook deals, handpicked recommendations, and author updates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get free and bargain bestsellers for Kindle, Nook, and more, as well as updates from your favorite authors. Sign up free today, and start reading instantly!

# data[].attributes.body
A daily YouTube series.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Shelf Service is a YouTube channel featuring book recommendations from professional librarians launched by CILIP and the Youth Libraries Group in April 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. The videos focus on helping children and families discover new, diverse reading experiences. NSS is supported by Nielsen Book, OverDrive, RB Digtial, Bolinda and Libraries Connected.

# data[].attributes.body
Guidance and advice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It can be a bit worrying choosing GCSE and A Level subjects, let alone further education choices, especially when you don't know what job you want yet . It doesn't have to be.

There are thousands of interesting opportunities and organisations all around the world. They may need someone just like you to come and work for them in a few years' time. It's just a matter of finding out what's out there, what interests you, what you would be suited to and what skills you will need.

That's where First Careers comes in.

Careers inspiration

While you've been busy at school, we've been busy checking out hundreds of organisations to discover the most interesting jobs. From a video game sound designer, to a food and drink manager on a cruise ship, to a football photographer, we've met real people with real jobs, so you can see for yourself what they do each day.

Careers advice with a difference

Our honest job profiles give a taste of what it would be like to land your dream job, plus many of our interviews are carried out by young people, so you get the lowdown on the things that matter most to you (like, whether maths is really important, after all).
Check out our careers library
PARENTS!

If you're not sure how to start a conversation about careers, or how to advise your children on possible careers they may be suited to, why not sit down as a family to watch a few short films, or read some of our day-in-the-life job profiles, then use them to talk about possible career options? Career aspirations start earlier than you think, so it's good to get kids thinking about their futures.

TEACHERS!

Looking for ways to introduce careers advice? Watch our videos in class or print out some job profiles to kick off a discussion about the types of jobs your pupils might be interested in. First Careers is a digital outreach program that brings careers inspiration into your classroom and helps give subjects real world meaning.

Work Experience Opportunities

After you have been inspired, keep an eye on our work experience opportunities tab where you will find the latest exciting openings to see first hand what it's like to work within some of the country's biggest and most successful companies.

First News

First Careers is brought to you by First Group Enterprises Ltd who also publish the children's newspaper First News.

Children can subscribe to First News at home. For details on our education products for schools visit First News Education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
First Careers, careers advice school children | First Careers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
First Careers showcases the world of work to through videos and interviews to inspire young people and school children. Discover professions, jobs, work experience and opportunities to motivate primary and secondary pupils.

# data[].attributes.body
Lessons and resources to support the curriculum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore thousands of high-quality resources for lesson planning and curriculum design. All optional, adaptable and free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Designed and Developed by South West Grid for Learning (http://swgfl.org.uk/)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Report Harmful Content - We Help You Remove Content

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Українські видання книг про Гаррі Поттера тепер доступні для читання онлайн | Ukrainian editions of the Harry Potter stories now available to read online - Pottermore Publishing

# data[].attributes.headline
Ukrainian editions of the Harry Potter stories available to read online!

# data[].attributes.subject
Ukrainian editions of the Harry Potter stories available to read online!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
13th May 2022
Pottermore та A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha роблять книги доступними для безкоштовного читання до подальшого повідомлення. Jump to English text
Всі ми в Pottermore захоплюємося цікавими історіями та прагнемо надати усім бажаючим доступ до книг про Гаррі Поттера, а також до інших книг з Wizarding WorldTM. За десять років роботи ми не тільки збільшили кількість мов, на яких доступні наші електронні та аудіокниги, але й налагодили відносини з книжковими онлайн-магазинами та бібліотеками, завдяки яким ми можемо забезпечити зручний доступ до сервісу для читачів і слухачів у всьому світі.

Коли почалося вторгнення в Україну, наша команда була шокована тим, який вплив це має на безліч людей. Нам, як і всім іншим, хотілося надати хоча б якусь допомогу. Тому ми намагаємося надати безкоштовний доступ до електронних книг про Гаррі Поттера всім, хто постраждав від конфлікту.

Раніше ми не публікували цифрові видання українською мовою, тому у нас виникли деякі труднощі. Проте завдяки винахідливості наших команд, а також доброзичливості та підтримці українського видавництва A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha, нам вдалось зробити ці історії безкоштовними для україномовних користувачів. Книги доступні з більшості пристроїв, підключених до інтернету, на цьому вебсайті.

Наразі ми почали завантажувати тексти книг, які можна прочитати тут . Ми будемо співпрацювати з благодійною організацією Дж. K. Роулінг Lumos та з іншими організаціями, щоб розповсюдити інформацію про таку можливість. Якщо ви знаєте когось, хто зацікавиться цими книгами, будь ласка, приєднуйтесь до нас та поширюйте цю інформацію.

Ми щиро дякуємо всім, хто допомагав нам, і висловлюємо співчуття тим, на кого вплинув конфлікт в Україні. Ми сподіваємося, що доступність цих книг допоможе привнести трохи світла у життя людей, які зараз переживають найтемніші часи.

Команда Pottermore Publishing.
Pottermore and A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha make the stories available to read for free until further notice.
At Pottermore, we are passionate about storytelling and committed to enabling families and children to access the Harry Potter books and other stories from the Wizarding World™. For the ten years we've been in operation, we've been expanding both the number of languages that our eBooks and digital audiobooks are available in, and the relationships with online bookshops and libraries that allow us to create easy access to them for readers and listeners around the world.

When the invasion of Ukraine began, our team were appalled by the impact that it would have on so many children and families and, like everyone else, wanted to do something - however small - to help. And so we've been working to find a way to make the Harry Potter books available to read online, for free, for all of the families whose lives have been so radically impacted by the war.

This has not been without its challenges as we haven't previously published digital editions in Ukrainian. However, thanks to the ingenuity of our teams and kindness and support of the local print publisher, A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha, we've been able to make these stories available to Ukrainian speakers for free. We are providing the books via this website, so that they will be accessible from most web-connected devices, wherever they may be.

We have now begun to upload the book texts which can be read on . We will be working with J.K. Rowling's charity, Lumos, and other charitable and aid organisations to spread the message of their availability. If you see this and know someone who will enjoy reading these, please join us in sharing it too.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the war in Ukraine. We hope that the availability of these stories will help to bring some small measure of light to the lives of so many people living through the darkest of times.

From the team at Pottermore Publishing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Українські видання книг про Гаррі Поттера тепер доступні для читання онлайн | Ukrainian editions of the Harry Potter stories now available to read online - Pottermore Publishing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pottermore та A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha роблять книги доступними для безкоштовного читання до подальшого повідомлення. Jump to English text Всі ми в Pottermore захоплюємося цікавими історіями та прагнемо надати усім бажаючим доступ до книг про Гаррі Поттера, а також до інших книг з Wizarding WorldTM. За десять років роботи ми не тільки збільшили кількість мов, на яких доступні [...]

# data[].attributes.headline
Wanda Darkstar - Dual Language Free Ebook

# data[].attributes.subject
Wanda Darkstar - Dual Language Free Ebook

# data[].attributes.headline
How To Trek The Himalayas - Dual Language Free Ebook

# data[].attributes.subject
How To Trek The Himalayas - Dual Language Free Ebook