We are encouraged that the Committee recognised the UK’s “rich and committed” reading ecosystem, acknowledging that schools, libraries, teachers, parents and community organisations all have an essential role to play in nurturing a lifelong love of reading. We also share the Committee’s concern that access to reading opportunities is not yet equal for all children.

It is this commitment  to equity of access that drives our work to expand the pioneering cross authority Summer Reading Challenge partnership model proven to take the Challenge  into new communities, working across local authorities and wider settings to reach more children, particularly those experiencing disadvantage.

We strongly support the Committee’s call to ensure a lasting legacy from the National Year of Reading. This is an opportunity to build on and amplify programmes that already have a proven track record of impact rather than starting from scratch. Every year, more than 600,000 primary-aged children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, making it one of the UK’s most established and well-loved children’s reading programmes, trusted by libraries and embraced by generations of families. The Challenge encourages children to set themselves personal reading and reading activity related goals over the summer, recognising that reading motivation and confidence looks different for every child and  that fun, choice and enjoyment sit at the heart of a successful reading experience

Building on the momentum of the National Year of Reading, we believe the ambition should be a truly universal Summer Reading Challenge, regardless of where a child lives or the resources available of their local library service. Every primary-aged child should have the opportunity to discover the joy, confidence and life-changing benefits that reading can bring each summer.

We are also delighted to see the role of school and public libraries celebrated by the review and recognition of the work we have been doing with local public library services to help them build partner connections at the heart of local authority reading strategies driven by libraries and aligned reading to delivery in key priority areas.

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Laura Henry-Allain MBE is an award-winning international producer, storyteller and educationalist who has spent her career championing children’s literacy and creativity. This year, she wrote the lyrics to ‘Pick Up A Book‘, bringing together music and reading to celebrate the National Year of Reading.  

We caught up with Laura to hear why libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge have always been such an important part of her family’s life. We also spoke to her son, Rohan, about his memories of taking part as a child, and how the Challenge helped shape the confident reader he is today. 

As a parent, why was the Summer Reading Challenge something you encouraged your children to take part in? 

Laura: Libraries have always been super important to me throughout my life – my childhood library, Kensal Library in North Kensington, was my oasis. My siblings and I would either visit the local adventure playground, Hornimans, which I based my book series Maya and Marley on, or visit the library. In those days it was paper tickets and we were able to borrow up to four books. At home my siblings and I would swap the books among ourselves. 
When my children were little, I ensured that libraries were also central to their lives, and taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge was a no-brainer. The Summer Reading Challenge was a fun and supportive way to keep them reading books during the summer holidays. 

What did your children gain from participating in the Challenge? 

Laura: Taking part in the various themed Summer Reading Challenge activities in the library meant interacting with other children from different primary schools and making new friends. It meant reading new books that may not have previously been on their radar.  

How important are libraries in helping children discover reading for pleasure? 

Laura: Libraries are super important in supporting children reading for pleasure. For example, my eldest son is autistic and his passions were trains, planes and football; he was able to discover fiction and non-fiction books that matched his interests. It was important for him to be able to select his own books, not to have them chosen by me or by his school. 

This year’s theme is Read to the Beat! What inspired you to write Pick Up a Book, and why do music and reading work so well together? 

Laura: As a child I always loved books, despite being dyslexic. I have fond memories of regular visits to my childhood library in North Kensington, where I would transport myself into the world in the book. I love music too and writing the lyrics for Pick up a Book brings together both of my passions.  
The song is truly intergenerational: a 17-year-old from the Rhythm Studio composed the music, it was recorded by the choir from Wendell Park primary school, MC Grammar – rapping teacher, bestselling author and social media sensation, and DJ AG – ‘the people’s DJ’. The Latymer Upper School kindly gifted their theatre for the launch and provided the refreshments for the guests.  
I believe we need to reflect more on how music helps children to develop a love of books. Chris Hodges, the founder of The Rhythm Studio Foundation, where we recorded Pick Up a Book said: “Making a link between reading and music, it is something we don’t necessarily think about.” 

Laura’s reflections show the impact the Summer Reading Challenge can have from a parent’s perspective. But what does it feel like as a child taking part? We spoke to Laura’s son, Rohan, about his memories of the Challenge and how it helped him discover a love of reading that has stayed with him into adulthood. 

What are your strongest memories of taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge? 

Rohan: I remember it well. South Norwood Library has this brutalist architecture that’s quite unique for the area – to this day I’m still not sure if I like it, so it definitely got the brain going before you’d even opened a book. 

What did you enjoy most about taking part each summer? 

Rohan: You’d get stickers for completing books, which was a nice bit of gamification to keep you going. It made the whole thing feel like a bit of a challenge rather than just reading for reading’s sake.  

Did the Challenge encourage you to try books or genres you might not otherwise have picked up? 

Rohan: Definitely. Like most kids I was reading a lot of Captain Underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but the Summer Reading Challenge pushed me towards more ambitious books; the Alex Rider series was a big one for me. I don’t think I’d have picked those up on my own at that age. 

What role did your local library play in your childhood? 

Rohan: My brother and I were quite sporty growing up, but being taken to the library by our parents and childminder really helped with our development. I was diagnosed as dyslexic, so reading wasn’t always a strong skill for me – there were times I’d hide books I needed to read for school homework from my parents because I found the whole experience so frustrating. But going to the library and having the freedom to read things I was actually interested in helped break through the glass ceiling I’d put on myself.  

How did the Summer Reading Challenge change the way you felt about reading? 

Rohan: When reading feels like a chore it’s very easy to switch off from it entirely, but the Challenge made it feel fun, which for a kid who found it difficult made a real difference. It showed me that reading could be something I chose to do, not something done to me. 

“When reading feels like a chore it’s very easy to switch off from it entirely, but the Challenge made it feel fun, which for a kid who found it difficult made a real difference. It showed me that reading could be something I chose to do” 

Looking back now, do you think the Challenge helped you become a more confident or enthusiastic reader? 

Rohan: Yes, without a doubt. I struggled with reading as a child and it knocked my confidence. The fact that I now do a lot of copywriting working in marketing is something I genuinely wouldn’t have predicted, and I think schemes like the Summer Reading Challenge played a quiet but real part in getting me there. 

What would you say to a child who is thinking about signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge this year? 

Rohan: Just give it a go. You don’t have to love reading already, that’s almost the point. Pick books or topics you’re curious about, collect your stickers, and see where it takes you. 

Rohan’s experience is a powerful reminder that reading journeys look different for every child, and that having the freedom to choose books can make all the difference. We asked Laura to reflect on why initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge continue to matter today. 

As a National Year of Reading Ambassador, why do initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge matter? 

Laura: The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to amplify the importance of reading all year round, and as an ambassador for the National Year of Reading, this is an aspect that I promote on my travels, sharing how we can ‘Go All In’ on a book.  

Having seen your own children take part, what would you say to parents who are considering encouraging their children to join this summer? 

Laura: I would suggest they visit their local library and speak to the librarian who can share information on the Summer Reading Challenge and discuss their child’s Early Years setting or school, as many of them are promoting the Challenge.  
I’d also add that there will almost always be a book that their child would love to read. Remember to go at their child’s pace and, above all, to enjoy taking part in the Challenge with their child. 

Why do you think reading for pleasure is so important for children? 

Laura: I believe that every child has the ability to find a book that they love. This is why I am not a fan of the term ‘reluctant reader’; labelling a child does not help and can become a self-fulling prophecy that a child may internalise.  
Adults should sensitively guide and support children to explore a range of reading materials. 

These lyrics in a Pick up a Book amplify my point: 
“Reading your favourite comic  
is reading  
Listening to books with your headphones  
is reading  
Reading a newspaper  
is reading  
Reading signs all day  
is reading  
Reading all day at different times 
Picture books or lots of rhymes 
Chapter books and magazines 
There’s so many things for you to read.” 

Watch the full video here. 

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the National Year of Reading and for the next generation of readers? 

Laura: My hope as an ambassador for the National Year of Reading is that children do indeed read more, and find books that they love, and that as a nation the love of reading continues to touch hearts and minds. 

Laura and Rohan’s story shows that reading isn’t about finishing the biggest books or reading the fastest, it’s about discovering stories that spark curiosity, build confidence and stay with you long after the summer ends.  

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat!, is free to join at your local library. However your child chooses to read, picture books, poetry, comics, audiobooks or chapter books, it all counts. 

This National Year of Reading, Go All In with your interests and pick up a book! Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge here.
Find your local library here.

Looking for a fun end-of-term activity?
We’ve created two free colouring resources inspired by Laura’s Pick Up a Book song. Children can colour and display the song title or design their own book cover, perfect for celebrating reading in the classroom before the summer holidays and getting excited for the Summer Reading Challenge.

• Pick Up a Book Classroom Resource: Letters
• Pick Up A Book Classroom resource: Book covers

This summer, Laura will be hosting a library event in her childhood neighbourhood of North Kensington, London. The session will be based around her book, Maya and Marley and the New Friend, and in the spirit of the 60^th anniversary of the Notting Hill Carnival, children will be invited to decorate their own piece of bunting. Find out more about Laura on her website.

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Written by Kelly Ashley, Lecturer in RfP, The Open University

When teachers consider where to start with building a reading for pleasure (RfP) culture, solutions may focus on what can be seen: creating an inviting library, organising an author visit or refreshing classroom book corners. These visible elements do matter. They show children that reading is valued and can help create excitement around books. But…

These are the surface of a RfP culture, not its substance.

The substance lies beneath in everyday interactions between adults and children as reading choices and habits are revealed. It lives in the teacher who recommends new graphic novels, the teaching assistant who notices a child’s growing fascination with wildlife or in lunchtime conversations about the newest magazine delivery. These moments don’t happen by chance. They are built on adults developing a broad and continually evolving knowledge of texts and readers.

Research into RfP consistently highlights the importance of teachers’ knowledge of contemporary and diverse literature and other texts to inform responsive RfP pedagogy (Cremin et al., 2014; 2024). When adults know a wide range of authors, illustrators, poets and creators, they are better placed to make meaningful recommendations which invite opportunities for authentic, informal book talk. Put simply, the more we know, the more confidently we can help our young people find reads that matter to them and invite conversation.

So how do we strengthen the substance beneath the surface?

1. Surface collective strengths.

All adults in school contribute to the RfP culture. Some may have extensive knowledge of picture books, while others enjoy discovering new authors. Profiling the collective knowledge of staff shines a light on existing expertise and opportunities to discover new treasures together. Build on these communal strengths by creating regular opportunities for colleagues to discover, share and recommend new reads together.

2. Keep discovering together.

Developing knowledge of children’s literature and other texts is an ongoing process. Regular opportunities to explore new reads together can have a powerful cumulative effect, over time. Weave book discovery into the rhythm of school life by sharing read alouds in staff meetings, browsing new titles together or taking part in the Teachers’ Reading Challenge. Through shared discovery, we can broaden our collective knowledge and become increasingly confident in helping others unearth their next great read.

3. Let the substance shine through!

The goal isn’t just to know more books. It’s to use this knowledge to grow connections between readers. A well-timed recommendation, an engaging read aloud or an informal conversation about a newly found author can make reading feel personal, social and meaningful. As adults continue to broaden their knowledge of children’s literature and other texts, these everyday interactions become increasingly responsive, helping more children find reads that reflect their interests, identities and curiosities.

Welcoming libraries, reading events and vibrant displays all help to signal that reading is valued. Their impact is deepened, however, by what lies beneath the surface: adults who continue to grow as readers themselves and create rich opportunities for children to locate, discuss and choose books that matter to them.

When professional knowledge and inspiring environments grow alongside one another, RfP becomes woven into the fabric of everyday school life. Because lasting reading cultures aren’t just built on what we see… they’re built on what lies beneath.

Visit the OU RfP website for more ideas and inspiration.

Find out more about the Teachers’ Reading Challenge here.

References

• Cremin, T., Mottram, M., Collins F., Powell S. and Salford, K. (2014) Building Communities of Engaged Readers: Reading for Pleasure. London: Routledge.
• Cremin, T., Mukherjee, S., Aerila, J.A., Kauppinen, M., Lateela, J. and Sipola, M. (2024) Widening teachers’ reading repertoires: Moving beyond a popular childhood canon, The Reading Teacher, 77 (6) 883-841) https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/trtr.2294

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Sara Pascoe has launched a new campaign encouraging families to turn their train journeys into reading time this summer.

The comedian and host of the Weirdos Book Club podcast, a book review podcast now in its fifth season, kicked off the campaign today by treating schoolchildren to pop-up reading sessions on trains travelling between London, York and Leeds.

Four train operating companies – LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express – have teamed up with The Reading Agency, a UK charity that has hosted the annual Summer Reading Challenge since 1999, which aims to keep children reading outside the classroom over the school holidays.

Colleagues working for the four train operating companies are now planning to hand out tens of thousands of free Summer Reading Challenge activity packs to families over the coming months. Each one contains a copy of Storytime Magazine, sticker booklet, activity sheet, certificate and other fun resources to inspire children aged 4–11 to read more outside of the classroom.

The activity packs will be available on board hundreds of participating services and stations, from Edinburgh to Margate and from Newcastle to London, making it easy for children to get involved wherever their journey begins.

With the government backing 2026 as the National Year of Reading, the initiative comes at a crucial time for families.

New research from The Reading Agency shows nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents are worried about children being bored during the summer holidays and over half (51%) struggle to keep them engaged and stimulated. At the same time, over two-thirds (68%) say the rising cost of summer activities puts pressure on their family.

As families look for affordable ways to keep children entertained and connected, the research highlights reading as a simple, attainable activity that can positively support children’s wellbeing.

More than four in five parents (84%) believe reading benefits their child’s mental wellbeing, while 87% say it helps children build confidence or emotional skills. Meanwhile, four in five (80%) say getting lost in books helps children feel less lonely. 

Reading has also been shown to improve children’s connection to others, with 71% of parents saying their child is more likely to read if their friends are reading.

This is the first partnership of its kind between all four rail companies, supporting families looking for affordable and enriching ways to spend time together this summer. With railcards and family fares available across the networks, travelling by train offers a convenient way to access cultural destinations and days out. By encouraging reading enroute, this initiative helps make every journey part of the adventure.

Karen Napier MBE, Chief Executive at The Reading Agency, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is all about helping children discover the joy of reading in ways that feel fun and easy. By working in partnership with LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express, we’re reaching families where they are and turning every journey into an opportunity for imagination, creativity and shared family moments. It’s a powerful way to help more children enjoy reading, wherever the summer takes them.”

Sara Pascoe, comedian and host of the Weirdos Book Club podcast, said: “I’ve always loved reading when I’m travelling. It has a brilliant way of making the journey feel like part of the adventure rather than just the bit in between. It was such a joy to surprise children on the train, share stories together and see children getting excited about the books. It’s such a simple idea, but turning travel time into reading time is a lovely, easy way to keep kids entertained this summer and help them discover the fun of reading wherever they are.”

The Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “Train journeys are the perfect opportunity to pick up a good book, and this wonderful reading challenge will help more young people discover the joy of reading during their summer holidays and beyond. This initiative from four publicly owned operators shows the kind of joined-up, passenger-focused railway we’re building as we set up Great British Railways, working as one organisation to deliver a difference for communities across the UK.”

Find your local library and sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge here.

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• Starting July 4th, families will be able to sign up to The Reading Agency’s free 2026 Summer Reading Challenge – the UK’s biggest reading programme for children – delivered in partnership with Universal Music Group UK
• This year’s Read to the Beat theme blends stories, rhythm, performance and creativity, and includes free library events, celebrity readings and a nationwide creative competition with the chance to win family tickets to Bestival
• Summer Reading Challenge comes as research from The Reading Agency finds nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents say their children can feel bored during the summer holidays and 44% worry about their child’s wellbeing
• More than half (55%) say their child misses out on activities because of cost 
• Parents overwhelmingly see reading as a positive solution, with 84% saying it benefits their child’s mental wellbeing 

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge launches Super Sign-Up Saturday on 4th July, with this year’s theme titled Read to the Beat. Created in partnership with Universal Music Group UK, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music entertainment company, this year’s theme celebrates the connection between the proven power of reading with music’s unique ability to inspire, connect and engage young people, encouraging children to discover new stories, explore different perspectives and unlock their own creativity.

Our new research reveals many children face a summer holiday shaped by boredom, loneliness and a lack of routine, while families across the UK struggle with the rising cost of keeping children entertained. To tackle this, families are encouraged to sign up for the free Summer Reading Challenge, the UK’s biggest reading programme for children, online or at their local library. This year’s Read to the Beat theme has been created in partnership with Universal Music Group UK. 

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is a flagship moment within the Government-backed National Year of Reading and forms part of the Go All In campaign, a nationwide movement bringing together libraries, schools, publishers, charities and cultural organizations to inspire a new generation of readers. 

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge 

Book titles featured in this year’s challenge include Space Band by Tom Fletcher, Lil’ Muffin by Romesh Ranganathan and Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae. Throughout the summer, authors, musicians and celebrity ambassadors will visit libraries across the UK for free family events, readings and activities linked to the challenge. 

For the first time, children taking part in the Challenge will be encouraged to set personalised reading goals based on their own interests, from exploring new genres to discovering audiobooks, poetry or graphic novels. Each participating child will also receive a special edition of Storytime magazine packed with musical activities, games and new and classic stories.

The Challenge is run in partnership with public libraries, which remain one of the few free, inclusive community spaces available to families throughout the summer holidays, offering access to books, activities, creativity and connection at a time when many households are under financial pressure.

This summer, one lucky family could win the ultimate festival experience – a family ticket (two adults and two children) to Camp Bestival 2027, complete with travel and food vouchers for the weekend. Families can enter by completing The Reading Agency’s family survey, sharing what they’ve read and listened to over the summer.

Karen Napier MBE, Chief Executive of The Reading Agency, said: “For most children, the summer holidays are something they look forward to all year, being a chance to have fun and explore new interests. But for parents, the long break can also bring real challenges, particularly when it comes to finding low-cost ways to keep children engaged over six weeks away from school.
Our research shows that reading can play a powerful role in supporting children’s wellbeing during the holidays. Getting lost in books and stories boosts their confidence and mood, sparks imagination and helps them feel connected to the world around them.
The Summer Reading Challenge gives families a fun and accessible way to make reading part of their summer, while discovering everything their local library has to offer. We’d love to see more parents visiting their local library and joining the challenge during Super Sign-Up Saturday.”

Sharlotte Ritchie, Senior Director of Global Impact & Communications at Universal Music Group, said: “Reading and music provide a gateway to new worlds and emotions that spark curiosity and imagination. Universal Music Group UK and The Reading Agency are bringing both together for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. By signing up to the Challenge, families and children across the UK will have the chance to find more moments of excitement, creativity, and inspiration in the school holidays.” 

The realities of the summer holidays

The Reading Agency’s research shows parents report children feeling bored, lonely and without a routine in the summer holidays: 

• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents say their children can feel bored during the summer holidays
• 43% of parents say they can feel lonely away from friends and classmates.
• More than half of parents say their child misses the routine of school over the summer break (54%) and that they find it difficult to keep them engaged and stimulated (51%).

At the same time, households across the country are heading into the holidays under growing financial strain, feeling the impact of rising living costs. Parents report: 

• Over two-thirds (68%) of parents say the rising expense of summer activities puts pressure on their family
• Over half (55%) of parents say their child misses out on activities during the holidays because of cost.
• More than seven in ten (71%) parents say they rely on free or low-cost activities during the summer break
• And three in five (62%) parents say they worry about the cost of summer activities affecting their own wellbeing.

Why reading matters

As families look for affordable ways to keep children entertained and connected over the long summer break, the research highlights reading as a simple, accessible activity that can positively support children’s wellbeing.

• More than four in five parents (84%) believe reading benefits their child’s mental wellbeing
• 87% of parents say reading helps children build confidence or emotional skills
• Meanwhile, four in five (80%) parents say getting lost in books helps children feel less lonely
• Reading has also been shown to improve children’s connection to others, with 71% of parents saying their child is more likely to read if their friends are reading.

Yet despite recognizing the benefits, many families say shared reading can be difficult to prioritise during the summer holidays. 

• Only 41% said they regularly read together, falling behind other activities such as watching TV and films (57%) and spending time outdoors (60%).
• The majority of parents (69%) wish they had more time to read with their child.

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge here.

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The Reading Agency has announced a partnership with digital agency RamJam to redevelop the Summer Reading Challenge digital platform, creating a year-round, gamified experience that keeps children reading – and connected to their local library – long after the summer ends.

The announcement builds on the exciting new digital incentives introduced for the Summer Reading Challenge 2026. For the first time, children have been able to collect digital cards, access exclusive author content, explore digital magazines and eBooks, and unlock rewards as part of their Challenge experience.

The new platform will take this a step further, evolving the digital offer from a summer activity into a year-round experience that puts children in control of their own reading journey, with libraries at the centre.

A Year-Round Reading Journey

Children will be able to create personalised reading profiles, earn rewards and achievements, and unlock new content as they read and visit their local library throughout the year.

Designed with inclusion at its heart, the platform will support children of all reading abilities and backgrounds, making it easier for every child to discover the joy of reading for pleasure.

The digital experience is intended to complement the library experience. Library visits, conversations with staff and volunteers, discovering books and celebrating reading achievements will remain at the heart of the Summer Reading Challenge, while the new platform creates additional moments of excitement between visits, giving children more reasons to continue reading and stay connected to their local library.

It will also create opportunities for positive and purposeful multimodal reading experiences driven by brilliant book content, helping children discover stories, celebrate their progress and share their reading with family and friends.

Understanding How Children Read Today

As children’s reading habits continue to evolve, the platform will create opportunities to better understand what children choose to read, how they discover stories and the different formats they engage with.

Insights from the Summer Reading Challenge show the importance of choice and autonomy, with 96% of parents agreeing that their child enjoyed selecting their own books. Evidence also shows that flexible, inclusive formats can help create accessible pathways into reading and support sustained engagement (The Reading Agency, 2024, 2025).

By building a richer picture of children’s reading behaviours, libraries will be better placed to shape collections, activities and recommendations that reflect the ways children and families engage with reading today.

Developed with Libraries and Young People

The redevelopment will be informed by extensive consultation with library partners across the UK. A key priority will be ensuring the platform strengthens libraries’ relationships with families and communities while fitting seamlessly into existing services.

The project also builds on The Reading Agency’s wider reading innovation work, including its recently announced Arts Council England-funded partnership with Libraries Rising, placing young people at the heart of shaping the future library reading experience.

Through co-creation with young people and library services across England, the programme will explore how multimodal experiences and digital innovation can open up reading for all types of readers and help libraries connect with new generations of children and young people.

Insights from this work will help inform the development of the new Summer Reading Challenge platform, ensuring it reflects the interests, motivations and reading behaviours of children and young people themselves.

Karen Napier MBE, CEO of The Reading Agency

“Reading is changing in the digital age, and we know our sector needs to respond to new technologies. The digital incentives we’ve introduced this summer are just the beginning. Through our partnership with RamJam, we have an opportunity to create something genuinely transformative: a platform that meets children where they are, celebrates their reading in new ways and gives them more reasons to return to their library throughout the year.

“What excites us most is the opportunity to build this alongside libraries and young people themselves. By combining the trusted relationships libraries already have with families with thoughtful digital experiences and co-creation, we can help even more children discover that reading can be enjoyable, relevant and part of everyday life.”

Tom Jackson, Managing Director, RamJam

“The Summer Reading Challenge already has an incredible ability to inspire children to discover the joy of reading and connect with their local library. Our role is to help create a digital experience that extends that magic beyond the summer, giving children new ways to celebrate their reading, explore stories in different ways and stay engaged throughout the year.

“At RamJam, we design and build digital experiences that enrich and entertain people’s lives. We’re excited to work closely with The Reading Agency, libraries and young people to create something that’s inclusive, engaging and useful for children and families across the UK.”

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Libraries already play a vital role in supporting reading, creativity and community. This project will celebrate that success by working directly with young people to shape future library experiences around their interests, aspirations and ideas.

Launching in July 2026, the project will involve library services in Camden, Norfolk, North Northamptonshire, Stockton, Knowsley, Kent, North Devon, Sandwell and Kirklees, spanning every region of England. Young people aged 10–16 will help shape the programme from the outset, while participating libraries will receive Libraries Rising SparkSpace training to strengthen youth engagement and co-creation skills.

Building on The Reading Agency’s wider work in library innovation, and at a time where young people’s reading engagement is seeing small signs of growth but still comparatively low with only 1 in 5 (19%) 11-17-year-olds reading daily,1 the project will also explore how digital experiences can support reading engagement and help libraries connect with new generations of readers.

The project will be supported by RamJam, an immersive creative studio based in Brighton, bringing expertise in creative technologies and participatory design to help co-create engaging digital experiences with young people.

By June 2028, the resources, frameworks and tools developed through the programme will be shared with library services across the UK, creating a lasting national legacy.

Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “Young people are at the heart of the future of reading. As libraries inspire the next generation of readers, the involvement of young people in shaping that future will make a real and positive difference. Co-creation gives us a wonderful opportunity to understand what reading means to young people today, what excites them, and how
libraries can brilliantly continue to support their interests and ambitions. We are grateful to Arts Council England for supporting this project as we work together to ensure that libraries remain vibrant spaces where every young person can discover the joy and benefits of reading.”

Tabitha Witherick, Chief Executive, Libraries Rising said: “ We know that if young people are going to engage with libraries and reading, they need to see themselves reflected in those spaces and experiences. That means creating genuine opportunities for young people to shape what libraries look like in the future, and how they experience reading. Libraries already sit at the heart of communities, and by listening to young people and building with them, we can make sure they remain empowering and inspiring spaces for the next generation of readers. We’re really grateful to Arts Council for helping make this work possible and excited to work alongside young people and the partnership to explore the opportunities that reading can create.”

James Urquhart, Interim Director Literature, Arts Council England said: “I’m pleased that we have awarded National Lottery funding of £367,840 to The Reading Agency for its joint project with Libraries Rising to develop young people’s reading engagement through libraries during the National Year of Reading. This timely project works with children and young people to strengthen their voice and agency for shaping their own reading appetites in and beyond libraries. Nine participating library services in different parts of England will benefit from training and digital resources to increase access for young people, nourish habits of reading and increase the confidence of library staff in working with young people – all outcomes that will yield rewards for years to come.”

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The winners of this year’s Society of Authors’ Awards were revealed 18 June, with a
number of talented young writers returning from previous years’ ceremonies. Find out about the full awards list here:https://bit.ly/4uKP4rq.

The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize

The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize is awarded to a UK or Irish writer, or a writer currently resident in those countries, for a novel focusing on the experience of travel away from home. In memory of Malcolm Lowry and endowed by Gordon Bowker, his biographer, and Ramdei Bowker. Judged by Soula Emmanuel, Anietie Isong and Derek Owusu.

The 2026 Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize winner is Salma Ibrahim for Salutation Road.

This year’s runner-up is Ground by Jadelin Gangbo.

The Queen’s Knickers Award

Sponsored by its founder Nicholas Allan, the Queen’s Knickers Award is an annual prize for an outstanding children’s original illustrated book for ages 0-7. It recognises books that strike a quirky, new note and grab the attention of a child, whether in the form of curiosity, amusement, horror or excitement. Judged by Ella McLeod, Jasmine Richards and Harry Woodgate.

The 2026 Queen’s Knickers Award winner is X. Fang for We Are Definitely Human.

This year’s runner-up is The Tour at School by Katie Clapham and illustrator Nadia Shireen.

Get involved

What do you think of the 2026 winning titles? Which have you read and what will be added to your TBR pile? Add your comments below, or click any title above to leave a review.

Libraries can order free print and digital packs from our shop.

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, X and Instagram using #SoAwards.

Keep up with all the latest news on the Society of Authors’ website.

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The post The Society of Authors announces the 2026 winners for the Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize and the Queen’s Knickers Award appeared first on The Reading Agency.

The Teachers’ Reading Challenge is your summer to do exactly that, and go back in September with a reading life that feeds straight into your classroom’s reading culture. Here’s why it’s worth it.

1. You’ll enjoy it!

The Teachers’ Reading Challenge is about books you choose, at your own pace, across your summer holiday.

You can follow a themed badge – Laugh Out Loud, Poetry Power, Great Graphic Novels, Rebel Grrls, We Are Family Too, Black British Brilliance – or simply read five books from the children’s and YA lists. There’s no fixed order, no assessments, no hoops. Just a genuinely inspiring reading list, and the time to get into it.

2. You’ll find books your class will love

The lists are built around the books children are reading right now. Which means the titles you discover this summer become the recommendations you reach for in September. We know that as a reading role model, your recommendations will really land with your class and start the new academic year off brilliantly.

3. You’ll feel more confident talking about reading

Teachers who took part in the 2025 Challenge highlighted a range of positive impacts, mostly commonly being introduced to new authors and illustrators (81%) and broadening their knowledge of children and young people’s literature (72%). Around two-thirds (67%) also reported feeling more confident in promoting reading for pleasure.

That confidence shows up in small, everyday ways: a better answer when a child asks what to read next. A more instinctive reach for the right book, and a richer, more natural book talk.

4. It connects your reading to your pupils’ reading

One of the things teachers told us they loved most was the link between their own summer reading and what their children were doing. When you have that shared understanding of books, you can meet children where they are.

Several teachers described using their summer reading directly: making classroom displays of staff recommendations, connecting titles to the Summer Reading Challenge, or using what they’d read to spark independent reading time and book clubs. The reading doesn’t stay on holiday – it comes back with you.

5. You’ll be part of something

More than anything, teachers said they joined to be part of a community of readers. Not a formal network. Just the feeling of reading alongside people who care about the same things you do.

One librarian recruited three members of the science department. They read pupil recommendations together and built a library display out of it. “It’s so important for pupils to see teachers engage with books,” she said.

Teachers who responded to our 2025 survey were asked whether they would recommend the Challenge to a colleague – and every teacher who answered said that they would.

Sign up for the Teachers’ Reading Challenge this year. It’s free, it’s flexible, and your summer reading list is waiting!

The post Five reasons to do the Teachers’ Reading Challenge this summer appeared first on The Reading Agency.

Supported by HarperCollins and delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with The Open University, the Teachers’ Reading Challenge encourages teachers, school staff and librarians to explore diverse children’s books and unlock the transformative power of reading for pleasure for children and young people.

This year’s Author Ambassadors are:

• Samantha Lewis, former science teacher, producer and author of the Elements of the Day and Forces of the Day series
• Jack Meggitt-Phillips, bestselling author of The Beast and the Bethany and Jekyll vs Hyde series
• Rashmi Sirdeshpande, award-winning author of the Hari Kumar series and advocate for underrepresented voices in children’s publishing
• Adam Stower, acclaimed illustrator and author of the beloved Murray and Bun series

Together, the ambassadors will champion the importance of reading for pleasure, helping educators discover books that spark curiosity, creativity and connection.

Samantha Lewis said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for the Teachers’ Reading Challenge – and I’m especially excited to champion non-fiction books! There are so many titles that cover a wide variety of topics in new and engaging ways – and I’d love to help teachers, librarians and education staff explore more of what’s out there. And I hope that together, we can inspire even more children to unlock a lifelong love of reading for pleasure.”

Jack Meggitt-Phillips said: “I am constantly in awe of the work that teaching staff do to promote reading for pleasure, at a time when there’s so much else competing for children’s attention. I am thrilled to be supporting the Teachers’ Challenge to help share and celebrate the stories that will inspire the next generation of readers.”

Rashmi Sirdeshpande said: “Being an Author Ambassador for the Teachers’ Reading Challenge means so much to me because it’s a chance to support the incredible teachers, teaching assistants and librarians who are out there finding fresh ways to encourage and engage young readers. Their work makes such a huge difference.”

Adam Stower said: “I am proud to be an author ambassador for the Teachers’ Reading Challenge. I am happy to support the effort to champion reading in schools and help children on their journey to a lifelong love of reading for pleasure. It is such a strong foundation for their future development and wellbeing. Reading for pleasure will build their confidence, expand their knowledge and understanding, feed their curiosity and stimulate their imagination. It is a wonderful thing, and I hope the Teachers’ Reading Challenge will be a positive turning point in the lives of all the children it reaches.”

Alongside the ambassador programme, the Teachers’ Reading Challenge is launching a series of free online author events for schools and libraries, offering children opportunities to meet authors, discover new books and take part in creative, interactive activities.

The programme begins on 25 June with a special Summer Reading Challenge storytime event featuring debut children’s author and former teacher Sian Radford and her picture book, My Little Drummer. Inspired by her own experiences of ADHD and neurodivergence, the playful and imaginative story celebrates creativity, connection and different ways of experiencing the world.

On 2 July, bestselling author Andy Shepherd will invite Key Stage 2 pupils into the enchanting world of her new series, The Wood Where Magic Grows, in an event packed with fascinating facts about trees and activities encouraging children to begin growing stories of their own. The event celebrates imagination, bravery and children’s connections with the natural world.

Award-winning author and illustrator and Teachers’ Reading Challenge Author Ambassador Adam Stower will host an interactive draw-along event on 9 July, introducing children to his much-loved Murray and Bun series and sharing how he writes and illustrates his stories. Budding artists will be guided through his creative process and encouraged to bring their own ideas to life.

The autumn programme continues on 25 September with award-winning author and literacy advocate Rashmi Sirdeshpande, who will host a lively event celebrating her new middle-grade series, Hari Kumar: Ultimate Superstar. Through reading, doodling and storytelling, children will explore character creation and discover the joy of expressing themselves creatively.

All events are free to attend via Zoom webinar and include opportunities for participating children to submit questions to authors and illustrators during live Q&A sessions.

Educators can find out more about the Teachers’ Reading Challenge and register for upcoming events at teachersreadingchallenge.org.uk.

The Teachers’ Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with The Open University and with generous support from HarperCollins.

The post Teachers’ Reading Challenge unveils 2026 Author Ambassadors and free programme of author events to inspire reading for pleasure appeared first on The Reading Agency.