Literacy

As we celebrate World Book Day in the UK, our country's strong connection with children's books is clear to see. It is a reminder of how fortunate we are to have a strong children's book publishing industry, evident as schoolchildren mark World Book Day by dressing up as their favourite characters from Harry Potter to Paddington Bear.  Read more

When he joined the army, the author had the reading age of an 11-year-old. But he can still remember the pride he felt at reading his first book

I joined the army straight out of juvenile detention at the age of 16. I was no criminal mastermind - I burgled the same block of flats repeatedly and was always going to end up getting caught.  Read more

Research data from 160,000 adults in 31 countries concludes that a sizeable home library gave teen school leavers skills equivalent to university graduates who didn't read

"A lot of parents assume that once kids begin to read independently, that now that is the best thing for them to do," said Maggie McGuire, the vice president for a website for parents operated by Scholastic.  Read more

National Literacy TrustUK-based organisation which has campaigned since 1993 to improve literacy standards across all age groups. Excellent research information and details of the many initiatives the charity is currently involved in. www.literacytrust.org.uk. It also has a useful page of news stories on UK literacy, which links to newsletter http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx campaign 'Reading Stars', with Premier League footballers such as Theo Walcott, is a huge success, inspiring more children to read and raising library attendance and literacy.