Earlier this year a report called “What Kids Are Reading 2023” was published. The report looks at more than a million children across 5,000 schools in the UK & Ireland to research – as the name suggests – what the nation’s children are reading.
“The big message coming out of this report, and in other studies, is that when kids are reading for at least 15 minutes a day – and understanding what they are reading – you begin to see accelerated growth. You get optimal growth at thirty minutes a day,” says James Bell, of literacy and assessment provider Renaissance UK, which produced the What Kids Are Reading 2023 report.
Over the last academic year, students have read just over 250,000,000 words through 20,000,000 books, an impressive stat in itself. The report continues to emphasise that when a student practices reading regularly, their overall performance and achievement improves.
The report confirms that “reading time has a direct and positive impact on vocabulary expansion, and there is a fascinating chart that shows the stark contrast between students who read for more than 30 minutes a day, and those reading for only half that time.”
Having a fully stocked school library allows pupils to be curious, innovative and encourages them to use their imagination. Having a school library is an integral part of school life, both socially and culturally. It gives pupils access to knowledge and information, while also letting them share their recommendations socially with peers.
Other benefits of having a fully stocked library include:
- Improved reading attainment
- Improved literacy scores
- Allowing students to have experiences in creating and using the information for knowledge and enjoyment
If you’re wanting to update your library with some new books for your pupils to get their creativity flowing, some of the most popular books being read at the moment are:
Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae (5+)
A friendly cricket encourages him to create his own unique dancing style and Gerald surprises everyone with his elegant movements.
I Want My Hat Back – Jon Klassen (5+)
A bear sets out in search of his missing hat. Along the way, he asks all the animals he meets if any of them have seen his hat. They all say no… but one of them is lying.
Super Kitty – Hannah Whitty (5+)
Kitty is fed up of answering phones at the Sensational Superhero Agency and dreams of catching criminals with the superhero gang. But they ALWAYS leave her behind! Then a call comes in about a stolen dinosaur bone and Kitty takes matters into her own paws, following the superheroes in their pursuit of devious criminal Nefarious Norman! Will Kitty save the day and prove that small is MIGHTY?
Matilda – Roald Dahl (6+)
Matilda is a bright little girl who is very eager to learn. Eventually, her insensitive parents send her to a school run by Miss (The) Trunchbull. She is a cruel authoritarian that loathes children. Matilda befriends her school teacher, Miss Honey.
The Creakers– Tom Fletcher (7+)
With no grown-ups, chaos descends on Lucy’s town. Kids are running wild, building roads of trampolines and eating cereal for every meal – but Lucy wants her mum back, and nothing is going to stop her. Not even the monsters who live in the upside-down world beneath her bed…
Bad Dad – David Walliams (7-12)
Bad Dad is all about a father and son who take on the villainous Mr Big. It’s a riches to rags story that will have you on the edge of your seat and roaring with laughter.
My Mum Tracy Beaker – Jacqueline Collins (7-12)
The iconic Tracy Beaker is now a mum, and this marvellous tale, narrated by her daughter Jess. Tracy works hard to provide Jess with a loving, secure home and they transform their damp, pokey council flat into a palace, with brightly coloured walls and knick-knacks collected from charity shops.
Time Travelling with a Hamster – Ross Welford (9-14)
When 12-year-old Al Chaudry learns there is a time machine, made by his father, sitting in the garage of his old house, he has to go and get it – doesn’t he? Then he can travel back in time and save his father’s life. With his pet hamster Alan Shearer for company, Al is determined to follow his dad’s instructions. But time travel can be tricky and there are strict rules.
A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness (12+)
About a boy who struggles to cope with the consequences about his mother’s illness. He is repeatedly visited in the middle of the night by a monster who tells stories.
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible – Ross Welford (12+)
Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13-year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested medicines and a sunbed. Aided by her friend Boydy, she manages to keep her extraordinary ability secret. Or does she…?
Has this post made you interested in giving your library a refresh?
Speak to our Customer Care Specialists today on 01625 415 400 or drop us an email via hello@f4e.co.uk to get the ball rolling!
