Suffolk Libraries has helped the National Literacy Trust to create a list of 100 books to inspire young readers in Suffolk.
The list of Suffolk’s top 100 children’s books has been published by the National Literacy Trust to boost local children’s reading after recent research from the charity revealed children’s reading enjoyment across the East of England has reached an all-time low.
The National Literacy Trust in Suffolk spoke to children, families, teachers, community leaders, and partner organisations to create a list of the county’s favourite children’s books and graphic novels, named Suffolk 100 Reads.
Suffolk 100 Reads aims to encourage children to discover a love of reading and to read more widely, by inspiring them to try books that have been recommended by their peers and role models. It features books for children of all ages, from early years (0-5) through to teenagers (14+).
Collaborating with Suffolk Libraries, this list has been carefully curated to include old favourites and exciting new titles, and every book featured can be borrowed from our libraries.
Copies of the list can be downloaded from the National Literacy Trust website.
Local authors Lisa Thompson and Anthony Horowitz made the list with their respective books The Day I Was Erased (Scholastic) and Alex Rider: Stormbreaker (Walker Books).
There is a great mix of classic and contemporary recommendations, with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Puffin) and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Penguin Classics) among the titles representing old favourites, while Super Ghost by Greg James and Chris Smith (Penguin) and Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (Hodder Children’s Books) highlight the range of modern authors.
Books based on children’s interests, including hobbies, are a brilliant way to motivate children to read, and the list showcases books about horse-riding, football and even a pair of graphic novel cat heroes.
Faye Smith, Manager at the National Literacy Trust in Suffolk, said:
“When children and young people enjoy reading, they read more often, helping to build vital literacy skills and bringing wider benefits for wellbeing, confidence and learning. With this fantastic list, we want to support local children to find the stories that spark a passion for reading and encourage them to share the stories that speak to them with their friends and family, creating a community of enthusiastic readers.”
Erin Hamilton, Children’s Librarian at Suffolk Libraries said:
“Reading for pleasure is one of the most important indicators of a child's future success and Suffolk Libraries is ideally placed across the county to offer children access to a vast range of reading materials, all which can be borrowed for free. Each of the titles on the Suffolk 100 can be found on our online catalogue and our knowledgeable staff can recommend others.”
To find out more about the National Literacy Trust in Suffolk, visit: literacytrust.org.uk/communities/suffolk.
