As school gets busier, young people have less leisure time and sometimes reading for fun takes a backseat. However, try not to label someone ‘not a reader’: have faith that they’ll find a book they love, or that they’ll come back to reading for fun if they have some time away from it.
- Keep offering books even if a young person has stopped reading regularly: a lot of films and TV are inspired by books, so that’s often a good option. Libraries have ebook borrowing options if they’d prefer that.
- Bookshops, book festivals and libraries often hold free or low-cost author events. Seeing an author in person can be inspiring.
- Continue to read in front of them!
National papers, and young adult outlets such as United by Pop publish regular book reviews.
Monthly Inspiration from BookTrust on what to read for this age group:
The Summer My Wishes Came True
by Radhika Sanghani
This charming story about the challenges of friendships – particularly in Year 8 – has it all: relatable characters, wishes coming true (lie-ins! delicious snacks! sunny weather!), a musical production of Mean Girls, true friends… even a cute boy. The focus is firmly on friendship and being true to yourself, set over two weeks of realising that your friend is now into different things from you. Many readers may recognise this heartbreaking change in the friendship dynamic – this story offers hope that you can make it through a friendship change or break-up.