Project Aims to get Boys into Books

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 26/02/2008

On Tuesday February 26th teenage boys from New Summerseat House will be attend the launch of the a new national book reading scheme backed by education Secretary Alan Johnson.
The scheme - Boys into Books - is principally aimed at boys aged between 11 and 14, because research suggests boys enjoy reading at primary school but lose interest after the age of 11. As part of the scheme Secondary Schools across the UK will be given free books from a list of 20, aimed at teenage boys.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said: "Boys tend to read less than girls, and some lose the reading bug completely after they change schools at 11.  This initiative will help boys re-acquire the reading habit, and try out a wider range of great books.  Reading can enrich their lives by freeing their imagination, inspiring creativity and developing intellectual curiosity."

All pupils at New Summerseat House, a local pupil Learning Centre, have a reading session each morning. Not only has this raised reading ages of the young people who attend, but has encouraged a love of reading for pupils and staff alike! Year 10 have recently read Pirates of the Caribbean, whilst another group have been reading Darren Shan books. Year 9 are currently reading 'Face' by Benjamin Zephaniah.

Boys into Books is just one of the projects which are happening in Bury as part of the National Year of Reading celebrations.  Over the coming year expect to find poetry, cake, music and romance all at your local library.   If you haven't been to the library lately do pop along, there is something for everyone and best of all it's free.