SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

The Summer Reading Challenge is the largest UK reading promotion for young people aged 4–11 years and is organised by The Reading Agency. It is run in public libraries during the school holidays and each year takes a different theme (1999 The Reading Safari; 2000 The Reading Relay; 2001 The Reading Carnival and Reading Challenge Plus; 2002 The Reading Planet; 2003 The Reading Maze; 2004 Reading Roller Coaster; 2005 The Reading Voyage; 2006 The Reading Mission; and 2007 The Big Wild Read. The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at 4–11 year olds and simply challenges children to read at least six books during the summer holidays. Each year lively themes and graphics are chosen allowing libraries to explore new images, events, activities, and partnership opportunities. There are posters, banner, wall displays and display bins. The core package consists of invitations, collector folders, stickers, posters, banners, bookmarks and medals. Evaluation is proving that taking part makes a difference to children’s reading confidence, skill, enjoyment, and motivation.

Summer Reading Challenge 2007 - The Big Wild Read

The Big Wild Read is a challenge to keep you busy all summer long!The aim is to read six books from your library, keeping track of them in a special folder as you go. As well as reading books, you'll find out about endangered animals and ways to help the environment. There are also some great scratch and sniff stickers to collect along the way. Watch out though - some of them stink!

How do I take part?

All you have to do is get down to your local library to pick up your folder and get started. Most libraries in the UK are taking part in The Big Wild Read.

How can reading books help the environment?

That's where our partners come in! For every book you read, you can stick a tree token from your sticker sheet in your folder. At the end of the challenge, all the tree tokens will go towards planting real trees thanks to the Woodland Trust's Tree for All campaign.

Our target is to plant 20,000 new trees this autumn, but we need your help to do it!

What is Breathing Places?

The Big Wild Read is linking to BBC's Breathing Places, a special campaign to get you in touch with nature! It ties in with BBC nature programmes such as Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and nature shows on CBBC and CBeebies, and it also links up with leading wildlife and conservation organisations. You can find out more about what's happening in your area at bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces

What books should I read?

You can read any books you like from your local library. You can read novels, fact books, joke books, picture books - anything you like! It really is up to you to make your own choices.

Do I get anything if I finish the challenge?

Most libraries give out Big Wild Read Certificates, and some libraries offer other incentives too. You'll have to check with yours to find out exactly what's on offer.

Do any other countries do the Big Wild Read?

Yes, 28 different countries around the world will be joining in The Big Wild Read, thanks to the British Council. So make sure you join in too!

The booklists

The books in these lists been specially selected to suit the needs of ESL and EFL children.

Summer Reading Challenge books for 4-7 year-olds  

Summer Reading Challenge books for 7-12 year-olds

Be interactive

As part of the project we will be using the enCompass webboard to discuss books in the Summer Reading Challenge but anyone taking part in the challenge is free to add their comments to the board. We will be arranging chats between reading groups participating in the Summer Reading Challenge. Also all the books will be listed on the site with the option for you to add reviews.

The British Council Summer Reading Challenge 2007 is organised by Julie Tweedale.