About the Summer Reading Challenge

The 2009 Summer Reading Challenge will be the 11th annual challenge. The Reading Agency will be inviting children all over the UK to embark on a fantastical adventure and become a Questseeker.

The theme is all about the power of the imagination. It will take young readers into a mysterious and wondrous land where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with books. It also promotes the library as a place of wonder and excitement, where librarians can offer children invaluable advice and guidance to help them through their quest.

Background

Research shows that the Summer Reading Challenge improves children's confidence and sends them back to school fired up and ready to learn. It is now the UK's biggest promotion of children's reading and attracts major partners like the BBC.

Ninety-seven percent of libraries in the UK are involved in the Summer Reading Challenge. The Reading Agency asks all participating libraries fill out an online evaluation form at the end of each Challenge to help plan the following year's Summer Reading Challenge.

Eight-year-old James from Solihull has done the Summer Reading Challenge for the last two years with his mum Karen.

"I think the Summer Reading Challenge is good because reading puts lots of good images in my head, and it makes me really want to finish the book I'm reading."

"I'd say to other parents that sharing a book with your child can be a really special time together. The Summer Reading Challenge will help you find books they'll be interested in. And it's all free - it doesn't cost anything to join your local library and take out a book."