National Year of Reading: Resources
This page brings together a curated collection of resources supporting the National Year of Reading, developed by UKLA and by partner organisations across the literacy and education sector.
The resources shared here are grounded in research and professional practice and are designed to support reading for pleasure across homes, schools and communities. They include practical ideas, guidance, research summaries and materials to support educators, families and literacy practitioners in nurturing confident, motivated readers.
Alongside UKLA-developed resources, this page also highlights materials created by partner associations and organisations, reflecting the collaborative nature of the National Year of Reading. Together, these resources showcase a wide range of approaches to supporting reading, recognising that effective literacy practice is strengthened through shared expertise and collective action.
Resources will be added and updated throughout the year, offering ongoing inspiration and support for those working with children and young people. We encourage UKLA members and the wider literacy community to explore, adapt and share these materials in ways that best meet the needs of their settings and communities.
Children’s Book Guide
The UKLA Book Awards Team, with the assistance of their teacher judges, along with a cohort of other UKLA children’s book experts and lovers have come together to curate a selection of high-quality texts for children.
The selection is organised by different interests and hobbies that young people have – history, science, music, etc. – so that you can engage your children in reading through enriching their pre-existing passions. Almost all the recommendations are texts that have been recognised at the UKLA Book Awards, the others are loved by parents and teachers on the UKLA team.
Books For..
Resources from our Partners
School Library Association
Our friends at the School Library Association have put together a toolkit to provide ideas inspiration for activities that libraries can conduct over the course of the year. Covering a range of budgets and levels of experience, the toolkit is a valuable resource for those looking to engage their students in library-based activities this year
University of Sussex
The Centre for International Education at the University of Sussex has been working on the Faster Read project for some time. The project ‘aims to develop the reading comprehension, interpretation and engagement of students, including ‘struggling readers’. The innovative pedagogy combines immersive, whole-text reading of culturally diverse, engaging novels, dialogic class and peer talk, and reading strategies, with teachers explicitly engaged with theories of reading.’
On their website, you can find a detailed guidance about how to conduct the Faster Read in your classroom which contains teaching resources, research presentations and case studies. It is a fantastic tool to increase reading rates and comprehension in school settings.