News
New research reveals a third of boys struggle to find books that interest them
14 Apr 2010
Launch of football and literacy initiative Premier League Reading Stars 2010 aims to inspire males to read
A new study by the National Literacy Trust of 17,089 pupils aged from eight to 16 has revealed that almost one-third (32.3%) of boys agree with the statement ‘I can’t find anything to read that interests me’.
The finding comes as the National Literacy Trust and the Premier League launch the 2010 Premier League Reading Stars (PLRS), an initiative that uses Barclays Premier League players to encourage families to share stories together and particularly inspire boys who wouldn’t normally enjoy reading. Research also finds that over a quarter of boys (28.3%) say sportspeople inspire them to read. The PLRS project hopes to utilise this finding by showing them their football heroes enjoy reading for pleasure.
The project sees the 20 Barclays Premier League clubs nominating a player as their Reading Star. Each player selects their favourite children’s or adults’ book to create a 20-strong book recommendation list. Football clubs adopt a library, which receives free copies of all the titles and gives families the opportunity to take part in library sessions where they can meet their football heroes and a published author.
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said: “National literacy levels are being undermined by the fact that one-third of boys can’t find anything to read that interests them. The Premier League Reading Stars initiative enables us to reach new audiences, inspiring them to read through their passion for football.”
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