OUR BIG READ FOR SUSSEX SCHOOLS
(2013 – 2020)
WHAT WAS YOUNG CITY READS?
Young City Reads was an annual BIG READ for children – one brilliant book is selected for classes to read, explore, discuss and creatively engage with. It was the largest children’s shared reading project in the South.
To participate, schools/parents would buy a set of the book for their class, group or school. The weekly emails and resources were free. The reading period lasted 10 weeks between March and May and the project would always launch on World Book Day and culminate in a big event with the author at Brighton Festival.
We collaborated closely with teachers, parents and community development workers working together to the greater benefit of young people across the region, giving particular support to young people who are marginalised by circumstance or background.
WHY WE DID IT
Young City Reads was created to inspire children to read for pleasure, empower them to believe in themselves and open doors for the future. The project offered them creative and cultural opportunities as well as improving their literacy. All our work with children aims to improve not just reading ability, but self confidence, social integration and learning and also increase long-term employment prospects by enhancing knowledge and skills.
We delivered the project eight times between 2013 – 2020. The global pandemic severely affected the delivery of the project in 2020, and we were forced to run it online. After this time, with greater pressures on schools, Festivals and non profits, the Board decided to suspend the project indefinitely.
Please visit our Young City Reads ARCHIVE for information about previous Young City Reads books.