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Read Manchester

Mr Men Manchester

Read Manchester is a partnership between the National Literacy Trust and Manchester City Council to raise literacy levels and change the life stories of children, young people and adults across the city.

Working with schools and communities, local businesses and partner organisations, we share our love of stories and books with families to support them to develop the literacy skills needed to succeed in life. Read our newsletter to find out more about our current projects.

Getting ready to start primary school

Children who are starting primary school in Manchester in September will each receive a copy of Shane Hegarty and Ben Mantle's brilliant book, The One and Only You. Chatting and reading with your child helps to prepare them for the transition from nursery to Reception. We put together our top tips for sharing stories together, downloadable in 10 languages.

Find out more
Transition

Secondary school transition read

For the second year running, every child in Manchester who is starting high school in September will receive a copy of Quiet Storm by local author and Read Manchester Literacy Champion, Kimberly Whittam. There will be lots of supporting activities and events over the summer holidays.

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Kimberly Chorlton 1

See Myself in Books

Help promote wider diversity in children's literature and increase access to a diverse range of books to inspire reading for pleasure, with these ethnically diverse and neurodiverse booklists and teaching resources.

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Child looking at books in a library

Summer Reading Challenge

This year's Summer Reading Challenge has kicked off in Manchester Libraries! Could your child borrow and read six library books between now and 13 September? Sign up at your local library and receive a collector pack and stickers.

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summer reading challenge

Take 10 to Read

Learn about our campaign to Take 10 minutes to read for your wellbeing on #WorldMentalHealthDay.

Find out more
Take 10 Read Manchester team at Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital 8 Oct 24

Meet Rachel, Read Manchester Literacy Champion

To mark National Volunteers’ Week in June, Literacy Champion Rachel Collier shared her experience of supporting her local community to fall in love with books.

Read Rachel's story
Rachel WBD photo Read Manchester

Wythenshawe Park Story Trail

Take a magical stroll through Wythenshawe Park with our story trail resource.

Check out the story trail
Wythenshawe Park Trail

News and successes

How to get involved...

  • There are lots of things Manchester families can do to boost their children's literacy from home.
    Learn more
  • We have lots of resources and support for schools, helping children reach the recommended literacy level for each stage of their education.
    Learn more
  • Read Manchester counts on the support of local businesses to help improve literacy levels in the city.
    Learn more

Key partners