A list of Blackpool’s top 100 children’s books has been published to encourage pupils across the resort to try new books voted for by their peers.
Blackpool 100 Reads is an initiative from our Get Blackpool Reading campaign, led in partnership with Blackpool Council and the Blackpool Opportunity area. The list features books for children of all ages, from early years through to teenagers. Many contemporary authors such as David Walliams and Jaqueline Wilson made the list, but it has also uncovered a local love for titles about sports such as the Classic Football Heroes series by Matt Oldfield, Over The Line by Tom Palmer and Kick Off by Dan Freedman. The most popular title was Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.
Local schoolchildren were invited to share their favourite children’s books on postcards, which were distributed to all Blackpool primary schools ahead of covid-19 closures. Submissions were also accepted on the website from Blackpool residents of all ages.
The three schools that submitted the highest number of entries will be rewarded with 100 books each for their school libraries, which have been kindly donated by Penguin Books. The overall winner will receive an additional selection of titles from Blackpool Football Club Community Trust. The winning schools are:
- St John Vianney’s Catholic Primary School
- Anchorsholme Academy
- Blackpool Gateaway Academy
One lucky pupil drawn at random has also won a bundle of books and a family ticket to the circus at Blackpool Tower once it reopens.
All Blackpool primary schools and libraries will receive a copy of the list as a fun height chart to display in classrooms and children’s literature sections across the town. The books have been ordered by recommended reading age, but this is only intended to be used as a guide. Children are encouraged to try any book they feel comfortable reading and to ask their teacher or librarian for advice on choosing the right book for them.
The height chart is also available to download below or via the Facebook page, where families can find tips, competitions and activities to support their child’s literacy development at home.
“We were delighted that so many schools and Blackpool residents submitted their favourite children’s book for our Blackpool 100 Reads list. We know that when children choose books themselves and read for pleasure it not only improves their academic attainment, but their mental wellbeing too. We hope that the list will inspire children across Blackpool to discover their new favourite book!”
Laura Flinn, Get Blackpool Reading Campaign Manager
“It’s fantastic to see the Get Blackpool Reading campaign continuing to reach children and families across the resort. “The list of the top 100 children’s books will give us all some ideas on what to read next. “Congratulations to St John Vianney’s Catholic Primary School, Anchorsholme Academy and Blackpool Gateway Academy for submitting the most entries. I’m sure they will be delighted to receive 100 books each for their school libraries. “This campaign remains a key part of Blackpool Opportunity Area’s support to encourage more schoolchildren in Blackpool to enjoy reading.”
Chair of the Blackpool Opportunity Area Partnership Board, Graham Cowley
Get Blackpool Reading has donated a selection of titles from the list to Blackpool libraries as ebooks. Visit the website to download and enjoy the stories for free.