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Football fan gives a rave Read North East review

20 Nov 2017

Read North East, a campaign led by the National Literacy Trust, has gifted books to thousands of children across the region, to read with their families. Now, a young Middlesbrough FC fan, who collected a free book at a Read North East book giveaway, has given her gift a rave review.

Earlier this month, Charley Ingram attended Middlesbrough FC's match against local rivals, Sunderland AFC at the Riverside Stadium. Not only did she see her team go home victorious, Charley also picked up a free copy of The Secrets of Sam and Sam by Susie Day at a Read North East book giveaway held in the Generation Red Family Zone.

The title was one of three books being handed out by local library volunteers. Young fans of both sides could also choose from Mr Tick the Teacher by Allan Ahlberg and Harry and the Dinosaurs have a Happy Birthday by Ian Whybrow, all kindly donated by Read North East partners, Penguin Random House.

Read what Charley thought about the book in her review below:


Read North East reviewThe Secrets of Sam and Sam - a book by Susie Day

My name is Charley Ingram and I am 11 years old. At the recent Sunderland game, I was given a book in the Generation Red Family Zone as part of the book giveaway by Read North East - this is my book review…
 

The book is called ‘The Secrets of Sam and Sam’ by Susie Day. Whilst not wanting to give too much away, I would like to give you an idea of what this book is about, which might convince you to get a copy yourself!

T
he book is about a family named the Paget-Skidelskys - a family which consists of two mums, twins, both called Sam, and their dog, Surprise. One of the twins, the boy Sam, is quieter but does not like heights; whilst the other twin, the girl Sam, is sure that she is the best twin but does not like secrets.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and liked the way that the story developed with a few twists and turns along the way. I felt like I was following the characters and was waiting to see what they were going to do next.  However, it was unpredictable - you could guess what might happen next but still be completely surprised. This book is mainly about families, growing up and the many secrets that unfold.

I have not come across the Susie Day books before, but I would definitely read more of her books and would recommend the author to any children of my age that was interested in reading a book that was a little different. I think that this book is good for either a boy or girl as it has a chapter focusing on each, such as Sam the boy and Sam the girl.

Thank you for reading - look out for the next book giveaway in the GRFZ, I know I will...

Read North East inspires children and families to share stories together and aims to improve literacy levels. The next Read North East book giveaway will be at the Christmas lights switch-on at Stockton Sparkles in Stockton-on-Tees on 30 November between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

Find out more about Read North East

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