Thanks to funding from the Booker Prize Foundation, the Middlesbrough Reading Campaign was able to give students the chance to shadow the prestigious Booker Prize 2014 shortlist by gifting schools 2 copies of each of the shortlisted books.
Students found themselves hooked by books they wouldn't normally read and formed reading groups to discuss them. After submitting enthusiastic reviews, a group of six Sixth Formers were invited down to Birmingham to attend the Man Booker Prize Event. Students got their books signed by the authors and listened to discussion and readings of the shortlisted books.
Sarah Leatherland, aged 16 said:
“I have appreciated being part of the Man Booker Award Scheme as it has allowed me to read more widely. I would definitely take part again”