On Tuesday (6 June), 22 teams of keen young readers joined us at Goldsmiths Hall in London for eight exciting rounds of fiction quizzing, plus an author Q&A panel with high-profile children’s writers.
This is the third year of the quiz where we celebrate readers and book lovers. It has once again been made possible thanks to generous funding support from the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS).
There was a fantastic atmosphere of team spirit on the day, and the team from Colfe’s School in Greenwich, London was crowned the overall winner, though all teams were sent home with regional trophies and a selection of free books, thanks to generous donations from Pan Macmillan, Peters Ltd, Scholastic, Barrington Stoke, Firefly Press and Penguin Random House.
Throughout March, almost 500 UK teams competed across regional heats, meaning that the finalists were the top 22 teams out of nearly 2,000 students who took part in the quiz.
Eminent children’s authors Anthony McGowan, Benjamin Dean, Jasbinder Bilan, and Jennifer Killick held an insightful Q&A panel where they talked about their inspiring reading experiences and celebrated the reading knowledge of the finalists. Students were delighted at the opportunity to pose their questions to the authors and chat with them after event.
The competition was hosted by engaging quizmaster, performer, and educator Mr Dilly, who provided an entertaining, as well as educational, experience for teams taking part.
“It has been the best day surrounded by kids who love to read – reading is magic and you could really feel that being celebrated throughout the quiz.”
Benjamin Dean
“There was a real excitement and buzz in the room as the quiz took place, and I found it really inspiring to see so many children in one space who really love reading. I was honoured to be part of this very special day.”
Jasbinder Bilan
“It has been a wonderful occasion celebrating this year’s finalists, as well as the librarians who support them on their reading journeys and the authors who inspire them. I am in awe of these young people and their reading knowledge and, with fewer than 1 in 2 children enjoying reading, I am so glad that the quiz is helping promote reading for pleasure. This event is very special in the way that it celebrates keen readers, validates their knowledge and gives them time to truly shine."
Henrietta Roberts, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust
National Literacy Trust Reading Champions is supported by ALCS.
Explore useful teaching resources developed by ALCS to support understanding and communication about copyright with guides for children, young people and teachers.
Watch this ALCS animation as a great starting point to helping your students understand copyright in a fun and interactive way. Karl Nova uses his voice and talent to bring the importance of copyright for writers and artists to life in this video from ALCS.