Reading Well

I was lucky to attend the Reading Well launch at Maidenhead library. Reading Well is a programme set up by The Reading Agency to help children understand their health and wellbeing, using helpful reading. The books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people living with the conditions covered and their relatives and carers. 

Reading Well for children supports the mental health and wellbeing of children, providing children and their families and carers with information, advice and support for coping with feelings and worries, daily life and getting through a tough time.

Reading Well, The Reading Agency

Tom Percival, author of Ruby’s Worry, Ravi’s Roar and Perfectly Norman – books dealing with worries, anger and standing out – held a session detailing how important it is for children to feel they have an outlet, to feel they can turn to a book for help. I found him very inspiring and went into school the next day to tell my class all about it. Tom takes a lot of inspiration for his books from his personal life. I was lucky that I managed to get a couple of Tom’s books donated by @biggergreenbooks on one of their #buyastrangerabook events where people gift other people books!

The NSPCC said that the number of referrals by schools in England seeking mental health treatment for pupils has risen by more than a third over the last three years. 

https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/minds-matter-time-to-take-action-on-children-and-young-people-s-mental-health

I am in the midst of setting up a Reading Well section of my school library, I feel it is extremely important that children know they can find some reprieve or support in a book, if they feel they can’t yet talk to someone. Hopefully a book will guide and aid them in the way they need. I think every classroom needs a set of Reading Well books, a full list can be found here. The books take harrowing experiences and are written in a narrative that children can relate to, take heed and comfort from.

If you would like to donate a book from the list to our Reading Well section please feel free to contact me.

Do you have a Reading Well section in your school?