Thousands of Blackpool children drop everything and pick up reading books

Thousands of children across Blackpool put down their electronic devices or school books and picked up a reading book instead last week as part of a national reading challenge.
Blackpool schools took part in a national challenge which saw them down tools and pick up a book for ten minutes.Blackpool schools took part in a national challenge which saw them down tools and pick up a book for ten minutes.
Blackpool schools took part in a national challenge which saw them down tools and pick up a book for ten minutes.

It is estimated that 7,000 Blackpool pupils took part in the #Take10ToRead challenge on Monday May 10.

It was part of a challenge which saw 100,000 people nationwide down tools at 10 am to indulge in a good read for 10 minutes.

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Pupils were also treated to a virtual visit from top author Anthony Horowitz who also took part in the challenge and spoke about the importance of reading for mental health and well-being.

Author Chris Callaghan hides behind his sofa and indulges in Tom Baker's scary Doctor Who book 'Scratchman' during the #Take10ToRead challenge.Author Chris Callaghan hides behind his sofa and indulges in Tom Baker's scary Doctor Who book 'Scratchman' during the #Take10ToRead challenge.
Author Chris Callaghan hides behind his sofa and indulges in Tom Baker's scary Doctor Who book 'Scratchman' during the #Take10ToRead challenge.

"I find reading a wonderful way to escape from the world into a safer, happier, more enjoyable place,” said the author.

He encouraged the children to follow their passions and to always do what they love and revealed during a Q&A session that his favourite place to read is in bed.

“Every morning, I read a book – or part of a book, a chapter or page of a book, depending on how I’m feeling," said Horowitz.

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"In the morning I start by reading a bit of a story and when I get out of bed I feel happier.”

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Run by the National Literacy Trust, #Take10ToRead is intended to help promote reading for well-being.

During lockdown, the Trust found that almost 60 per cent of young people feel better after reading.

Around 3 in 10 of said reading helped them when they felt sad due to being unable to see friends and family during the pandemic.

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Authors and publishers such as Darren Simpson, Chris Callaghan, Bloomsbury UK, and HarperCollins UK also took part in the challenge.

More information about the National Literacy Trust, which is on a mission to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need it most, can be found at its website.

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