May 2009
Adult Learners vote for family reading
101 Ways to get your Child to Read by Patience Thomson wins Quick Reads Learners' Favourite Award 2009
Patience Thomson is announced as the winner of the Quick Reads Learners' Favourite Award 2009. Voted for by readers and adult learners using the 2009 Quick Reads books, Patience was awarded for her book 101 Ways to get your Child to Read. The award was presented by Rachel Davies, a Literacy Programme Director at NIACE, at a ceremony held as part of Adult Learners' Week (9-15 May).
Seeing off competition from Quick Reads authors including the UK's number one crime writer, Ian Rankin and best-selling novelist Kate Mosse, Patience said "I am thrilled to win this award. It is an immense tribute to the parents, pupils and colleagues who, over the years, have taught me so much about the true nature of reading difficulties and how to overcome them. It proves how many people there are who really believe in the importance of reading, and how it influences the lives of all of us. Reading opens up new landscapes and shapes our minds. No one should be denied the chance to learn. And there are 101 ways parents can help them to do so."This year's favourite Quick Reads book was chosen via an online poll from the 10 titles which were published on World Book Day, 5 March 2009. Voters included adult literacy groups, Union Learning Representatives and library visitors along with those who had purchased the books looking for a short, fast-paced read.
101 Ways to get your Child to Read targets parents whose children find reading a challenge or who do not want to read by using tried and tested tips to encourage family reading. With celebrity hints and tips, the book is written in a clear, concise style to help all adults, including those who struggle with reading themselves.
April 2009
As part of World Book Day 2009, some of this year's authors visited events across the country.
101 Ways to get your Child to Read by Patience Thomson wins Quick Read Learners' Favourite Award 2009
Sherrie Hewson - Visited the First Bus learning centre in London with Sion Simon on Tuesday 4th March http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/skills/learn-2685-f0.cfm
Kate Mosse - Visited St James Hospital,Southsea on Thursday 5th March
Lola Jaye - Visited Bowmere Hospital Site, Chester on Thursday 5 March http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/skills/learn-2679-f0.cfm
Gervase Phin - Visited HMP Hatfield in Doncaster on Thursday 5th March http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/skills/learn-2680-f0.cfm
March 2009
Quick Reads get adults reading
Quick Reads are having an overwhelmingly positive impact on improving the reading levels of adults. Evaluation data from hundreds of literacy tutors shows that nearly all of them (98%) believe Quick Reads have been useful in helping their learners progress.
These figures represent an average increase of 7% on a previous evaluation published in March 2008.
Jill Harrison, a Literacy Tutor in Tameside, says, "Quick Reads have had a tremendous impact on adult literacy tutors and learners. The books are bright, interesting, compact and accessible to even the most reluctant of readers. The mix of authors and genres ensures tutors have a wide range of resources at their disposal. Completing a Quick Read builds learners' confidence and encourages them to explore further reading. I wholeheartedly recommend them to tutors and learners. Quick Reads can, and do, change lives."
The Minister for Further Education, Siôn Simon says, "Quick Reads are making a huge difference helping people to improve their reading skills, their confidence and their job prospects as well as helping their families. The project is an impressive partnership between the book trade, education, libraries, unions and employers, and puts adults on the path to accessing more formal learning. I urge all adults to pick up a book today, develop a love of reading and reap the benefits at home and at work."
March 2008
Adele Parks is favourite with adult learners
Adult learners have voted Adele Parks' Happy Families (Penguin) their favourite Quick Reads title of 2008.
The Quick Reads Learners' Favourite Award, which is sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, was announced last week as part of Adult Learners' Week.
The vote was conducted via an online poll and voters included adult literacy groups, Union Learning Representatives, library visitors and the general public who purchased the books.
Other books on the ten-strong list of World Book Day Quick Reads published on 6th March included Gordon Ramsay's Humble Pie, Chris Ryan's One Good Turn and East End Tales by Gilda O'Neill.
Adele Parks said: "Everybody who gets involved in Quick Reads is committed, we all want to make a difference, and so I'd like to accept this award on behalf of everyone working on this project."
March 2008
World Book Day 2008
The Prime Minister has described the Quick Reads campaign as a "great success story of the English language." http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page14916
MUM-OF-THREE Tina Hewitt, 47, spent her life hiding the fact she couldn't read. "I never thought I'd say it but I actually read for fun now. I'm not the most accomplished reader and I tend to stick to Quick Reads, but I love it. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article891979.ece
Adele Parks, speaks on BBC News 24 about Quick Reads http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SmXufjfBbJs
Big success of little books - A series aimed at adults with literacy problems is improving reading and boosting self-esteem. Peter Kingston reports. http://education.guardian.co.uk/further/story/0,,2261782,00.html
theBookseller.com article: Quick Reads speed up at Tesco
Tesco is more than doubling its promotional space for this year's Quick Reads as other retailers also gear up for heavy promotions. http://www.thebookseller.com/news/53635-quick-reads-speed-up-at-tesco.html
March 2008
Rugby legend Scott Quinnell shares his experiences of writing The Hardest Test, and his fight against learning difficulties at school
Scott Quinnell, one of the ten Quick Reads authors for 2008, made a special guest appearance at the Skills for Life Conference in York on Monday 12 November 2007. Speaking to Skills for Life professionals, Scott's enthusiasm and commitment to learning captivated the audience. His book, The Hardest Test is about how he became a successful rugby player in spite of having to cope with learning difficulties at school. It's an inspiring story for anyone who can relate to the feelings of loneliness and frustration that often causes people to withdraw from society. When writing for Quick Reads, Scott's motivation was that he didn't want his children to feel like he did going through school. He describes how difficult it was to go back to such an emotional time but expresses the 'magnificent feelings' he had when he read his first book. How he comes through the other end is a truly inspirational journey. Listen to Scott's podcast.
