Blackpool's 100 fave reads revealed

Schoolchildren were asked to share their favourite books as part of the 100 Reads initiative from the Get Blackpool Reading campaign, led by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Blackpool Council and the Blackpool Opportunity area.

Postcards were sent to schools across the town before the Covid-19 lockdown and pupils asked to write down their best books. People of all ages, from mums and dads to grandmas were also invited to send in their submissions on the Get Blackpool Reading website from Blackpool residents of all ages.

The list features books for children of all ages, from early years through to teenagers, with authors such as David Walliams and Jaqueline Wilson making the list.

But, it has also uncovered a local love for titles about sports such as the Classic Football Heroes series by Matt Oldfield, Over The Line by Tom Palmer and Kick Off by Dan Freedman. The most popular title was Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

Laura Flinn, Get Blackpool Reading Campaign manager, said: "We were delighted that so many schools and Blackpool residents submitted their favourite children’s book for our Blackpool 100 Reads list.

"We know that when children choose books themselves and read for pleasure it not only improves their academic attainment, but their mental wellbeing too. We hope that the list will inspire children across Blackpool to discover their new favourite book."

The three schools sending in the highest number of entries will 100 books each for their school libraries, donated by Penguin Books. The overall winner will receive an additional selection of titles from Blackpool Football Club Community Trust.

The winning schools are: St John Vianney’s Catholic Primary School, Anchorsholme Academy and Blackpool Gateaway Academy.

One lucky pupil drawn at random will win a bundle of books and a family ticket to the circus at Blackpool Tower once it reopens.

Graham Cowley, chairman of the Blackpool Opportunity Area Partnership Board, said: "It’s fantastic to see the Get Blackpool Reading campaign continuing to reach children and families across the resort.

"The list of the top 100 children’s books will give us all some ideas on what to read next.

He applauded the winning school and added: "This campaign remains a key part of Blackpool Opportunity Area’s support to encourage more schoolchildren in Blackpool to enjoy reading."

All Blackpool primary schools and libraries will receive a copy of the list as a fun height chart to display in classrooms and children’s literature sections across the town.

The books have been ordered by recommended reading age, but this is only intended to be used as a guide. Children are encouraged to try any book they feel comfortable reading and to ask their teacher or librarian for advice on choosing the right book for them.

The height chart is also available to download from the Get Blackpool Reading website (getblackpoolreading.org.uk) and Facebook page (facebook.com/getblackpoolreading), where families can find tips, competitions and activities to support their child’s literacy development at home.

Get Blackpool Reading has donated a selection of titles from the list to Blackpool libraries as ebooks. Visit https://blackpool.overdrive.com/collection/1093801 to download and read the stories for free.

Find out more about Get Blackpool Reading by visiting www.getblackpoolreading.org.uk or fb.com/getblackpoolreading.