Reading for pleasure changes lives

Reading for pleasure is a matter of social justice. Children and young people who read for pleasure are more likely to do well at school, have better jobs, be happy and lead fulfilled lives. All through the magic of a humble book or story.

At Read for Good, we are ensuring children and young people have ACCESS to a wide and vibrant CHOICE of the best brand new books, and we provide the all-important INSPIRATION to help them discover a life-changing love of reading.

  • Readathon – our sponsored read has been motivating generations of children and young people to read since 1984
  • Read for Good’s Hospital programme – providing brand new books and regular storyteller visits to the UK’s 30 major children’s hospitals
  • Track My Read – a web-based tool that encourages children to read regularly, and provides insight as to what children and young people are enjoying reading
  • Brilliant Box of Books – providing books that children love to read to schools, medical and community settings in need.

Check out the ever-popular STORYMAKER on our Kids Page as well as our inspiring reading ideas and reviews of Books We Love helping to encourage children discover their own love of reading at home and in school.

Our website is packed full of resources and ideas to support reading for pleasure – from Storytelling Training, and resources for schools, to ideas for non-mainstream settings and our showcase of author events to watch and enjoy in school, in hospital or at home.

We passionately believe that our society is enriched when children have the time, space and motivation to read in their spare time.

Download and read our latest Impact Report here or click the picture on the right to access the digital flipbook version.

See our Theory of Change here.

We rely entirely on the money raised by schools running Readathon and donations from the general public and grant-giving organisations. Please support our work if you can, and help us improve the lives of children, towards a fairer society.

Watch the BBC’s film showcasing our work on Children in Need


Everything you need to run Readathon remotely

Read more

Use the new TRACK MY READ® to engage pupils in reading for fun and learn about their reading choices

Read more

Check out our compilation of the best free resources to engage kids in reading for pleasure

Read more