Editorial 276
Happy New National Year of Reading!
We fully expect that all Books for Keeps readers will be ready to ‘Go All In’ to promote children’s reading and literature in 2026. (It’s tempting to add that every year is a National Year of Reading for us, but no-one likes a smug git so we resisted). We will do our best to report on all the various initiatives taking place this year and highlight ways in which you can get involved. Check back for our notes on the launch webinar for the National Year of Reading, keynote Professor Teresa Cremin, taking place online 15 January 2026, which promises to set out a bold, inspiring vision for reading for pleasure across early years, primary and secondary education and unpick the research behind the campaign.
If you want to make a difference locally, we recommend the Bookmark Reading Charity ‘Mind The Gap’ campaign which aims to close England’s ‘literacy gap’ – the discrepancy in reading attainment between disadvantaged children and their peers. The charity recruits and trains volunteers to support children in primary schools who are falling behind and provides each child with two, 30-minute sessions, twice per week. Volunteers are mostly online, making it easy to complete sessions from anywhere. If this appeals to you, find out more.
Our own plans for the year ahead remain the same they’ve always been.
To review as authoritatively as possible the broadest possible range of contemporary children’s books, actively seeking out the work of independent publishers and community publishers as well as the work of mainstream houses
To reflect the nature of our society by reviewing work and dealing with issues relevant to diversity and disability
To improve standards in reviewing, especially with regard to illustrated books
To nurture the creativity of writers and illustrators by maintaining the highest critical standards
To draw attention to new authors and illustrators, giving them necessary critical attention and exposure
To re-examine our cultural heritage by featuring classic children’s books from the past
To remain as accessible as possible to specialists and non-specialists alike and to remain at the forefront of new thinking about children’s literature.
We are grateful to the children’s publishers who support us, enabling Books for Keeps reviews, interviews, features to remain free to read. If you would like to show your appreciation, we welcome donations of any size. These can be made via the Givey platform.
Thank you and here’s to another year of Books for Keeps.
