Summer reading challenge

childs artwork of tooth fairy and crocodile on pink background

Photo of a competition entry – by Isabelle, aged 4

It’s Marvellous!

1425 children took part in Marvellous Makers, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge in libraries. Children taking part were challenged to read six books over the summer holidays.

Nearly 900 children successfully completed the challenge, earning a medal and a certificate, along with other rewards along the way.

Coordinated nationally by the Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge 2024 aims to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

An amazing 23,779 children’s books were borrowed from Isle of Wight libraries during the summer holidays.

Children taking part in the challenge were encouraged to draw a picture or write a review of one of their favourite books.

15 winners were chosen from across the island, and received prizes provided by the Library Service, Dinosaur Isle and 1Leisure.

There were also dozens of free craft events for children of all ages, tying in with this year’s theme of arts and creativity. See what events are currently available at your local Isle of Wight Council libraries.

Marvellous Makers! Summer Reading Challenge started on Saturday 6 July and ran until Saturday 7 September 2024.

What it is about and how it works

children can read any books they like during the challenge (these can be easy or hard, or stories or fact books, even be audio books borrowed through the library's Borrowbox service), anything counts!
as they read books, they receive stickers and rewards
when they have read six books, they get a medal and certificate
any child aged three and over can take part in the challenge
Younger brothers and sisters can join in, too, with a special mini-challenge for babies and toddlers

All Island libraries participate in this fun reading experience. Find your local library, then come and visit us to register and join in.

National online challenge

Children can also join the online challenge and receive virtual badges as they read. They can play online games, enter competitions and get loads of book recommendations.

Benefits of the challenge

Children's reading can reduce during the summer holidays. This might be because they do not have regular access to books and the incentive to read for pleasure. Research shows that reading challenges can make a big difference in keeping reading levels up.

The key to the challenge is that children are free to choose their own books. This means they are not pressured to read books they do not like. Parents have reported that this makes a difference to their child's enthusiasm for reading.

$Marvellous Makers$