The Grange School on growing young readers

Tom Neilson, School Library Manager of The Grange School in Cheshire, on how to inspire even the most reluctant child to read for pleasure

Reading starts as an academic skill taught from the earliest years of education, but it is far more than that. It is a gateway to imagination, inspiration, empathy and lifelong learning. Yet, as any teacher, parent or librarian knows, getting young people – particularly boys – truly engaged with books can be a challenge. The good news is that, when the right conditions are created, even the most reluctant child can be transformed into an enthusiastic reader.

I still remember one Year 9 boy who stomped into the library, clearly under orders. ‘My Mum says I need to borrow a book’, he muttered, reluctance radiating from every word. After a few monosyllabic exchanges, I recommended Rook by Anthony McGowan, a short, sharp and deeply engaging novel that respects older readers while remaining accessible.

He left with little enthusiasm, admitting he would only read it because his mum insisted. Two weeks later he returned and said: ‘I actually really enjoyed that’. It made my day. Moments like this show the potential power of the right book at the right time. So how do we grow more young readers like him? At The Grange, we see three key ingredients – expectation, knowledge, access.

Make reading space
In a world of quick-release dopamine – scrolling feeds, gaming levels and binge-watching – it’s easy for young people to overlook the slower but richer rewards of sustained reading. Unlike digital media, books require patience before they give back, yet the payoff is deeper, with improved focus, imagination and emotional insight. Once we made reading an everyday expectation during form time here at The Grange, borrowing numbers soared. Children still enjoy stories; they sometimes just need encouragement to persist long enough to find the magic.

Leverage interests
For parents, the greatest advantage lies in knowing your child. Do they follow football or Marvel films? Do they prefer building models or tinkering with tech? Personal interests are gateways that will hook them in. Boys, in particular, often thrive when reading aligns with their passions – whether it’s a sports biography, a fast-paced graphic novel, or a survival story. By listening, observing, and drawing on what excites them, we can steer them toward stories that feel relevant and rewarding.

Know what’s out there
The children’s and young adult book world is wonderfully diverse and goes far beyond the familiar shelves of Harry Potter or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Sites such as Love Reading 4 Kids or Books for Keeps showcase hidden gems that can captivate the most hesitant child. And, of course, one of the best resources is right here in school. Our librarians live and breathe children’s literature and delight in matching students with books that make them want to turn the page.

Ultimately, growing young readers is not about forcing children into someone else’s idea of what counts as ‘proper’ literature. It’s about opening doors, sparking curiosity and making reading an adventure rather than a chore. When even reluctant boys see something connected to their own interests, when they encounter role models who read, and when they are given permission to choose books that excite them, they often surprise us with their enthusiasm.

At The Grange, we are proud to nurture not only strong learners but also passionate readers because we know that every story started in youth can echo for a lifetime.

The Grange School grange.org.uk

Further reading: York House School on smashing stereotypes