I’m
supporting the National Literacy Trust’s search for Literacy Heroes and believe
it’s important to inspire and give confidence to the next generation to develop
their literacy skills.
New
National Literacy Trust research out today shows that more children are
embarrassed to be seen reading and that they’re reading less regularly than
ever before. See www.literacytrust.org.uk/media
Anyone
can be a Hero. A young person or adult who’s overcome challenges; an author
who’s inspired people to read; a teacher or librarian; a volunteer in your
local community; or even a celebrity.
My
Literacy hero is:
 |
| Freda Taylor & Barbara Taylor (Age 3) |
My mother, Freda Taylor
My mother is my literary hero. She had a great love
of books, and because of her, so do I. When I was small she taught me to read,
and when I first went to nursery, I was the only child in the class who could
do that. I was four and a half years old. She soon got me a library card at our
local public library. I was five, or six at the time. Books became part of my
life as a little girl. And they still are today.
She helped me to tackle the classics, and by the
time I was twelve I had read most of Charles Dickens’ books and those by
Charlotte, Emily and Ann Bronte. As a special treat, she would often take me to
the Parsonage in Haworth where the sisters grew up. I was fascinated by their
childhood writings, which were on display. In a certain way they were my
inspiration, as was my mother.
Why
not give a child you know a book and help them to learn to read it? Or an adult
who needs help for that matter? You will introduce them to captivating places
created by a writer's talent and imagination, and give them pleasure.
