Do you know a Literacy Hero?

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. 

Who’s your Literacy hero? Nominate today at: www.literacytrust.org.uk/heroes