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YOUNGSTERS across the southeast of Sheffield are turning over a new leaf, thanks to a scheme designed to give every child three books.
Around 900 Sheffield children choose a book each term under the National Literacy trust project. And they are enjoying a bonus this term, with two extra books - one in honour of the Queen's 80th birthday and another sponsored by Meadowhall and The Source.
Action Zone project worker Marie McCarthy said: "Most of us take reading for granted, but we're targeting and awful lot of kids who don't have books at home. To have a new book of their own, that they have chosen, is a big thing for them.
"There were 9,000 books distributed across the country to celebrate the Queens Birthday, but they were so impressed with how Sheffield's project was going that they have sent us 900 of them"
Ten year olds at 18 schools in the area are involved in the project. Marie puts together a selection box of 50 titles for the youngsters to choose from, then orders the books and arranges an event where they are presented. There are one or two books but others are quite challenging. Favourites include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and other titles, which have been made into films.
Associated activities have included library visits, sessions with popular children's writers such as Peter J Murray and Paul Cookson, theatre performances and book days where everyone dresses as their favourite character.
Families have been involved too, with fun sessions in school on reading together at home. Things come to head over the next couple of weeks when all the children are treated to a trip to Meadowhall to meet author Theresa Tomlinson and received a copy of her book, Meet me by the Steelmen, which is set in Sheffield.
Marie said: "I've been delighted at how much children have enjoyed the books and enjoyed owning them. They're really engaged in the project. Teachers have told me of really reluctant readers who are now enjoying books as a direct results of this - with some children it has had that an impact"
The Reading is Fundamental project has just completed its first year; another 900 youngsters will benefit over the next 12 months.
