New initiative launched to promote benefits of reading

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A multitude of television and radio stars have pledged their support for a new initiative to honour the start of Black History Month.

Harvey, from rap collective “So Solid Crew”, and BBC presenter Reggie Yates are among many who have endorsed the “Star Reads” reading campaign, run by the Passionet online bookstore, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust.

The So Solid performer, currently starring in West End musical “Daddy Cool”, says that young people should read “because knowledge is power. The more you read the more powerful and aware you become”.

Passionet’s Managing Director Natalie Smith said: “Over the three years that Passionet has been around, we have run workshops in schools and worked in communities nationwide”.

“We are committed to encouraging young people from the emerging global village we live in to read books that reflect their lives and interests and get them excited and inspired about reading, and Star Reads is an opportunity to do just this”, she continued.

And Director of the National Literacy Trust, Neil McClelland, added: “Research has shown that a love of books has more of an effect on achievement than your family’s wealth”.

“Reading can open so many doors, so we”re delighted that these stars have given their time to take part in the Star Reads campaign as positive reading role models for young people”.

Passionet is said to be the “UK’s largest online multicultural bookstore”. The campaign has been launched with a series of posters featuring the stars, with a recommended reading list of urban and multicultural books designed to appeal to 5-8 year-olds, 9-11 year-olds, and the 11-14 age group.

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Vijay Pattni.

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