AwesomeBooks and NLT in blog takeover for children's literacy

Online retailer AwesomeBooks is joining forces with the National Literacy Trust (NLT) on a blog takeover as part of a campaign to improve children's post-pandemic literacy rates. 

The NLT's takeover on AwesomeBooks' site will coincide with International Literacy Day, celebrated on 8th September. It forms part of the "Awesome Book for Book" campaign, running in partnership with the NLT, aiming to support the UK’s literacy recovery post-pandemic by donating a book to every child who needs one.

The blog posts will discuss the significance of International Literacy Day, the importance of raising literacy levels, as well as offering tips to help families and children develop a love of reading. For every book sold on the platform across August and September, a copy will be donated to the NLT to distribute to communities severely impacted by low levels of literacy. AwesomeBooks aims to donate at least 50,000 books across the course of the campaign.

Simon Mackay (pictured), head of books at AwesomeBooks, said: "The AwesomeBooks team are driven by our mission to make an impact with every single book, and our partnership with the National Literacy Trust is vital in ensuring that the titles donated through ‘Awesome Book for Book’ reach the children who need support the most. The response so far has been incredible, and we are delighted to be sharing the National Literacy Trust’s blog posts to help raise awareness this week, and to support the literacy recovery of the nation."

NLT c.e.o. Jonathan Douglas said: "In the first lockdown alone, a decade’s work to narrow the attainment gap was undone and this has disproportionately impacted on the literacy of children from low-income homes. Our partnership with AwesomeBooks is so significant because simple access and ownership of books can transform a child’s enjoyment of reading and support the development of vital literacy skills. Collaborations between the private, public and charity sectors have the power to really support the youngest generation at this critical moment. We are delighted to be collaborating with AwesomeBooks as part of their ‘Awesome Book for Book’ campaign and we would like to thank them for their support and partnership with the National Literacy Trust."