OU Reading for Pleasure

07/09/2026

📚 Beyond Diverse Books: An Antiracist Lens for Book Talk

How can we move beyond simply diversifying our book collections to creating meaningful conversations that help every child feel seen, heard and valued?

In this , doctoral researcher and ITE lecturer Anna Gawthorpe explores how an antiracist lens can enrich book talk, drawing on classroom research to consider how authentic teacher responses to texts can open up conversations about race, identity and belonging.

Read the blog here: https://ourfp.org/publications/blog/beyond-diverse-books-an-antiracist-lens-for-book-talk/

03/09/2026

📚 Kick-start your 2026/27 CPD

Are you looking for fresh ideas to strengthen RfP in your setting?

Join us on 17 October for a day of inspiring keynote speakers and tailor your day by choosing from a range of practical workshops to best meet the needs of your setting. Led by RfP experts, you'll leave with research-informed strategies, new perspectives and practical approaches you can put into practice straight away. 💡📖

01/09/2026

📚 ✏️ Back to School: 3 ways to enrich Reading for Pleasure this term

A new school year is the perfect time to review your RfP provision. From free pupil and teacher surveys to webinars, conferences and CPD, we've got a range of resources to support your school.

Explore our Whole School Development resources here: https://ow.ly/K7VE50Zy1Er

26/08/2026

Are you looking for the latest RfP news? 🗞️

Our free monthly newsletter brings together news, research, resources, events and opportunities from across the RfP sector – all in one place!

Each month you'll receive:
📚 The latest sector news
💡 Research and resources
📅 Events and opportunities
🎓 Research-informed insights from the OU RfP team

Sign-up here: https://ourfp.org/newsletter-signup/

24/08/2026

Are you thinking about starting a new book club with your readers in September? 📚✨

In this featured example of practice, Linda Levy Sheehan from Torrance Primary School shares ideas for establishing a child-led book club focused on comics and graphic novels.

Download now: https://ourfp.org/eop/cosmic-comic-club/

20/08/2026

📚 What do teachers think of the Teachers' Reading Challenge?

From discovering new authors and widening their reading repertoire to finding new books to share with pupils, teachers have been telling us what they've enjoyed about taking part.
Take a look at what this year's participants have to say 👇

Feeling inspired? There's still time to join – and there are some brilliant prizes up for grabs too!

Complete the six-book Challenge and you'll be entered into a giveaway to win:
✨ A virtual class visit from a HarperCollins author
📚 A £100 book voucher for your school library
🎁 A bumper pack of books from HarperCollins

Plus, simply by signing up, you'll be entered into a giveaway to win books from this year's Read to the Beat Summer Reading Challenge collection!

Sign up here: https://teachersreadingchallenge.org.uk

18/08/2026

17/08/2026

📚 August Top Texts: Rachel Saunders

Check out this month’s Top Texts chosen by Rachel Saunders, Assistant Headteacher and English Lead at Miriam Lord Primary School, who shares a selection of powerful and uplifting books to inspire young readers.

Explore the collection: https://ourfp.org/top_texts/top-texts-for-august-2026/

13/08/2026

📩 Our August Reading for Pleasure newsletter is out now!

This month, we've got plenty to share, including:

🎟️ Our Autumn Conference – with more than half of tickets already sold
📚 The latest from the Teachers' Reading Challenge
🔎 A new exploring an antiracist lens for book talk
🎉 Michael Rosen Day's HUGE Poetry Party
💡 Plus new Examples of Practice, Top Texts, TRG updates and more.

Check your inbox or catch up here: https://ourfp.org/publications/newsletter-archive/

Not subscribed? Sign up to get the latest Reading for Pleasure news, research, resources, events and opportunities in your inbox each month! ➡️ https://ourfp.org/newsletter-signup/

12/08/2026

New research from University Press shows that RfP helps children develop emotional vocabulary, empathy and confidence. Based on insights from more than 3,000 children and 200 teachers, the report highlights the importance of keeping children engaged with reading as they grow older.

Read more: https://corp.oup.com/feature/more-than-words-the-real-life-impact-of-reading/