National Year of Reading

Our Director, Rob, shares the joys and power of reading.

Here at the Ministry of Stories, we’re big believers in the power of reading and writing. And this year it’s become official: 2026 has been announced as the National Year of Reading. And we’ll certainly be celebrating the brilliance of all of the work our young writers create. 

The power of getting immersed into the world of stories – as a reader, as a writer, as a storyteller – is a transformative experience. Stories are gymnastics for the mind. A megaphone for ideas. The processors for making sense of the world. And stories connect us.

We know that the key to developing a love of reading and writing for young people is ownership, choice and agency.  Discovering their own interests at their own pace and in their own way. Exploring the ideas that spark for them. Sharing that joy and excitement with others. All with a spirit of curiosity and inquisitiveness. 

We’ve been proud to have pioneered work around Reading and Writing for Pleasure with the Open University and the Mercers Company – who recognise that our methodology represents an effective approach to children developing a love of reading and writing. One that they take with them through life, that equips them with the skills, attitudes and outlook to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

And then to our bookshelves… I’m really proud of the richness and diversity on our bookshelves at our writing centre. A carefully curated world of stories that chime with our young people – many kindly donated by our friends at UK publishers and from our local bookshops – and not to mention all of the publications that our young writers’ have created themselves, proudly displayed and enjoyed from BookBot, our book vending machine.   

I love to see our writers devouring books, eagerly listening to each other’s work or desperate to share their own, or talking excitedly with their mentors about what they want to read or write next. It’s a privilege to be in the room with their energy. 

And then to you… the lucky readers of this nation! Look out for the next beautiful poem, thrilling adventure, or moving speech to be written by our young writers that will bring your very own National Year of Reading to life this year. There really is nothing better. 

Rob, Director

We’ll be sharing more on the Year of Writing over the coming months. Sign-up to our newsletter to find out more and get involved.