Support every child to read for fun with this guided reading prescription activity. It helps teachers, parents, and volunteers understand children’s reading interests and find books that truly fit.
Why it works
Finding the right book can be a barrier to reading for fun. This activity builds children’s confidence and helps adults make personalised book suggestions based on what children enjoy.
Get started
Talk about what the child enjoys outside school. Ask what kind of stories or topics appeal to them. Include all reading types, such as comics, magazines, audiobooks, online reading, or non-fiction, so they see that all reading counts.
Guide the discussion
Ask what makes a book appealing or puts them off. Look at a few books together and notice their reactions. Explore how reading makes them feel, such as when they:
- Learn something new
- Feel relaxed
- Understand someone living a totally different life
- Feel smart
- Feel emotional
- Realise other people experience similar things
Share a recommendation
Review your notes together and agree what kind of book might suit them best. Explain why you are recommending it, and reassure them that it is fine to try again if it is not a match.
Find book ideas
- World Book Day Reading Recommendations – worldbookday.com/reading-recommendations/
- BookTrust Bookfinder – booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
- CLPE Core Books – clpe.org.uk/books/corebooks
- National Literacy Trust Booklists – literacytrust.org.uk/resources/
- The Open University Reading for Pleasure – ourfp.org/texts-authors/
- Your local bookshop – booksaremybag.com
- Your local library – gov.uk/local-library-services
Download the sheet
Use the printable record sheet to capture your conversation and write your reading recommendation.
Acknowledgement
This resource was created in partnership with The Open University.
Use of World Book Day resources
These resources are free to use for schools, early years settings, libraries, charities, and community groups celebrating World Book Day. Commercial organisations must have a partnership or licence agreement in place before using World Book Day assets. If you are interested in working with us, please contact partnerships@worldbookday.com.