Summer Reading Challenge

Space Hop
One giant leap into libraries!

For more information about Space Hop, including the full range of resources for library authorities, please click here to go to the Summer Reading Challenge Microsite.

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge - called Space Hop - is the 12th annual challenge. We are inviting children all over the UK to help the young crew of the Ex Libris to set up the first library on the Moon!

This year's artwork has a graphic novel-styling, created by Skulduggery Pleasant illustrator Tom Percival. We're keeping to the fold-out poster format with the lenticular moving image card, and three clear achievable stages, which are: 1. Blast Off! 2. Space Chase 3. Lunar Landing. Some of the collectable stickers are blank speech bubbles for children to contribute their own content to the comic strip adventure.

Launch at the House of Commons

The UK launch of Space Hop was celebrated at a Summer Reading Challenge Reception held at the House of Commons on Monday 19 July, with the support of Talis and Peters Bookselling Services. As well as Ed Vaizey, MInister for Culture, Media, Sport and the Communicative Industries, speakers included Michael Rosen, the scheme's Patron, and Alan Davey, chief executive of the Arts Council.

Support from Talis

Talis have published podcasts from the launch, available on their blog here:
http://blogs.talis.com/panlibus/archives/tag/summer-reading-challenge
featuring interviews with Miranda McKearney (Director, The Reading Agency), Janene Cox (Assistant Director for Cultural Services at Staffordshire County Council), Helen Boothroyd (Children, Young People & Schools Library Service Manager at Suffolk Libraries/ASCEL) and Fiona MacDonald (Head of Library and Education Services at Walker Books).

Support from Peters Bookselling Service

Peters work in partnership with Publishers, authors and illustrators to continually develop our knowledge of children's books and maintain a relevant and comprehensive range. These collaborative partnerships are starting to unlock valuable resources for libraries in the form of promotional materials, author visits, knowledge, marketing etc.
 
Peters are very pleased to have had the chance to sponsor and support this important event!

Space Hop book list

This space-themed list has been compiled by children taking part in the Chatterbooks network of reading groups.

Space Pirates by Scoular Anderson
Henry's House: Space by Philip Ardagh
Disappearing Moon by Simon Bertram
Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald
Milo and the Moon Kangaroo by Dan Taylor
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Astrosaurs: Riddle of the Raptors by Steve Cole
Larklight by Philip Reeve
The Story of Astronomy and Space by Louie Stowell & Peter Allen
Krazy Kow Saves the World - Well Almost by Jeremy Strong

"This is by no means an exhaustive list as there are so many fantastic books out there to keep children reading over the summer, however the youngsters in our reading groups have told us that they love these books in particular; we hope that the list will give a flavour of the intergalactic treats in store to inspire all those taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge this year," says Anne Sarrag, Summer Reading Challenge director

The website

Space Hop website www.spacehop.org.uk.

The Space Hop website supports children who take up the challenge with imaginative activities and games.  It also gives children the chance to read summer-time blogs from their favourite authors and to get online reading advice from library staff. Visit the website to see how much they are enjoying the Space Hop experience!

Quest Seekers Report

The report on the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge has been published, showing that Quest Seekers helped libraries to involve a record breaking 725,000 children. The report outlines the key achievements together with significant areas for development which we will be working on to support libraries' work in taking the Challenge forward in 2010. Download the full report with charts.

Summer Reading Challenge 2009 Impact Research Report

In an Impact Research study on last year's challenge, Rebecca Kennedy and Eve Bearne of the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA) identified a range of aspects of good practice in five different local authorities: Brighton & Hove, Coventry, Manchester, Staffordshire and Wiltshire. They found that the Challenge contributed to stemming the 'summer holiday dip' in children's reading achievement. Download the final impact report.

The Summer Reading Challenge Conference

The Summer Reading Challenge Conference
The Conference - Celebrating 10 Years and Looking Ahead - took place at the British Library Conference Centre on 13th November 2009. Download a summary of the day's presentations and workshops Download the press release.