The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation

Inspired by Robert Macfarlane and curated by Jennie Orchard, an anthology of essays about the joys of giving books to children and young people, from some of the world’s most beloved writers.

Remember the books that shaped your childhood, sparked your imagination, and ignited a lifelong love of reading? In The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation, some of the world’s most beloved authors share their own transformative reading experiences — the books and stories that set them on the path of becoming the readers and writers they are today.

Following the success of its first edition, The Gifts of Reading, this heartwarming collection of essays is a testament to the enduring power of books. By exploring the stories that shaped them, our authors provide a powerful guide to fostering a love of reading in the children and young people in your life.

With contributions from Tristan Bancks, William Boyd, Shankari Chandran, Horatio Clare, Nicola Davies, Imtiaz Dharker, Ursula Dubosarsky, Maisie Fieschi, Pico Iyer, Wayne Karlin, Colum McCann, JohnMichael McCann, Ann Morgan, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Dina Nayeri, Matt Ottley, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, Alice Pung, Diana Reid, Nilanjana Roy, Nikesh Shukla, Nardi Simpson, Madeleine Thien, Thelma Young Lutunatabua, and John Wood, and an afterword by Julia Eccleshare.

All royalties generously donated to the two organisations founded by John Wood, Room to Read and U-Go, promoting literacy and education for girls and young women.

“Perfect gift.”

— Paul Macdonald, The Children’s Bookshop

Review by 1000 Libraries

In The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation, Jennie Orchard curates a profound and diverse anthology that serves as an urgent defense of the humanities in an increasingly digital world. Building on the spirit of the original The Gifts of Reading, this collection explores the pivotal role of reading in shaping the minds and morals of the youth. The result is more than just a collection of anecdotes; it is a collective manifesto on the necessity of passing down the torch of literacy as a means of survival.

A central theme of the book is the concept of empathy as a muscle that must be trained. In a world characterized by polarizing algorithms and shrinking attention spans, the contributors argue that long-form reading is the ultimate antidote. The essays collectively suggest that by introducing the “next generation” to complex narratives, we are equipping them with the tools to navigate a complicated world with nuance and compassion.

‘There is a secret trail of books meant to inspire and enlighten you. Find that trail.’ (Ben Okri in The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation)

The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation serves as both a celebration of the literary past and a hopeful blueprint for the future. Orchard has successfully curated a work that is deeply moving and intellectually stimulating, reminding us that while technology may change how we access information, the profound, life-altering experience of getting lost in a story remains an irreplaceable human necessity. It is a stirring reminder that to give a child a book is to give them a world.

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“Robert Macfarlane’s Foreword frames this book in the context of the recent National Literacy Trust report highlighting the decline in childhood reading for pleasure. This volume encourages us to redouble our efforts to reverse this trend by reminding us why it matters so much.”

Stephen Dilley, Just Imagine

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“Helping kids fall under the spell of books has never been more urgent. Recent reports show reading for pleasure among children has slumped in Australia. This inspiring collection testifies to the life-changing power of books in a child’s life.”

Fiona Capp, The Age

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“It’s the perfect gift for friends, a necessary book for all educators and parents, and a great book for all to dip into to reflect on the power of books and stories.”

Paul Macdonald, *The Children’s Bookshop*

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The Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation