Putting Social Justice and Equity at the Heart of Reading for Pleasure

Jane Carter was a primary school teacher for many years before starting work as a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of the West of England, UK. She has a passion for literacy, language and learning with research interests from phonics and early reading to engaging families with reading.

'This accessible book, written by experienced educators views reading for pleasure through a social justice lens. Foregrounding opportunities for all, it actively highlights issues of inclusion in texts and contexts, and offers strategies, case studies and questions that will help teachers nurture volitionally engaged and motivated readers.'Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy), the Open University, UK.‘This excellent, well-informed and influential book is a must read for students, teachers and academics who want to explore the intrinsic links between reading for pleasure and the context of social justice and equality. Each chapter takes a familiar theme but explores it from a social justice stance thereby bringing fresh insight and encourages the reader to critically reflect on their own teaching. The book is packed with ideas and resources for the reader to explore as well as a ‘call to action’ which will no doubt lead to readers being empowered to develop a reading culture that is inclusive, empowering, and reflective of the diverse identities and experiences of the children they teach.’Roger McDonald, Associate Professor in Primary Education (Literacy) Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences School of Education University of Greenwich, UK.‘This book is an essential read for anyone entering the teaching profession and indeed all those working in primary education. Research is expertly interwoven with practical ideas, case studies and resources to support all teachers to make well-informed decisions that will put social justice and equity at the heart of their classroom reading practices.’Hannah Baker, Literacy Consultant.‘This book delves deeply into the world of reading for pleasure and depicts what this means for all children and young people. It is an absolute essential read for educators who are passionate about all learners enjoying their reading journeys. Whilst it draws extensively on research and theory, it provides educators with the perfect backdrop on which to understand and then demonstrate the values and factors involved for groups of learners in deepening their enjoyment of reading. It is what every teacher needs to know.’Cerys Stevens, Senior Lecturer and Primary Literacy Consultant.‘Putting Social Justice and Equity at the heart of RfP invites us to frame our thinking around the complexities defining the human experience of what it means to Read for Pleasure. Rooting social justice and equity at the heart of each chapter enables future teachers of readers to employ their professional agency through a multifaceted, intersectional lens - being considered, curious and critically engaged with the ever evolving theoretical, social and political landscape. Quite simply, this book has the child's voice and best interest at the heart of it.’Kiran Satti, Deputy Principal at Oasis Academy Woodview, UK.'This book provides a timely lens on the power of reading for pleasure in developing equitable pedagogical practices in schools. Each chapter is carefully written to evidence the child's voice which is impactful on the reader's perception of school development. Each author skilfully ensures that the focus of their chapter brings new perspectives on reading for pleasure and, importantly for practitioners, evidence as to why this development is needed and how to weave this through classroom practice. With reading as a key lever to bring about equality that is vital for the future prosperity of our society, the book is a clarion call for schools to harness the power of reading for pleasure now. I, indeed, feel both 'affirmed and challenged' - always the sign of a great read!'Joanna Farbon, Fellow Charted College of Teaching, Chartered Teacher (Leadership), Headteacher and Chair of Luton Nursery & Primary Headteachers' Association.

• 1. Introduction to Reading for Pleasure 2. What Counts as Reading? 3. Not Reading for Pleasure, but ‘Purposefully Positive’: Understanding the Difference between Reading for Pleasure and Using Great Texts for Teaching 4. Connecting People and Planet through Reading for Pleasure 5. Representation in Children’s Literature 6. Engaging and Re-Engaging Readers: Innovative Approaches that can help Reignite the Spark 7. Family Engagement: Who are your Influencers? 8. The Importance of Teachers' Knowledge of Children's Literature to Develop Children's Reading for Pleasure 9. The Pleasure of Reading Against: Embedding Lifelong Critical Literacy from Picturebooks to Social Media 10. Conclusion: A Call to Action for Social Justice and Equity in Reading for Pleasure Appendices