Gifts of Reading for the Next Generation : Essays on Nurturing a Passion for Reading

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 organizations founded by John Wood, Room to Read and U-Go, promoting literacy and education for girls and young women.

Jennie Orchard has been involved with the world of books and publishing for more than four decades, initially in London, later in Australia and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong). Since 2002 she has been actively involved in the non-profit sector, with a particular focus on Room to Read and more recently U-Go (both organisations founded by John Wood, supporting literacy and girls’ education). For a number of years, also, she has been an advisor to the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Jennie’s first book was the anthology she curated, The Gifts of Reading, inspired by an essay by Robert Macfarlane.