Today's Read Team 
Bookshop.org’s Read It Forward Initiative: Supporting Children’s Literacy
Since its revival in February 2024, Bookshop.org’s Read It Forward initiative, in partnership with BookTrust and Scottish Book Trust, has successfully raised funds that have benefited more than 1,500 families, marking an increase from 1,000 families helped in the previous year.
About the Initiative
The Read It Forward campaign invites parents, educators, and guardians to purchase children’s books via Bookshop.org during February. This initiative donates 10% of each book’s sales to both BookTrust and Scottish Book Trust, aimed at enhancing accessibility to crucial literacy resources.
Impact and Statements from Leadership
Nicole Vanderbilt, managing director of Bookshop.org UK, stated, “We’re delighted with the results of our second Read It Forward charity drive. By joining forces with the Scottish Book Trust as well as continuing our partnership with BookTrust, we’re proud to have raised funds to support children and families across the UK [to] access key literacy resources.”
Vanderbilt emphasized the campaign’s effectiveness in addressing the decline in children’s reading for pleasure, stating, “Once again, our customers have shown that they care deeply about supporting independent bookshops, but also, and most crucially, about the ongoing children’s reading crisis.”
Notable Bestsellers
During February, the initiative highlighted several bestselling children’s books, which included:
- If I Had a Dragon by Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow (Thames & Hudson)
- Climate Is Just the Start by Mikaela Loach (Random House USA)
- Hunt for the Golden Scarab by MG Leonard and Manuel Sumberac (Pan Macmillan)
- The History of Information by Chris Haughton (Dorling Kindersley)
- Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret by Abi Elphinstone and Kristina Kister (Simon & Schuster)
- You and Your Body: A First Look Inside the Human Body by Punam Krishan (Dorling Kindersley)
Supporting Families and Enhancing Literacy
According to Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust, the funds raised are pivotal for young families facing difficulties, particularly through their early years outreach program, Bookbug for the Home. Lambert noted, “We’re very grateful to Bookshop.org for helping us reach more families to support early communication and language skills, as well as building a love of reading.”
Diana Gerald MBE, chief executive of BookTrust, also commented on the importance of reading, stating, “As the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, we know that children who read experience better mental well-being, form stronger bonds and relationships, do better at school and are more creative.” She highlighted the transformative potential of reading for children across all backgrounds.
Conclusion
The Read It Forward initiative showcases the collective effort of Bookshop.org, BookTrust, and the Scottish Book Trust in promoting literacy while supporting families in need. As the campaign continues to evolve, its impact on children’s reading habits and access to books remains a priority in fostering a love for reading across the UK.