We spoke to one of the FCBG members that’s part of the Share a Story month team and she pointed us to the Open University’s reaseach. There is plenty of research that details how reading can benefit children both at school and beyond but reading for pleasure is not just the act of reading. It is so much more.
Research by the Open University about the significance of the development of reading communities – which you can read about here – really seems to fit with Share a Story month.
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Genuine reading for pleasure stems from a root much deeper than just inviting children to read books. It’s the time taken to foster interest in books, the chance to investigate series and authors and styles of book, the freedom to discuss books, the opportunities to give and receive recommendations and the communities that grow up around enjoying reading. Communities made up of members from diverse and perhaps otherwise separate groups.
In short, reading communities seem to be intrinsically tied to the sharing of stories!
For 2025 the theme of Share a Story month is Saving the World, One Book at a Time and a group of delegates from various local FCBG organisations have spent many months curating a list to suit young readers of every age. The list has been carefully selected to draw readers into the joy, beauty and adventure that nature offers, while highlighting the plight of the planet and all its inhabitants. With picture books, chapter fiction, short stories, poetry and graphic novels you’ll hopefully find suggestions to suit any and all readers in your classroom. The whole list can be found here, split by type of book.
During Share a Story month 2025 the Federation of Children’s Book Groups would love these books to inspire schools and families to develop and nurture reading communities.
Along with this list – which schools can get special discounts on here – the FCBG invite schools to schedule and share a Community Reading Event.
Whatever event your school comes up with, the FCBG would love you to share what you’re doing and if you do, you’ll go in the draw to win great book prizes as well as free visits from two featured authors Anna Goodall and Lucy McRobert.
Let’s share our love of reading this Share a Story month and beyond!
Many thanks to Louisa, a FCBG volunteer, who kindly gave us some insight into Share a Story Month.
If you would like any of the titles on the FCBG list do have a look at what schools can save and if you would rather get in touch we can send you through a bespoke list of only the ones you need!
