Inspired by Robert Macfarlane and curated by Jennie Orchard, this anthology of essays highlights the joys of giving books to children and young people, featuring contributions 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, esteemed authors share their transformative reading experiences—the books and stories that guided them toward becoming the readers and writers they are today.

Building upon the success of the first edition, The Gifts of Reading is a heartwarming collection that showcases the enduring power of literature. By exploring the stories that influenced them, the authors provide a compelling guide to fostering a love of reading in the children and young people in your life.

This collection includes essays from writers such as 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, with an afterword by Julia Eccleshare.

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

Pages: 336, Dimensions: 13.5x13.5cm