Marcus Rashford launches book club to promote reading and literacy to children

'There are 400,000 children across the UK today who have never owned a book, children who are in vulnerable environments. That has to change'

Following the success of his school meals campaign, footballer Marcus Rashford MBE has launched a book club to help children experience the escapism of reading.

The Manchester United player has teamed up with Macmillan Children’s Books to promote reading and literacy to children across the UK, with a particular focus on reaching children from vulnerable and underprivileged backgrounds.

The children’s publishers say that this new partnership aims to equip all children with the resources to succeed in life by opening up access to reading material and emphasising the role that books play in helping children to develop life skills.

The first book in the partnership is called YOU ARE A CHAMPION: Unlock Your Potential, Find Your Voice and Be the BEST You Can Be.

This non-fiction title draws on stories from Marcus’s own life to show young people aged 11-16 years that success is all about the mindset.

Readers will find out how positive thinking can change their life, build mental resilience, learn how to navigate adversity and discover the unstoppable power of their own voice, says the publisher.

It will be written in collaboration with journalist Carl Anka and performance psychologist Katie Warriner.

Two fiction titles for readers aged 7+ will follow later in 2022.

The partnership will also see the launch of The Marcus Rashford Book Club, a reader recommends programme that will champion the works of young, emerging writers and illustrators from all backgrounds.

“I only started reading at 17, and it completely changed my outlook and mentality,” said Marcus.

“We know there are approximately 400,000 children across the UK today who have never owned a book, children who are in vulnerable environments. That has to change.

“Let our children read that they are not alone and enable them to dream. Equip them for obstacles and adversities they might face.

“Allow them to relate to the characters by making sure people of all race, religion and gender are depicted correctly and representative of modern society.

“The team at Pan Macmillan very much share my vision and ambition, and I am really excited to be on this journey with them.

“There is a real family feel to this partnership and I’m really looking forward to seeing the difference we can make together.”

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