| Summary: | <p>Research explains that as children get older, they read less and, as a result, have poorer attitudes to reading (Clark and Osborne 2008; Topping, 2010; Clark and Douglas, 2011). This poor attitude is especially pertinent to the context of Langston High (pseudonym) as its current Ofsted report outlined that most of the students who come from low socio-economic backgrounds are poor readers.</p>
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<p>This research sought to explore the impact of curated fiction excerpts on disadvantaged students to improve their attitude towards reading for pleasure. Research also clarifies that teachers are essential in improving students' attitudes to reading (Cremin et al., 2008). As a result, this research project also explored ways of supporting teachers to enhance their knowledge of children’s literature and their reading habits through CPD facilitated by the Open University.</p>
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<p>Findings show that although students found some of the curated fiction excerpts ‘boring’, most students felt that it had allowed them to explore texts they would not usually read, thus taking them out of their comfort zones which they identified as positives. This research also suggests that disadvantaged pupils' attitude towards reading for pleasure can be improved by providing a protected space within the curriculum to expose them to various texts by authors that celebrate diversity and explore pertinent themes. Furthermore, teachers expressed that their knowledge of young adult fiction had increased in evaluating the Reading for Pleasure CPD in conjunction with the Open University and UKLA. Subsequently, they felt more confident recommending texts to their pupils.</p>
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