BookTastic creates measurable, lasting change in children’s reading attitudes, engagement, and literacy outcomes through the power of meeting real authors and celebrating stories.
BookTastic’s Impact Across the UK
“BookTastic Week changed how our children see themselves as readers—and as future authors.”
Teacher’s Comment
School participated in their MAT’s week-long festival, attending 2 of the 5 events: Picture book illustrator for KS1 Poet and spoken word artist for Year 5/6
“I never thought reading was for me. Then I met Marcus Rashford’s author [Alex Falase-Koya] and realised stories can be about people like me. I’ve read more of his books since BookTastic.”
“The change in Jayden alone justified our participation. But it wasn’t just him—it was the entire school culture. Reading went from something we do because we have to, to something exciting, and cool. BookTastic created that shift.” – Literacy Lead
Reading enjoyment
Library borrowing
Year 6 writing
Teacher-reported engagement
“BookTastic enabled us to deliver author experiences at scale -something we could never have achieved individually.”
Teacher’s Comment
This particular trust comprises 8 primary schools in one of the areas worst affected by deprivation in the UK. The trust wanted to create equitable literary experiences across all schools while celebrating their shared identity.
Individual schools couldn’t afford high-profile authors. Coordinating a trust-wide initiative seemed logistically overwhelming. The trust wanted impact that justified the time investment.
“BookTastic turned our vision into reality. We wanted reading to be central to our trust identity—now it is. When pupils transfer between our schools, they share BookTastic memories. Our schools support each other’s reading initiatives because they experienced the festival together.”
2,000 pupils reached across 8 schools
Trust-wide reading culture
Trust identity: “reading trust” mentioned by staff
Cost efficiency: economies of scale vs. individual school bookings
Shared practice: schools followed up with joint schemes
Headline: In Their Own Words
Pupils:
“I met the person who wrote my favorite book! She was so nice and funny. She said I could be a writer too when I grow up.” A, age 7
“Before BookTastic I thought books were boring. Then I heard Ross Montgomery read from his new book and I was hooked. I’ve read all his books now.” J, age 9
“The poet taught us how to write poems about our lives. Mine was about my gran. My mum cried when I read it to her. I’m going to be a poet.” S, age 9
“I have dyslexia and reading is hard for me. But the author I met has dyslexia too and he’s written 30 books! It made me think I can do things too.” M, age 10
Teachers:
“BookTastic Week is one of the highlights of our school year. The excitement and genuine awe on children’s faces during the events – it’s magic. And the impact lasts – we have pupils asking us if we’re going to take part in BookTastic next year, and they can’t believe they get to choose the authors.” Year 4 Teacher
“I’ve taught for 15 years and seen lots of literacy initiatives. BookTastic is different – it’s pure inspiration rather than instruction. When children meet authors, reading stops being a school requirement and becomes a passionate choice.” Headteacher
“Our most reluctant readers were transformed. One boy who’d never finished a book begged his parents to buy the author’s series at the book fair. He’s now read six books in three months—unthinkable before BookTastic.” Year 6 Teacher
School Leaders:
“BookTastic delivered a high-impact, well-organised festival that elevated reading across our trust. The professionalism, author quality, and support were exceptional. We’re committed to making this an annual tradition.” MAT Executive Head
“For our disadvantaged pupils, meeting successful authors – especially diverse authors – is so important. They see that reading and writing are for everyone, regardless of background. And having that demonstrated, not just taught, really gets through.” Trust CEO