The Power of Books: Why 1 in 10 Children Without a Personal Book Are Missing Out on Key Opportunities for Personal Development 

Books have the ability to open doors to new worlds, spark creativity, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. However, for many children in the UK, access to these transformative resources is not a given. In fact, 1 in 10 children in the UK do not own a personal book, and this gap is especially pronounced in communities like Manchester and Salford, where children often face the challenges of poverty and limited educational resources. 

The Impact of Book Poverty 

Books are far more than just tools for education - they are essential for emotional development, life skills, and literacy. For children growing up in tough circumstances, books can be an escape, offering a much-needed mental break and a safe space for imagination. They also play a crucial role in developing emotional regulation, teaching children how to manage their feelings and navigate challenges. 

Books don't just help in the present; they also help children build the life skills they’ll need to succeed in adulthood, such as problem-solving, perseverance, and critical thinking. These skills are key in breaking the cycle of poverty, empowering children to pursue better job opportunities, and helping them build brighter futures. 

Reading for pleasure is not just a “nice to have”; it is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success - more than their family circumstances, parents’ educational background, or income. Yet, fewer than 1 in 2 children (47.8%) aged 8 to 18 say they enjoy reading, and for children from lower-income families, this number drops even further (43.8%). 

The cost of living crisis has exacerbated this issue, with nearly 64% of parents saying they have less money to spend on books for their children than before. In fact, one in 15 children (6.5%) in the UK say they don’t own a single book, with this number rising to 1 in 10 for children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). This lack of access to books is preventing children from developing key literacy skills and further deepening the cycle of disadvantage. 

The Reality of Book Poverty in Manchester and Salford 

In Greater Manchester, over 40,000 school children are affected by book poverty, with many unable to access the resources they need to succeed. For these children, a book could be the catalyst for change - a tool that not only sparks curiosity but also fosters resilience and self-confidence. Without it, they face additional barriers to personal and academic development. 

Books Forever: Transforming Futures, One Book at a Time 

At Wood Street Mission, we believe that every child deserves access to books. Through our Books Forever project, we aim to provide books to children aged 0-16 in Manchester and Salford, ensuring that no child is left behind. By donating books, you are helping to equip children with the literacy skills, emotional resilience, and creative inspiration they need to succeed - now and in the future. 

How You Can Make a Difference: Donate Books Today 

We invite you to join us in ensuring that all children have access to the books they need to unlock their potential. Your donation of new or gently used books will help foster a love of reading and provide children with the essential tools to succeed academically and in life. 

Every book donated is an opportunity for a child to dream, grow, and achieve. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty and give children the resources they need to build a better future. 

Click here to donate books and help us inspire the next generation of readers, thinkers, and leaders or find out more about books forever here.