By encouraging the young to publish fan fiction, story-sharing startup Movellas is tackling English children's low literacy levelsLiteracy levels among English young adults compare poorly with those in other industrialised countries, according to an OECD survey last autumn which ranked England a "must try harder" 22nd out of 24 in tests for literacy.Turning this around is a challenge that appeals to Movellas, an online story-sharing startup. Taking to heart the maxim that "reading for pleasure" is vital to a child's educational attainment, the company's founders believe that encouraging young people to write about their passions and share those stories with others can have a positive effect on literacy.In other words, if your daughter's writing One Direction fan fiction on her phone, she could be on her way to an A* at English GCSE. Or, at the very least, a book deal. "Movellian" Emily Baker's 1D-inspired Loving the Band was snapped up by Penguin. Helen Hiorns's The Name on Your Wrist was published by Random House after she won the inaugural young movellist of the year, sponsored by Sony and judged by children's laureate Malorie Blackman.High-profile success stories can help build its user base (200,000 and growing), but Movellas does more than sell the dream of literary fame.When surveyed, 50% of respondents said Movellas had made them enjoy reading more; 70% enjoyed writing more. Importantly, 20% of its users get free school meals (about the national average). Only 25%... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'
[ The Guardian | 2014-02-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
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David Cameron will be the inaugural guest on "Ideas Matter", the new podcast from William Collins when it launches this week. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2019-09-23 17:42:22 UTC ]
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The collection of short stories reads almost like an assemblage of “Twilight Zone” episodes. Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-09-20 15:24:51 UTC ]
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From cool technology to book clubs to a tricky round of Jeopardy, a bookseller plays librarian for a day. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2019-09-20 12:00:45 UTC ]
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From policy to dating, seeing issues through this lens has ill effects, Binyamin Appelbaum writes. Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-09-20 01:24:30 UTC ]
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The book is animated by a central concern that could not be more relevant: the inhumane treatment of children. Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-09-09 23:55:38 UTC ]
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Fleet has signed a “beautiful” book from ex-Granta magazine editor Sophie Harrison about how she decided to retrain as a doctor at the age of 28. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2019-09-09 00:59:41 UTC ]
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The author’s ninth novel deals with climate change and human migration — but it’s not homework. Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-09-08 19:44:11 UTC ]
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Michael S. Roth explores political correctness and free speech in a divisive age. Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-08-30 12:31:08 UTC ]
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See gods and monsters rendered in vivid comic book style in these awesome comics about mythology! This isn't your mom's Hera, kids. Continue reading at Book Riot
[ Book Riot | 2019-08-21 10:36:05 UTC ]
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Former social affairs reporter Rick Morton attacked in print and online. Plus: Rowan Dean ignores police over Sydney stabbing attacksIt doesn’t take long for a top reporter at the Australian, with a regular presence on page one, to become the target of a front-page story in the combative... Continue reading at The Guardian
[ The Guardian | 2019-08-16 01:49:59 UTC ]
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Alice Latham is leaving Ebury after 11 years to join Atlantic Books as rights director. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2019-08-07 09:00:28 UTC ]
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Listen to an exclusive audiobook excerpt of Ruth Ware's new psychological thriller, THE TURN OF THE KEY, narrated by Imogen Church! Continue reading at Book Riot
[ Book Riot | 2019-08-06 10:33:59 UTC ]
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This year, for the first time in over two decades, a slew of work entered the public domain: everything first published in the United States in 1923, to be precise. (And yes, next year we’ll get the goods from 1924.) “But there’s another source of public domain works,” Cory Doctorow writes at... Continue reading at Literrary Hub
[ Literrary Hub | 2019-08-02 16:44:41 UTC ]
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Part of the programming for the 'Noirwich' literary festival at Norwich is a focus on 'crimes against nature' and our stewardship of the environment. The post UK’s National Centre for Writing Turns to Eco-Crime for ‘Noirwich’ Fest appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2019-07-26 05:30:50 UTC ]
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Bud Selig’s memoir misses the sport’s magic, while two statheads explain its inspiring innovations. Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-07-25 16:00:00 UTC ]
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‘Those People,’ by Louise Candlish is a delicious thriller about nastiness in a posh London suburb Continue reading at The Washington Post
[ The Washington Post | 2019-07-19 14:00:00 UTC ]
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Known as a gateway into the lifestyle and culture of New England, Yankee magazine has established itself as much more than just a publication for those living in the region it covers. Now a digital publisher that labels itself as the “leading authority on New England foliage” with a reach of... Continue reading at Folio Magazine
[ Folio Magazine | 2019-07-15 18:58:36 UTC ]
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At a loss for your next book club? Check out these 19 book club ideas you and your friends will love, from "back to school" to "trophy life" and beyond. Continue reading at Book Riot
[ Book Riot | 2019-07-11 10:39:16 UTC ]
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Essex County Council has announced it is ditching plans to close its libraries and their future is secure for the next five years following a huge community campaign, supported by authors including David Walliams and Jacqueline Wilson. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2019-07-09 00:31:48 UTC ]
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Since its launch 25 years ago, Amazon's reach has extended well beyond an online bookstore. And while it may seem obvious today, at the time Jeff Bezos was working to get his idea to the masses, many investors thought it would be no match for bookstore giants like Borders and Barnes &... Continue reading at Silicon Valley Business Journal
[ Silicon Valley Business Journal | 2019-07-08 11:14:14 UTC ]
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