The Gift of Reading
Posted 16th January 2026
The Gift of Reading for Year 7 at Dixons Fazakerley Academy
Every year, one of our favourite traditions at Dixons Fazakerley Academy is giving our Year 7 students the gift of reading. It’s a moment our students look forward to from the day they arrive choosing a high‑quality, contemporary and engaging book to keep - forever theirs.
This year, due to publishing delays and several titles being temporarily out of stock, we had to postpone our Gift of Reading event from Christmas to the start of the new term. But the wait was absolutely worth it. In their very first library lesson of the new year, our Year 7 cohort spent time exploring a curated selection of ten fantastic books before selecting their top choices.
Books on Offer This Year
Our list this year included a wide range of genres, voices, and stories - chosen to inspire, challenge, and spark curiosity. Some of the highlights included:
- I Am Wolf – A gripping, atmospheric adventure about identity, loyalty and survival, perfect for readers who love mystery and folklore.
- Island of Whispers – A beautifully illustrated, magical tale from Frances Hardinge about courage, loss, and the powerful secrets we carry.
- This Book Is Anti-Racist – An accessible, empowering guide that helps young people understand identity, bias and how to stand up for equality.
- The Swifts – A funny, fast-paced mystery following a quirky family with even quirkier names, full of twists, secrets and heart.
- …and many more, selected to reflect a range of interests, reading levels and experiences.
Celebrating Reading for Pleasure
At Dixons Fazakerley Academy, we believe that reading changes lives. Putting choice into students’ hands is a powerful way to nurture confident, curious and independent readers. Watching the excitement as Year 7 explored the books - debating genres, comparing blurbs, and discussing the covers - was a brilliant reminder of why this tradition matters so much.
We can’t wait to see these books being read, shared and talked about across our community in the coming weeks.
Here’s to another year of discovery, imagination and the joy of reading.
