Ten Top Intergalactic Summer Reads For Kids

The Reading Agency names its top space-themed summer reads as the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge prepares for blast-off
As libraries across the UK prepare to launch the popular nationwide Summer Reading Challenge, organisers at The Reading Agency have put together a list of top 'space-themed' summer reads for children to get stuck into during the long school holidays.

The list has been compiled to coincide with the 2010 Challenge's space theme, SpaceHop, after asking children in their Chatterbooks network of reading groups which books they have most enjoyed reading recently.

The full list is:

Space Pirates by Scoular Anderson

Henry's House: Space by Philip Ardagh

Disappearing Moon by Simon Bertram

Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald

Milo and the Moon Kangaroo by Dan Taylor

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Astrosaurs: Riddle of the Raptors by Steve Cole

Larklight by Philip Reeve

The Story of Astronomy and Space by Louie Stowell & Peter Allen

Krazy Kow Saves the World – Well Almost by Jeremy Strong

"This is by no means an exhaustive list as there are so many fantastic books out there to keep children reading over the summer, however the youngsters in our reading groups have told us that they love these books in particular; we hope that the list will give a flavour of the intergalactic treats in store to inspire all those taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge this year," says Anne Sarrag, Summer Reading Challenge director for The Reading Agency.

"Children really enjoy taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge and it is completely free to do so, which is why we want to encourage even more families to go along to their local library and get involved. Not only is the Challenge a great way to keep children entertained over the holidays, but also we know that those who take part read more books and read more widely than those who don't, with potentially life-changing results."

The Summer Reading Challenge is an immensely popular and successful reading initiative. Now in its twelfth year it is expected to reach over 750,000 children aged four to 12 years via the UK library network. It is created and run by The Reading Agency, the independent national charity working to inspire more people to read more, and is supported by children's publishers.

Children are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge. They can sign up at their local library as the school summer term draws to a close (from approximately 16 July in England and Wales, and from 25 June in Scotland and 30 June in Northern Ireland) and all materials are absolutely free to children.

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge has the space theme, Space Hop, which will enable children to boldly go to new worlds, discover the joy of books and nurture a life-long love affair with reading. Illustrated by leading children's book artist Tom Percival, Space Hop coincides with the 350th anniversary of The Royal Society's scientific endeavours and the 2010 BBC Year of Science.

The adventure starts in their local library, where young Space Hoppers will meet Finn, Jessie, Nabil and Safiya – the crew of the Ex Libris – as they embark on their mission to set up the first lunar library. Unless the dastardly Spacekatz lead them into the nearest black hole...

An interactive website www.spacehop.org.uk links children and their families with top authors and illustrators. The site offers them a space to talk about their favourite books and to share reading ideas. The Summer Reading Challenges (which takes a different theme each year) also helps local libraries promote themselves as a place of wonder for children, where librarians can offer invaluable advice and guidance to help them complete the challenge.

"The Summer Reading Challenge helps you to read and it makes you want to read more. That's really fun, and I like getting the certificate and medal at the end," said Sulaimaan, aged 11.