It’s a wonderful feeling: curling up with a book that transports you to a faraway place, leaving your own world waiting in the wings.
And it’s something that footballer Marcus Rashford wants all children to experience, regardless of where they come from.
The Manchester United star has said he wishes he had the chance to read more as a child, but his family had to prioritise food over books when it came to budgeting.
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So now he’s setting up his own book club to promote reading and literacy among children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
“There were times where the escapism of reading could have really helped me,” he said. “I want this escapism for all children, not just those that can afford it.”
Inspired by Mr Rashford’s plans, Tes asked teachers which titles they would recommend for escapism and to inspire disadvantaged children.
If they had to pick one book for the club to read, what would it be?
Here’s what they said:
1. Holes, Louis Sachar
The residents of Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre have just one assignment each day: to dig a hole 5ft wide by 5ft deep, and report anything they find inside. But what are they looking for? Watch out for those yellow-spotted lizards!
‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar.
- Mrs Wynne (@MrsWynneStJ) November 17, 2020
2. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
A true classic. Immerse yourself in the English countryside and follow Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad on their adventures.
Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows was a favourite escapist read of mine growing up. Grahame had such an arresting narrative style in conveying pastoral moods.
- Fred McNamara (@commander_mac) November 17, 2020
3. Unstoppable, Dan Freedman
Marcus Rashford himself has said of this book “you should definitely check it out”. This is a story about a pair of sporty twins, once close, now at odds with each other - and both hiding dangerous secrets.
Unstoppable by Dan Freeman. Probably for older primary students but the boys in my class have loved it! Very ccurent!
- Tamlyn Goodrich (@GoodrichTamlyn) November 17, 2020
4. Noughts and Crosses, Malorie Blackman
Two people told us they would recommend anything by Malorie Blackman - so we’ve picked the eponymous novel from her famous series Noughts and Crosses. Sephy and Callum are best friends, but there is one key thing separating them: Sephy is a “Cross” - a member of the “dark-skinned ruling class”, and Callum is a “nought” - “a ‘colourless’ member of the underclass”. When romance builds between the pair, their relationship puts them both in terrible danger.
Everything @malorieblackman Everything @WilsonJaqueline These two authors provided me with the perfect escapism and as I grew older Purple Hibiscus by @ChimamandaReal, the Ultimate escapism!
- The Learning Suite (@SuiteLearning) November 17, 2020
We have to include anything by auntie @malorieblackman as we loved her books growing up!
- RyeHillTRA (@RyeHillTRA) November 17, 2020
5. Diary of a Killer Cat, Anne Fine
Tuffy is in trouble, but he can’t see the big deal. After all, cats are bound to drag dead birds into the house, aren’t they? As told by the Killer Cat himself.
Diary of a killer cat. Anne Fine
- TigerDor (@TigerDor) November 17, 2020
6. Fantastic Mr Fox, Roald Dahl
Evil farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean are after Mr Fox. He’s been stealing chickens, and they’re not happy about it. He’s proved his craftiness up till now, but can Mr Fox feed the forest when it really counts?
Fantastic Mr Fox always works for my kids. Can’t beat the classics I guess! Unstoppable is a good read but to close to home for some of my students.
- Paul Mckenzie (@MaccaTHFC) November 17, 2020
Yeah, Fantastic Mr Fox and the BFG were my favourites. Currently reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with (to) my 5yos.
- Scottiejojo (@ScottieJoJo) November 17, 2020
7. The Worst Witch, Jill Murphy
In the first instalment of this magical series, poor Mildred Hubble, a first-year student at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, finds herself in a bit of a pickle - on more than one occasion. Chaos ensues.
The Worst Witch!
- ECS - Miss C (@ECSMissC) November 17, 2020
8. The Butterfly Lion, Michael Morpurgo
Known for his heart-wrenching tales, Michael Morpurgo is one of the most beloved children’s writers of his generation. The Butterfly Lion tells the story of Millie and Bertie, who meet at a boarding school in Wiltshire, and the search for Bertie’s adopted white lion cub, who he was forced to send away as a child.
Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo
- Jessica Mae’s Mummy (@TraceyLouise) November 17, 2020
9. The Lives of Christopher Chant, Diana Wynn Jones
Distressed by his warring parents, young Christopher Chant finds solace in his dreams, which he uses to escape to other worlds. But there is a twist: when Christopher returns from his magical trips, he can bring things with him.
How about “The Lives of Christopher Chant” by Diane Wynn Jones?
- mr-oui (@mroui6) November 17, 2020
10. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
Mary Lennox, a neglected child from a wealthy family, is put in the care of her uncle Archibald Craven after a cholera epidemic kills her parents. There, she learns of a private walled garden where her aunt used to grow roses. Intrigued, Mary begins her search.
My daughters absolute favourite are The Secret Garden and The little Princess
- lemonpod (@lemonpod) November 17, 2020
