KA Cartlidge

News from the worlds of writing, publishing, and related technology.

Alesha Dixon backs a Walsall free book scheme

BBC reports on Alesha Dixon supporting a Walsall scheme to put free books in kids' hands - celebrity amplification for a literacy push that frames reading as long-term opportunity, not a one-off giveaway.

These programs matter because access still tracks postcode; famous names mainly ensure cameras show up. For publishers, it's another data point that school-adjacent partnerships move units and goodwill when national retailers ignore smaller towns.

(Shortened and summarised to avoid devaluing the source)
BBC Culture - Books