I’m incredibly proud to share that my debut novel, I Dreamt A World, was recently chosen as part of The Big Read 2025 – an annual celebration of books and reading that brings together staff and students in a shared journey through stories.
For those unfamiliar, The Big Read is a nationwide initiative designed to foster a love of reading in schools. Each year, staff members recommend titles to students, encouraging them to explore new voices, genres, and perspectives. These recommended books form the backbone of various activities throughout the month, from the Readathon to the Read Speak Repeat programme, a reading booster initiative.
How It Works
During tutor time, staff select books from the Big Read list and introduce them to students in different, engaging ways. Sometimes a teacher will read a chapter aloud to the whole class, sparking group discussion. Other times, the class reads together silently, or individuals take turns reading aloud. Increasingly, schools are also embracing audiobook options, allowing students to connect with stories through listening – a valuable and inclusive way to experience literature.
The Readathon element gives students a chance to dedicate time to personal reading goals, while Read Speak Repeat supports them in developing confidence and fluency through guided sessions. Together, these activities create a culture of reading that is communal, fun, and inspiring.
I Dreamt A World in the Classroom
This year, I was deeply honoured to see I Dreamt A World among the staff picks. Knowing that students were not only reading Vesper Gearhart’s journey but also discussing it, sharing it aloud, and even listening to it through audiobooks, was a milestone moment for me as an author.
The story, which follows 13-year-old Vesper as she grapples with the blurred line between imagination and reality, was originally written with the hope of connecting with young readers who find comfort and inspiration in fantastical worlds. To see it now used as part of an initiative that actively encourages students to engage with different texts in different ways is both humbling and exciting.
Why The Big Read Matters
What makes The Big Read so special is that it’s not just about reading a book. It’s about sharing stories as a community. By weaving together staff recommendations, group activities, and flexible formats like audiobooks, the initiative ensures that every student can find a way into literature that feels meaningful.
As someone who has always believed in the transformative power of storytelling, it’s wonderful to know that I Dreamt A World is playing even a small role in helping students discover that magic for themselves.
Looking Ahead
I’m grateful to Mrs. Steven-Jennings and the staff who recommended my book, and to the students who have stepped into Vesper’s world with open minds and imaginations. Programmes like The Big Read remind us that books are bridges – between people, between ideas, and between the real and the imagined.
And if even one student walks away from this experience with a newfound love of reading – or with the spark to create their own stories – then the initiative has done something truly extraordinary.
https://www.waltonhigh.org.uk/the-big-read-and-readathon-2022
Read. Speak. Repeat. Imagine.