Introduction

This book is the result of ten years’ work in classrooms and with learners of all kinds and of all ages. It all started with the attempt to help some Year 7 children to read who were finding the task almost impossible. Together we spluttered and agonised over thin, bent cornered books whose artificial language and content failed to engage any of us in the activity of reading pleasurably and with intent. It was in desperation one day that I took up my pen and said to 11-year-old John,

“Tell me a story and I’ll write it down.”