ABSTRACT
The National Curriculum for English aims to ‘ensure all pupils read easily, fluently with good understanding’ and ‘develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information’. On the face of it these ‘overarching’ intentions are uncontroversial: after all, most people would agree that the ability to read is an essential skill if one is to function fully in daily life and take an active part in a modern democratic society. The first addresses the range of reading required, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, although only literary genres are specified, including Shakespeare. In The Rights of the Reader Daniel Pennac sets out his manifesto in support of young people’s rights to be whatever kind of reader they want to be. Pennac is sharply critical of the way formal education systems often operate to alienate many young readers.
