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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is launching a book club so that all children can experience the escapism of reading.
The United and England star has partnered with Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) to promote reading and literacy among children of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Rashford says he would have liked the opportunity to read more as a child, but his family had to prioritize food over books when it came to budgeting.
MCB says there will be a particular focus on getting books into the hands of children from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The association’s first title, ‘YOU ARE A CHAMPION: Unleash Your Potential, Find Your Voice and Be the BEST You Can Be’, an illustrated non-fiction title aimed at young people aged 11-16, will be published in May 2021. .
Each chapter will begin with a story from Rashford’s own life and will cover topics such as the value of education, positive mindset, understanding culture, and female role models.
It will be co-created with Carl Anka, a journalist for the sports media group The Athletic, and Katie Warriner, a performance psychologist.
Two fiction titles for readers seven years and older will appear later in 2021 and 2022.
Next year will also see the launch of Marcus Rashford Book Club, a reader referral program that publishes top-rated titles from MCB’s hit list.
Rashford said: “I only started reading at 17, and it completely changed my perspective and mindset.
“I just wish they offered me the opportunity to be more involved in reading as a kid, but books were never something we could budget for as a family when we needed to put food on the table.
“There were times when the escapism of reading could have helped me a lot. I want this escapism for all children. Not just for those who can afford it.
“We know that there are over 380,000 children across the UK who have never had a book, children who are in vulnerable environments. That has to change.
“My books are, and always will be, for all children, even if I have to deliver them myself. We will reach them.”
Rashford wants to promote reading and literacy among children of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Rashford says acceptance and recognition are a key focus of the project, adding, “Let our children read that they are not alone and allow them to dream.
“Equip them for the obstacles and adversities they may face.
“Allow them to engage with the characters by making sure that people of all races, religions, and genders are represented correctly and are representative of modern society.
“No matter where you grow up, talent must be recognized and defended.
“Under the Marcus Rashford Book Club, young writers, illustrators and creatives will be seen and given a platform to shine.”
Rashford, 23, has received widespread praise for highlighting the problem of child food poverty and her campaign resulted in the government backing down to announce that free meals would be provided to disadvantaged children during the period.
Christmas holidays.
The England footballer also recently received an MBE after forcing a government U-turn on free school meal vouchers.
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