Patience Thomson has been announced as the winner of the Quick Reads Learners' Favourite Award.  Voted for by readers and adult learners using the 2009 Quick Reads books, Patience was awarded for her book 101 Ways to get your Child to Read.  The award was presented by Rachel Davies, a Literacy Programme Director at NIACE, at a ceremony held as part of Adult Learners' Week (9-15 May).

With over 30 years' experience teaching children with reading difficulties, Patience is also the co-founder of Barrington Stoke, a publisher specializing in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Seeing off competition from Quick Reads authors including the UK's number one crime writer, Ian Rankin and best-selling novelist Kate Mosse, Patience said "I am thrilled to win this award.  It is an immense tribute to the parents, pupils and colleagues who, over the years, have taught me so much about the true nature of reading difficulties and how to overcome them.  It proves how many people there are who really believe in the importance of reading, and how it influences the lives of all of us. Reading opens up new landscapes and shapes our minds. No one should be denied the chance to learn.  And there are 101 ways parents can help them to do so."

This year's favourite Quick Reads book was chosen via an online poll from the 10 titles which were published on World Book Day, 5 March 2009.  Voters included adult literacy groups, Union Learning Representatives and library visitors along with those who had purchased the books looking for a short, fast-paced read.

101 Ways to get your Child to Read targets parents whose children find reading a challenge or who do not want to read by using tried and tested tips to encourage family reading.  With celebrity hints and tips, the book is written in a clear, concise style to help all adults, including those who struggle with reading themselves.

Carol Taylor, NIACE Director of Operations commented, "What great news that adult learners have voted for a book that shows the value of parents supporting their children's reading and writing. NIACE knows, and research proves, that the first few years of a child's life are the most important to appreciate the joy of learning - a habit that stays with them forever. Patience Thompson's book concentrates on the support parents can give to children who have particular challenges with reading and writing and obviously the learners value the book enormously."

Michael Morpurgo made some interesting and perceptive comments in his introduction to the book - to read more see the article in today's Bookbrunch.