In Teacher's Good Books; Group Therapy: Librarian Jean Ewart with Some of the Children Who Have Found Reading Is Fun

Beginning of article

Byline: Maggie Mallon

THEY have long been a way for literature-loving grown-ups to make newfriends while indulging their passion for the printed word. But now book groupsare finding a new generation of enthusiasts.

Children as young as eight are joining the junior book discussion clubs, whichexperts hope will boost their interest in reading and help make it a 'cooler'pastime.

Concern is growing over tumbling literacy standards, with Scottish educationchiefs now allowing some pupils who struggle to read and write properly to usecomputer spell-checkers in official exams.

The new wave of children's book groups means Scots youngsters can put downtheir …