Join 12-year-olds Mikaeel and Ella every month as they share perspectives on life as a child sees it.

Are you an avid reader? What types of books do you most like to read?

Mikaeel:

I am an avid reader. My favourite type of books are mystery, adventure and biography.

Ella:

Yes, I would consider myself an avid reader. I like to read all kinds of books but my favourite kinds are fantasy and adventure novels.

Mikaeel:

I prefer reading at home because then I can relax and lie down.

Ella:

I prefer reading at home for two reasons: at home I can read whenever I want and wherever I want. At school you have to read for a certain amount of time at a hard desk. At home I can read for 5 minutes or 2 hours on a nice comfy couch or up in a tree.

What was your favourite storybook as a very young child?

Mikaeel:

It was called Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBrantey.

Ella:

I loved (and still love) Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin. Such a hilarious book!

What is the title and author of the last book you read, and what rating would you give it out of 10?

Mikaeel:

The last book I read was called How To Be A Muslim by Haroon Mogul and I would give it a 7.

Ella:

The last book I read was Son by Lois Lowry. It was the last book in a series I really enjoyed. Son was a very good book and I would give it a 9 out of 10.

Why do you think reading is important for kids? Why is it important for adults?

Mikaeel:

I think it is good for both kids and adults to read because like anything you will get better at it, and because then you will learn lots of new things.

Ella:

I think reading is important for kids because it helps you learn new things and is a great way to pass the time. I think it’s important for adults because they can find out all sorts of things by reading.

Do you prefer reading at home or school?