Everyone knows a Reading Champion – they’re people who inspire others to get reading. Each week one of our Champions tells you a bit about their favourite reads and what they think makes reading so appealing.

Name: Sophie McKenzie

Occupation: Sophie is the author of The Thief, one of six £1 books specially published to mark World Book Day on 4 March.

Sophie says: 

“I like reading because I love stories. Reading is a great way to increase your understanding of things and of people. I was really motivated to learn to read because I saw grown-ups doing 
it and wanted to understand what the fuss was about! 

“Sometimes people say they don’t like reading, but often they just mean a particular kind of reading. Reading isn’t just books. You’re reading when you’re looking for the destination on the front of the bus or opening up a text message from your best friend.” 

Favourite reads: 

“As a child, I really enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie series because it was about girls growing up in frontier America and having to deal with lots of challenges along the way.”