Only a third of children and young people in the East of England say they enjoy reading in their free time, according to research from the National Literacy Trust.
This figure highlights a challenge facing families, schools and communities across Suffolk: how to help children see reading as something to enjoy, not a chore.
For primary school teacher Richard Ruddick, the answer often sits on classroom shelves – in the form of graphic novels.
Based near Bungay, Richard has spent years working with children who struggle to engage with traditional books. A pattern soon became clear.
“I found myself repeatedly speaking with parents about their child not enjoying reading and that it was something they only did because they were made to,” he said. “Despite my best interests to inspire a love for reading, some children still found it difficult to engage with.”
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Then he spotted something else happening.
“I started to notice that the books in my class that everyone would read were the few graphic novels that I had,” he said. “This reminded me of how much I loved reading books like Tintin and Asterix & Obelix when I was young, so I made a conscious effort to try and find more that would be suitable for the children and hopefully build on this new enthusiasm.”
Graphic novels, Richard explained, align closely with how many young people now experience stories.
“Children are confident navigating life through things such as film, TV and gaming, which means that graphic novels have become the closest they can get to those mediums in a book,” he said.
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For less confident readers, the format can feel far more approachable.
“When you open a novel and are greeted by solid pages of text it can be a daunting prospect even for a confident reader,” he said. “Being greeted by pages with less text – or even none in some cases – and illustrations that can guide you makes the story more inviting and creates a more relaxed reading experience.”
That accessibility matters for children who are still getting to grips with the language or those with learning difficulties.
“People who may be dyslexic or new to English can find this more reassuring and it enables them to see reading as something they can access without it being overly draining or daunting,” Richard said.
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Graphic novels also develop more subtle skills of perception.
“Because the format doesn’t always have time to tell you every little detail, it relies on reader using the images, facial expressions or even simple motion lines to fill in gaps or work out meaning,” he said. “These skills are key for developing well rounded readers.”
In Richard’s experience, reading habits matter more than reading formats.
“Reading is reading at the end of the day,” he said. “Someone reading 10 graphic novels is much more beneficial than them reading nothing at all.”
To support schools and families, Richard created an online Padlet of age‑appropriate graphic novel recommendations.
“My main aim was to ensure that schools didn’t waste book budgets on texts that wouldn’t be read or weren’t suitable,” he said.
Richard recommends titles such as Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi and Lightfall by Tim Probert for reluctant or emerging readers. In class, he also uses graphic novels to support learning across the curriculum, including history.
At home, he encourages families to follow children’s interests rather than impose strict rules.
“If someone wants to read about football, then telling them they have to read something else and forcing them away from their interests is unlikely to create an enthusiastic reader,” he said.
“Reading brings so many benefits in life that reach far beyond understanding words on a page,” Richard said. “It’s also key in supporting the development of empathy.
“Some people take longer to find the types of books they enjoy, but that is not a problem or a sign of inadequacy,” he said. “Focus on the fun and the success will follow in time.”
To read Richard’s Padlet of graphic novel suggestions, visit tinyurl.com/richardruddick
From border checks to bookmarks
We are delighted to announce that Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA) is sponsor for Born & Read in Suffolk.
Based at the Port of Felixstowe, SCPHA supports businesses and the public with essential border checks on controlled imports. Its services include animal product import controls, ship sanitation certification, food safety and standards, water quality and infectious disease control.
“We’re proud to play a role not just in protecting public and animal health, but in supporting and connecting with our local community,” said Danielle Devonish, communications and marketing lead.
“SCPHA is excited to support the Born & Read campaign because it’s a fantastic way to give back to the community while supporting early learning and development.
“Initiatives like this give us a great opportunity to step beyond our day-to-day work and make a positive impact in a different way.
“For us, it’s about investing in future generations, supporting families and playing a positive role in helping the local community thrive.”
As an Industry Partner with Suffolk New College, SCPHA also supports local education by helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience creating opportunities and strengthening the community for the future.
SCPHA plays a key role in supporting jobs and the local economy by keeping goods moving safely and efficiently through the Port of Felixstowe.
In 2025, the team has been out and about attending local school events, connecting with young people at the School Farm and Country Fair, and showcasing its work at the popular Suffolk Show.
These events help inspire the next generation, spark curiosity about careers in Port Health, and raise awareness of the vital role SCPHA plays in protecting public health, animal health and the food chain.
Boosting literacy is just as important. Strong reading and communication skills help people access training, succeed in the workplace, and adapt to a wide range of careers, including those within Port Health and the wider logistics sector.
“By championing literacy, we are helping to build a skilled, confident workforce, strengthening local employment and ensuring the region continues to thrive,” Danielle said.
“Reading is a powerful tool that builds confidence, sparks imagination and creativity, and opens the door to new opportunities. Whether it’s a few minutes a day or sharing a story together, every little moment makes a difference.
“Strong communities are built through shared effort, learning and connection,” she added. “As the campaign gets underway, our message is simple: get involved and enjoy it!
For more information, visit porthealth.uk
This article is part of Born & Read in Suffolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and and Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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