A British Childhood

by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

Reviews

[G]

This was fantastic, I think it should be required reading for all adults.

[Carole]

It's hard to categorise this book. Its not entirely a memoir, although former UK Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce does include recollections from his own childhood. It's a bit more like a series of essays on the place of children in society today and the many, many ways they are being let down. Poverty, inadequate health care, declining rates of reading, literacy and educational standards, and the increasing use of technology are all playing a part in creating some very deprived children. Although a lot of the content is grim reading, the book also feels hopeful somehow. Highly recommended and very readable.

[Elaine Maul]

I found out about this after a review in The Times and borrowed it from my library, which seems appropriate as a section is devoted to the importance of libraries. This book is amazing and I thoroughly recommend it. It covers the importance of sharing stories with children and providing a protective environment for all children, just for starters. It should be essential reading for anyone involved in providing services for children. In fact, it's essential reading for all adults.

[Tina]

We need to read to our children!
Facts and figures, personal stories show how important it is to share stories and books. And why it is decreasing. Children’s services being cut, libraries being closed, housing for families has become precarious. Gove’s dreadful policies. I could continue to rant, but that won’t help. Poor kids. So sad. Grateful that our local libraries are thriving, but it’s not like that everywhere.

[M]

This is VITAL