How parents can inspire love of books among children
Parents play a key role in developing their children's passion for reading, but it must be encouraged and not forced, writes Mabel Sieh
Sarah Webb, author of the popular teen-advice series has been shortlisted twice for Britain's Queen of Teen awards and the Irish Book Awards, and her other books have won acclaim worldwide.
But surprisingly, early in Webb's life she wasn't always recognised for her storytelling skills. If not for her parents and good books placed her way, she says she would have never discovered the joys of literature.
"[Growing up] I was not good at reading or writing. I could never do my homework quickly. I felt very stupid in school," says the 44-year-old Irish author , who was in town in March for the Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival.
"Once, I got a big cross from my teacher on my assignment, along with a comment: 'Oh dear, what happened?'
"I was born with funny hips and I had a cast on both legs," she adds, part of many childhood difficulties that adds authenticity and empathy to , geared for readers aged 10 and above.
Green, a 13-year-old high school student in Dublin, helps her "17 going on 21" aunt Clover Wildgust dish out tips and quirky advice to troubled girls in a lifestyle magazine column, even as Amy tries to fix her own woes, from boy problems to dealing with divorced parents and the mean, whiny, rich girls at school whom she calls the "D4s".
