From the 4th of July, to the 12th of August 2022 , we handed out 2000 free books across Nottingham. Our four books championed by the city’s young people, inspired the city with the mood-boosting power of words.
We wanted all of Nottingham’s young people to feel empowered through the joy of reading and the ability books have to support mental health and wellbeing.
Big City Reads empowers and inspire young minds with feel-good, upbeat stories, alongside promoting reading as a practice that enhances wellbeing.
Our Big City Reads 2022 books
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney, published by Hot Key Books
A young adult contemporary romance about Quinn, a list-maker who is blackmailed when her private journal – containing her deepest secrets, and list of boys to kiss – goes missing. She teams up with Carter Bennett to find the blackmailer while being forced to face her fears.
Furthermoor by Darren Simpson, published by Usborne
A gripping fantasy novel about 12-year-old Bren, who escapes his painful life of grief and severe bullying by retreating into a vivid, imagined world. When this safe haven is threatened, Bren must find the courage to face his fears in both the real world and his imaginary one. Written by Nottingham author Darren Simpson.
Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam, published by Harper Collins
A young adult powerful novel-in-verse about Amal Shahid, a 16-year-old Black Muslim boy wrongfully convicted of assaulting a white teen. It explores systemic racism, injustice, and how Amal uses art and poetry to maintain his humanity while incarcerated.
The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings, published by Hachette Children’s Books
A popular graphic novel series that follows a shy, anxious character who finds friendship and community. It explores themes of mental health, loneliness, and finding “kindred spirits” through a monochromatic, heartfelt art style.
Project Overview
The books were selected from a long-list chosen by members of our Youth Advisory Board, Young City of Literature Ambassadors, Nottingham College students and other readers across the city. When we last ran Big City Reads in 2019, one of our book choices was Alice Osman’s Heartstopper, now taking the world by storm as a Netflix adaptation.
The free books were placed in creative spaces around the city, local cafes, libraries, public transport and distributed by local organisations; we gave out regular clues via our social media throughout the campaign.
Big City Reads was made possible by the support of the National Lottery through Arts Council England; Nottingham City Council and Nottingham City Libraries.
