Reading is a superpower – time to prove it! The Universal Reading Foundation and the Reading Rescuers invite primary school students to participate in the second edition of the “Readers’ School” competition, organized by the TaniaKsiazka.pl bookstore. This is a chance to show how literature stimulates imagination, develops thinking and teaches empathy. Because the magic of books knows no bounds!
This year's motto is "Books create heroes" – and it is not a coincidence. TaniaKsiazka.pl believes that books shape heroes – literary ones who inspire, and real ones who develop and reach for more thanks to them.
What is the competition about?
Participants are tasked with preparing a short film in which they present their own interpretation of the slogan. Creativity, passion and an original approach are important – because real heroes create stories that are memorable. Attractive prizes await those who do it best. Their total value is over PLN 50,000.
Two special awards will also be given - one from the Mayor of Białystok, the other from the Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship. In order to equalize the chances, the competition is divided into two age categories: for students in grades I-IV and V-VIII.
"When we started the first edition a year ago, we knew we wanted to do something special, but the scale of engagement of students and teachers exceeded our expectations. We received incredibly creative works that proved the great power of books. That is why we are continuing this initiative. We want children and young people not only to read, but also to draw inspiration from literature to act. We hope that this year's edition will encourage more students and teachers to take a creative approach to books and their role in the lives of young people, to which we cordially invite you" – says Łukasz Kierus, owner of TaniaKsiazka.pl.
Competition partners
The previous edition showed that young readers can surprise with an unconventional approach, and their passion for books is huge. That is why this year's edition of the competition is supported by exceptional partners - Świetlik, Young, Nasza Księgarnia, PWN, Demart and Copernicus Center Press.
"As publishers, we know how important it is for books to reach young readers not only as reading material, but also as a source of inspiration and passion. That is why we support initiatives promoting reading. The "School of Readers" competition is a unique opportunity to see how young people perceive books and what they find in them. I hope that this year's edition of the competition will once again reveal incredible talents to us, and above all, show how great a role books play in shaping young minds."" - he adds Agnieszka Stankiewicz-Kierus, president of the Women's Publishing Group.
The important role of the competition was also noticed by the Powszechnego Czytania Foundation, which has been working for years to promote literature and develop reading in Poland. That is why it joined the group of key partners of the event, supporting its mission.
"Reading books is not only a great pleasure, but also the best way to develop tomorrow's skills, and popularizing reading itself is an investment in future generations. Thanks to books, young people learn to solve problems, work in a team and find themselves in various cultural contexts. Books do not only create literary heroes - they also shape people who are ready to face challenges and change the world. That is why I am very happy that as the Universal Reading Foundation we can be a partner in a competition that supports the long-term development of reading" - says Catherine Konopka from the Universal Reading Foundation.
Honorary Patrons and Ambassadors
The honorary patronage of the competition is proof of the important role that reading plays in the education and development of young people. This year, the "School of Readers" was supported by the Minister of Education, the Ombudsman for Children, the Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship and the President of the City of Białystok.
For the second time, the event's ambassador was Przemek Staron – teacher, psychologist and cultural expert, winner of the Teacher of the Year 2018 title, who for years has inspired young people to develop their passions and discover the world through literature.
"After such an amazing reception to the first edition of the "School of Readers", I couldn't wait to see how passionately children discover the world of literature! I am moved and grateful that I can be a part of this edition as well. We want to give children a chance to develop and build strong foundations for the future, because reading allows us to understand ourselves and others, and this is the key to building a better, more empathetic world! And this is the greatest treasure of all those taking part in the "School of Readers" – says Przemek Staroń.
The second ambassador is Aneta Korycinska, known as the "Polish Baba" – popularizer of literature and teacher of Polish.
"Reading is not only great entertainment, but also the foundation of intellectual and emotional development. As an Ambassador of the School of Readers and a winner of the award for promoting reading granted by the Polish section of IBBY, I want to show that regular contact with literature strengthens concentration, teaches critical thinking and stimulates imagination - skills that are essential both in everyday life and during important exams. Therefore, I support all initiatives promoting reading and I deeply believe that literature can also be good entertainment, which at the same time allows young people to discover how books can accompany them in their development and reduce stress, and above all - in consciously building a system of values and discovering passions" – says Aneta Korycińska
The competition is held under the media patronage of LubimyCzytac.pl and Portaloswiatowy.pl.
Reports
TaniaKsiazka.pl encourages all young literature enthusiasts and their teachers to participate in the competition. Applications can be sent to April 30, 2025 via the form available on the website szkolaczytelnikow.pl, where you can also find details of the competition, information about prizes and a photo gallery from the previous edition.
The partner of this important initiative is the Universal Reading Foundation, whose Reading Rescuers programme, addressed to librarians and teachers, supporting students and promoting reading in schools, has assumed patronage over the competition.
