As adults we sometimes struggle to justify our feelings about particular books, but children are quite clear about what they like and don't like. It is possible to get children to discuss why they liked or did not like particular books and to encourage them to think more deeply about the books they've read. This free course, Encouraging book talk in the school library, offers ideas and activities to engage pupils in discussing books. It is aimed at librarians, teaching assistants and other adults working with pupils in school libraries.

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• clarify ideas on literacy criticism
• explore with pupils what makes a good book
• produce a range of writing frames to encourage pupils to write book reviews
• encourage pupils to follow some of the award schemes for children's books and perhaps start a new one.