Silverdale Primary Academy in St Leonards, on the south-east coast of England, makes every effort to remind pupils of the joy of books. They are read to every day, visited by authors and encouraged to pick out books to enjoy in their own time.

Posters pinned to the walls of the school’s hall serve as analogue algorithms. If you like Lottie Brooks, reads one, try Cath Howe’s Ella on the Outside, or Kelly Yang’s Front Desk. Readers of Horrid Henry are implored to give Andy Shepherd’s The Boy Who Grew Dragons a go, or Sam Wu is Not Afraid of Ghosts by Katie and Kevin Tsang.

A small group of 10 and 11-year-olds gathers to discuss their attitude to books. For Lacey, reading sparks her creativity. “It makes me feel like I want to write a book and try and create my own story in my head.” One boy is unmoved. Given the choice, he would always choose football over reading. “I just don’t enjoy it,” he shrugs.