I am delighted to review some refreshing new publications for adults who are beginning to take pleasure in reading but who find longer books rather daunting. They are produced by New Leaf Publishing and follow a noble tradition in adult literacy and language (notably that of Gatehouse Publishing) of learners' publishing their own writing. New Leaf describes itself as '...the only British publisher dedicated to publishing books written by and for adult learners.' It aims 'to make reading and writing accessible to adults who lack confidence and who do not necessarily see themselves as readers and writers.' Some of the most vibrant publications of the past 30 years have come from similar sources but have been notable by their absence in recent years. New Leaf begins to fill that gap and to provide learners and their tutors with new resources.
The books are small (A5), feel good to handle, and are crisply and clearly presented with plenty of 'air' and space on the page. Black and white illustrations are of different styles, some reflecting pencil drawings and others being bold and impressionistic. Sentences and page lengths are short, encouraging the reader to move through the book to completion; the language is neither over-simplified nor patronising. The stories are based on the real life experiences of the authors, embracing the funny, the sad and the sentimental events of ordinary lives. This reality makes the stories powerful and authentic. Stories about the prankish antics of bin men, disastrous high-heeled shoes, or of biting other people's buns, engage the reader with their emotional involvement.
There is an audio CD to accompany each book; samples of these readings are available on the website www.newleafbooks.org.uk . At the back of each book is an autobiographical note about the author, which adds to the sense of authenticity and reality. The authors' testimonies to the effectiveness of their learning have the potential to inspire other learners to become writers and publishers.
These books not only provide welcome reading material but can be used in reading groups or as stimulus for speaking and listening or writing, using learners' memories and experiences.
Let's have more of this kind of publishing!
Reviewed by Jan Eldred
Dr Jan Eldred is Associate Director for Literacy, Language and Numeracy, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education
|
