Did you know that 1 in 4 children can’t read well by the age of 11? This hugely limits their life choices and skills. The Reading Agency is on a mission to change this.
Each year they help local libraries across the country run the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s free to take part and this year’s theme is Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. You can sign-up at your local library or online.
Reading 5 books during the summer can prevent a decline in reading achievements to schools (source: Home libraries research foundation).
Meet Paul Ian Cross and find out all about his new book SuperQuesters Mission: River Crest Rescue, which is on the Summer Reading Challenge booklist. You can win copies of the book with Family Grapevine now.
Could you tell us a bit about SuperQuesters Mission: River Crest Rescue?
It’s an action-packed adventure that blends magic, problem-solving, and STEM learning. When best friends Lilli, Leo, and Bea discover an old board game, they are transported to Questland, where they transform into the SuperQuesters! They become superheroes who must use their problem-solving skills and teamwork to defeat the villain, Mortifer. Readers can expect exciting puzzles, secret codes to crack, magical creatures, and a thrilling battle to save the village of River Crest from being destroyed!
Mortifer makes beaver bots and dragonfly drones to carry out his dastardly plan. Why does he pick these creatures?
Mortifer chooses beavers and dragonflies because they are powerful forces in real ecosystems. For example, beavers build dams that shape landscapes and dragonflies control insect populations using their incredible hunting skills.
A big theme of the book is teamwork and friendship. How do you think children can be more like the SuperQuesters?
By asking questions! The SuperQuesters don’t always have the answers right away. But by working together they experiment and think critically until they find the answer. That’s the mindset I’d love children to develop as it helps you throughout your entire life!
Through the story, children learn all about how to use STEM skills. Why do you think that fiction is such a good way to inspire children to get into STEM?
When children see relatable characters like the SuperQuesters solving problems with science and technology, they can picture themselves doing the same! STEM is also the foundation of our future. It shapes the way we understand the world and helps solve big challenges, such as health and medicine, energy, climate change and artificial intelligence.
How did you become an author? And what tips would you give children who want to be a writer?
I’ve always loved storytelling, but I started out as a scientist and later combined my love for writing with my passion for STEM. My biggest tip? Just start writing! Everyone says this but it’s true. My biggest challenge was thinking my ideas weren’t good enough. But they were – because all our ideas are our own, meaning they’re unique and special. Your ideas don’t have to be perfect at the start, they never are. But getting them down on paper (or on a computer) is the first step. You can then improve them through editing. Also, read widely, especially books that excite you.
What was your favourite part of the book to write?
The action scenes when the SuperQuesters must outsmart Moritifer. I also love the scenes with the Dragonfly Drones. I love dragonflies as they are beautiful but also amazing hunters!
What do you hope readers will take away from the story?
I hope readers feel empowered to see themselves as scientists, engineers, and inventors. The book shows how teamwork, creativity and working together can overcome challenges. I hope to inspire a love of STEM too, something I’ve loved ever since I was a kid!
What can we expect from the SuperQuesters next mission?
Let’s just say the SuperQuesters’ adventures are far from over! Without giving too much away, there will be wonderful rainforests, mystical cloud mountains, cute capybaras and a beautiful, wise jaguar!
SuperQuesters Mission: River Crest Rescue is available now. Once you’ve read and enjoyed SuperQuesters Mission: River Crest Rescue, go to the Summer Reading Challenge website to leave a review or leave a heart or thumbs up. Enjoy your summer reading!
Follow @QuestFriendz on social media for more about the SuperQuesters series.
