Huge music star is backing inspirational scheme to get adults reading | Books | Entertainment

Music star Stormzy has thrown his weight behind a scheme designed to get adults reading as almost half of Britons say they are “not readers”. The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads is a flagship initiative featuring short, accessible books written by bestselling authors and created specifically for non-readers, lapsed readers, people with short attention spans, and neurodivergent readers. 

Since its launch in 2006, Quick Reads has distributed more than five million books, worked with more than 30 publishers, and generated more than six million library loans.

The scheme celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 – the National year of Reading – with its most ambitious programme to date having grown into a national reading movement centred around World Book Night on April 23. Thousands of Quick Read titles are gifted to libraries, prisons, community groups, charities, and foodbanks across the UK. Among the six new Quick Reads titles for 2026 is Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, published by #Merky Books, Stormzy’s imprint at Penguin Random House.

The other 2026 Quick Reads titles span thrillers, romance, and contemporary fiction – with books by Rachel Hore, Leye Adenle, Rosie Goodwin, Louise Jensen and Carmel Harrington. 

“Reading helped me when I was young and it still does today,” said Stormzy. “Books have the power to carry you through life. So I’m really proud that Derek Owusu, one of our incredible #Merky Books authors, is taking part in The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads. His words will reach the people who need them most.

“I encourage anyone who doesn’t usually read to pick up a Quick Read – because reading really is a superpower.”

Known for his creative and cultural impact as well as his commitment to social change, Stormzy has long used his platform to tackle inequality and champion access to the arts. In 2020, he founded the #Merky Foundation, pledging £10million over 10 years to support racial equality and justice reform.

Stormzy added: “Music and books are both about finding your voice. We are all made of stories – they define who we are – and that’s why #Merky Books exists: to make sure every voice has a platform.”

Award-winning writer and poet Derek Owusu said: “Having never read a book until the age of 24, I wish I had come across Quick Reads sooner. They’re accessible, affordable, and gentle in their approach, allowing new or lapsed readers to find their way into the pleasure and fulfilment of reading fiction and non-fiction.”