This winter, children at Pennyman Primary Academy in Middlesbrough are on a mission to make
this festive season truly magical. Through their inspiring #StoriesNotStuff campaign, they’re
calling on the community to gift the joy of reading to children who need it most.
Instead of material gifts, these young changemakers are focused on filling the school’s reading
book vending machine with books for children to enjoy. It’s a heartwarming effort to spark a joy
of storytelling and make Christmas and the New Year brighter for families across the region.
Local community collaboration
Pupils have taken charge of #StoriesNotStuff with the full backing of their Headteacher
The initiative is a true community effort, with support from Drake the Bookshop, Stockton-on-
Tees’ much-loved independent bookstore. Together, they’ve created a virtual library featuring
book recommendations from the pupils. Families, friends, and local supporters can purchase
books online, which will then be donated to the school’s vending machine—turning each book
into a gift of imagination and possibility.
Emma Nelson, a teacher working closely with the pupils, said:
“This project is all about the creativity and compassion of our children. By teaming up with the
community, we’re turning a simple idea into something truly special for the festive season.”
Children rewriting the story of reading enjoyment
One of the campaign’s pupil leaders shared their excitement:
“It’s amazing to know that the books we’re collecting will help other children discover stories
they’ll love. We hope this makes Christmas extra special for everyone.”
This initiative couldn’t come at a better time. Recent research from the National Literacy Trust
reveals that financial challenges are limiting book access for many families, while children’s
enjoyment of reading is also on the decline. #StoriesNotStuff aims to reverse these trends by
sharing the magic of stories and the joy of reading with as many children as possible.
Impacting communities
Louise Stogdale, Headteacher at Pennyman, expressed her pride in the pupils’ efforts:
“Our children are leading the way with care and creativity. They are the changemakers of today
and tomorrow, and #StoriesNotStuff is a shining example of how they can make a difference.
This project has the potential to grow into a cherished tradition that unites our communities
every winter.”
This year, it’s not about toys or trinkets—it’s about stories that inspire, entertain, and
transform. Join Pennyman Primary Academy and make this Christmas about #StoriesNotStuff.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Click here to go directly to the page with all the books listed – please remeber to select the ‘collect from store’ option at the checkout to avoid postage costs!
OR
You can buy a book by visiting the shop in Stockton on Tees (directions here), OR
You can also speak to us at DRAKE or at any if the TVED schools about making a donation if this is easier and we will make sure that the money is used to buy books through the project.
BUT MOST OF ALL, Please also spread news about the project with friends and family. The more books we get the more children can read!
