BritWeek is proud to present the Joy of Reading, a novel project that will inspire students to discover, embrace and explore the wonderful world of reading and creativity. This unique program promoting reading and literacy is presented in partnership with LA’s BEST, a nationally recognized after school enrichment program that serves 28,000 children with the greatest needs and fewest resources at 180 elementary schools throughout Los Angeles.
As part of the Joy of Reading, students from eighty-four LA’s BEST sites have formed their own “British Classic Book Clubs” and chosen titles from a long list of children’s classics written by British authors. Books are being read aloud to expose everyone to classic literature, even those children who are not yet fluent readers. In addition, every school participating in the reading program will receive a library of British classic books for their students to read on their own all year long.
After reading their selected British classics, each participating student will compete in a contest by writing a three page essay about the character he or she most identifies with, and why. The essays will be judged by a panel that includes British actress and author Jane Seymour, actor and author Henry Winkler, American author Karen B. Winnick, Kathryn Gregory from Air New Zealand (the program’s premier sponsor) and BritWeek Chairman Bob Peirce.
A shared Grand Prize will go to the top eight essayists: four girls and four boys who will receive a surprise, all-expenses paid trip of a lifetime to London, with flights provided by Air New Zealand and accommodations at the five-star Athenaeum Hotel. Through the Joy of Reading, thousands of students will have the opportunity to discover a love for literature, and the lives of eight students will be changed forever.
LONDON ITINERARY
Monday, May 9
Depart LAX on Air New Zealand
Tuesday, May 10
Arrive London Heathrow and check-in at The Athenaeum
Tour of London, courtesy of London Duck Tours
Wednesday, May 11
Meet with London Mayor Boris Johnson
Tour of London Eye
Wizard of Oz, the Musical at the London Palladium
Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe
Thursday, May 12
Visit Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace
Lunch and tour at Harrods
London Marriott Hotel for Afternoon Tea
Evening performance of Shrek the Musical
Friday, May 13
Tower of London tour
Lunch and behind the scenes tour at the London Zoo
Dinner at Babylon at The Roof Gardens
Saturday, May 14
Morning in the park
Lunch at Heathrow before departure for LAX on Air New Zealand
LA's BEST - Better Educated Students for Tomorrow - is a nationally recognized after school education, enrichment and recreation program serving 28,000 children at 180 elementary schools throughout the City of Los Angeles in the lowest income communities most vulnerable to gangs, violence and crime. Established in 1988, LA’s BEST is a partnership including the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector.
LA’s BEST provides far more than a safe haven for supervision after school, however. It offers exposure to a myriad of enriching opportunities and experiences that participants might not have otherwise. At LA’s BEST, many students experience firsts: they may be introduced to public speaking when presenting projects at the annual science fair, or visit the beach for the very first time on a field trip. They may realize hidden singing talents as part of a choir, or aspire one day to join the NFL after playing flag football. Visit www.lasbest.org for more information.
BritWeek is proud to present the Joy of Reading, a novel project that will inspire students to discover, embrace and explore the wonderful world of reading and creativity. This unique program promoting reading and literacy is presented in partnership with 
As part of the Joy of Reading, students from eighty-four LA’s BEST sites have formed their own “British Classic Book Clubs” and chosen titles from a long list of children’s classics written by British authors. Books are being read aloud to expose everyone to classic literature, even those children who are not yet fluent readers. In addition, every school participating in the reading program will receive a library of British classic books for their students to read on their own all year long. 
After reading their selected British classics, each participating student will compete in a contest by writing a three page essay about the character he or she most identifies with, and why. The essays will be judged by a panel that includes British actress and author Jane Seymour, actor and author Henry Winkler, American author Karen B. Winnick, Kathryn Gregory from Air New Zealand (the program’s premier sponsor) and BritWeek Chairman Bob Peirce. 
A shared Grand Prize will go to the top eight essayists: four girls and four boys who will receive a surprise, all-expenses paid trip of a lifetime to London, with flights provided by Air New Zealand and accommodations at the five-star Athenaeum Hotel. Through the Joy of Reading, thousands of students will have the opportunity to discover a love for literature, and the lives of eight students will be changed forever. 
LA's BEST - Better Educated Students for Tomorrow - is a nationally recognized after school education, enrichment and recreation program serving 28,000 children at 180 elementary schools throughout the City of Los Angeles in the lowest income communities most vulnerable to gangs, violence and crime. Established in 1988, LA’s BEST is a partnership including the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector. 