In all my experience of teaching and writing, I've found the current method of teaching English literature - especially the theory of authorial intent - has been the most often cited way of putting pupils off, not only reading the classics, but reading altogether.

Do you want your kids to read? Top tip: stop pushing "the classics." Not only does it limit their choices mostly to books by dead, white men, it makes them feel that anything else they choose to read is trivial and inferior.

It also sets "the classics" apart, implying that they are somehow different (and by implication, superior) to what is being written today. Remember that all "classic novels" were once contemporary novels, and most of them were popular bestsellers, and criticized accordingly.

The fact that they have survived thus far means that there's still something relatable there for us to connect with. But to present them to kids as some kind of literary holy grail is to destroy that connection. And if the kids don't feel it, move on. There is a world elsewhere.

The world of contemporary literature is filled with diversity, talent and joy. Chilrden should be allowed to explore and enjoy it without judgement, in any medium or genre they choose. Graphic novels, sci-fi, e-books, audiobooks, romance, horror, comics, games - it's all reading.