Making reading accessible: lessons from Ollie George Clark's Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer
In 2026, the whole nation is invited to Go All In – to discover how reading can make the things you already love even richer – for the National Year of Reading. But reading isn't always easy for every child. Ollie George Clark, author of Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer, joins us to share how he ensured that his book is accessible for young readers.
"Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer is a fantasy adventure novel. A fast paced, action packed, comedy quest to steal a long, lost legend. Set within an entirely new magical world, it follows the story of Youngest Faircrest attempting to change his fate alongside his best friend, Agnes, and a stolen piglet named Satchel.
Across every page of this adventure, I have wanted accessibility to be at the heart of this novel. I hope this will be a book that readers of all confidences can find comfort in. It’s why I’m so delighted to collaborate with National Book Tokens, an organisation that champions access to books and bookshops.
So, how have I kept accessibility at the forefront? Well, let me tell you..." Ollie George Clark
1. Short Chapters
The first way I've kept accessibility of at the forefront of Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer is short chapters throughout the book. Almost every chapter is under a thousand words, which means they're quick to read and easy to follow. Action-led, they're full of momentum and energy. Given my background in television writing, they're as much scenes as they are chapters, charging the energy forward.
2. Chapter Titles
Twinned with this, there's no chapter numbers, only chapter titles. Numbers can be intimidating, flicking to the back of the book to find a gasp-inducing 60 chapters. But with this series, it's all funny words, puns, or film references like Clip Clop and Chit Chat, Home Alone, or Room for One Less.
3. Cliffhangers
And each chapter ends on a cliffhanger. I wanted to create a sense that readers feel they must turn the page. So, every chapter ends on a "what happens next?" note.
4. Humour
I have also tried to make the book as funny as possible. As a comedy writer – across film, TV, and radio – I wanted to write a book to make all audiences laugh out loud. I hope it will keep readers laughing as they go.
5. Illustrations
Throughout the book, Tom Knight has crafted the most beautiful illustrations which fill (nearly) every page. From landscapes to portraits to the fantastical beasts and birds, Tom has captured the earthy, grubby, muddiness of the world.
6. The Narrator
Lastly, is the book's secret weapon: the narrator. Youngest Faircrest is the hero, but the story is told from the perspective of his best friend, Agnes Witterer, remembering their childhood adventures. Agnes is talking to you, telling you the story. From the very first page of the book, she hooks you under the arm and pulls you into the story. This is not a story you're observing; you're invited to be part of it as Agnes tells you every sight, smell, and noise of the town.
All of this combines into a story which (I hope) grips from the opening line. Reading is for everyone, but it isn't easy for everyone, and I have worked to write a magical, fantastical, accessible adventure that anyone and everyone can enjoy.
I believe in National Book Tokens' value that everyone should have access to the books they need, which is why was delighted to give away 100 copies of Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer with Discover First in May 2026 – see you in Bogsmarsh!
About Youngest Faircrest and the Search for a Sorcerer by Ollie George Clark
It's the day of the Deciding in the swampy town of Bogsmarsh. The day every twelve-year-old learns who they are going to be forever. Sitting in the Decider's study, Youngest Faircrest is declared remarkable at only one thing: just how unremarkable he is.
Determined to prove he is so much more than what has been Decided, Youngest does the only sensible thing: he heads to where no one else dares, to reclaim Bogsmarsh's stolen magic (if it even exists) – from a flying, stinging, yellow-eyed ancient sorcerer. Knowing Youngest's luck, she probably does exist! Together with his best friend Agnes and piglet sidekick Satchel, Youngest is about to face monsters, mysteries, and mayhem… Could it be that Youngest is more remarkable than he's been made to feel, and capable of more than he ever dreamed?
This debut novel by award-winning comedy writer Ollie George Clark is a perfect blend of humour, adventure, and heart that comes together to create a spellbinding story of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
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