What do young readers say about popular children's books?

Young readers showcased their book presentation skills through the "Review Great Books - Win Awesome Prizes" contest organized in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate International Children's Day (June 1st).

Today's young readers have many opportunities to access books. However, young readers cannot be merely passive readers. Why not listen to the opinions of young readers? The Management Board of Vista Verde apartment building, Cat Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, organized a competition called "Review Great Books - Win Awesome Prizes" for children.

The "Review Great Books - Win Awesome Prizes" contest was held to celebrate June 1st. Photo: BB

The "Review Great Books - Win Amazing Prizes" contest aims to encourage the development of a reading culture among primary and secondary school students. Despite being launched during the period when students are focusing on final exam preparation, the contest received a positive response from young readers. Over 100 entries were submitted, showcasing the contestants' meticulous attention to both content and presentation. The books chosen by the children demonstrate their diverse reading habits, ranging from literature to skill-building books.

Mr. Truong Van Hiep, Head of the Management Board of Vista Verde apartment complex, shared his thoughts on pioneering the development of reading habits for children in residential areas in Ho Chi Minh City: “I was quite surprised when I read the articles and watched the videos submitted by the children. From works like "Red Rain," "Memories of Quang Tri," to "Noble Hearts," "Rich Dad Poor Dad," etc., they were all presented with very genuine emotions.”

Writer Phuong Huyen - Ambassador of Reading Culture in Ho Chi Minh City, and a member of the judging panel for the "Review Great Books - Win Amazing Prizes" contest - highly praised the participation of the contestants: "Reading each article by the young readers, I realized that children are much more insightful than adults often think. The books they chose to review in this competition show that their own 'book shelves' have become richer, and their perspectives more diverse. This is a very encouraging sign."

The Organizing Committee awarded 21 prizes, including 2 first prizes, 3 second prizes, 6 third prizes, and 10 consolation prizes. Among them, four schools with participating students (My Thuy Primary School, Luong The Vinh Primary School, Luong Dinh Cua Secondary School, and Thanh My Loi Secondary School) won the most prizes, with more than 10 students receiving awards each.

The young award-winning readers pose for a photo with Reading Culture Ambassador Phuong Huyen. Photo: BB

Nguyen Ngoc Thien Phuc, a student in class 4/5 at My Thuy Primary School, expressed: “When I learned that I won third prize in the book review competition with the work “The Heart of the Island” by poet Ho Huy Son, I felt very happy and joyful. Through the pure verses, I understood more about the lives of the naval soldiers who guard the sea and sky of our homeland day and night, and the children growing up amidst the vast ocean of the Truong Sa archipelago. The book has helped me love the sea and islands of my homeland even more, appreciate those who are silently protecting the country, and cherish the peaceful life we ​​have today. For me, reading books not only helps broaden my knowledge but also nourishes my soul and brings much inspiration for learning.”

Besides the awards ceremony, young readers also had the opportunity to participate in many reading promotion activities within the framework of the book fair celebrating International Children's Day on June 1st, organized by Phuong Nam Bookstore right at Vista Verde apartment complex. The book fair took place from May 29th to June 1st, 2026, featuring many great books and a wide variety of stationery items. In addition, the bookstore also organized many experiential activities for children, such as a workshop on making Bento lunchbox keychains from paper with the Blue Fairy.

Bringing book fairs to residential areas is a policy that the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports plans to implement widely in the near future. The initial success of the model at Vista Verde Apartment Complex demonstrates the effectiveness of developing a reading culture through the joint efforts of local authorities, book publishers, and the resident community.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/doc-gia-nhi-noi-gi-ve-sach-thieu-nhi-duoc-yeu-thich-d814045.html