Portsmouth youngster, seven, smashes his target of reading 202 books over the summer
Joseph aimed to read 202 books this summer - and completed his reading challenge with far more under his belt.
A young bookworm has completed a gargantuan summer reading challenge - and is still going back to the library for more.
As previously reported by The News, seven-year-old Joseph Mitchell, from Stamshaw, set himself the goal of reading 202 books as par of the Summer Reading Challenge initiative, raising money for The Reading Agency in the process.
The challenge culminated on Friday, September 11, but Joseph managed to not only reach his target with a couple of days to spare, but add a few more books to his final tally.
His mother, Janet Mitchell, said: “He completed his reading challenge on the Friday, September 11 and as he had some books on request in the library that became available he wanted to read them too meaning he completed the challenge with 209 reads.
“We took a photo of him receiving his certificate presented to him from the lovely Amanda, who is the librarian that has been scanning his books on all of his visits, thankfully she has the patience of a saint for the extra work he has caused her this summer.”
Janet previously told The News that Joseph would read books “everywhere” - including on the bus, on his way to and from swimming lessons, and even while waiting for dinner in a fish and chip shop.
Over the course of the summer, the seven-year-old has discovered new authors, and a new favourite series, having worked his way through most of the Dog Man and Captain Underpants books by Dav Pilkey, as well as discovering the Sherlock Holmes and Famous Five books.
“If he gets a new favourite type of book, he will want to read the whole series,” Janet said. “He loves going to the library, and that whole experience. We’ve been to every library in the city, and usually end up coming away with dozens of books each time. A few days later, we’re heading back for a brand new bunch of books.
“Everyone at the library has been so lovely and supportive, especially at our local library in North End - they just go above and beyond for Joseph.”
As with last year, Joseph is fundraising again for The Reading Agency. To donate to his fundraiser, people can click this link.