City of York Council's Libraries team is championing reading for boys as part of a national campaign to encourage them to enjoy books.

York libraries stock all 160 of the titles recommended by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) as part of the 'Riveting Read' initiative. The books have been specially chosen to enthuse and enthral boys between the ages of 11 and 14. The aim of the campaign is to raise the academic achievement of boys between these ages.

The list has plenty of thrillers, fantasy and sporty books, plus traditional favourites like Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, and modern classics, like His Dark Materials, by Philip Pullman. Boys whose preferred choice of reading is facts and information can find out why penguins' feet don't freeze, or lose themselves in the world of the Guinness Book of Records.

Alison Jones, strategic manager, children, young people and families, for the council's libraries, said: "Having the pleasure of a good read is what it's all about for everyone, but boys can suffer from not having enough positive role models who read. This is a great list and I defy anyone, boy or girl or grown up, not to be grabbed by something on it. Have a look - they can all be found in York's libraries."

City of York Council libraries offer everyone, including boys, a huge range of reading material to borrow free. There's also a wide range of music and DVDs, free internet use, space to relax, places to meet and more. For what's happening in York Libraries see www.york.gov.uk/libraries