British cultural icon Stormzy has officially thrown his weight behind The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads initiative, marking the program's most ambitious expansion in its 20-year history. As the UK enters the 2026 National Year of Reading, the multi-award-winning artist is calling on non-readers to discover the "superpower" of books.
The partnership centers on the release of six new Quick Reads—short, accessible titles designed specifically for adults who struggle with reading, are neurodivergent, or have lapsed in their reading habits. Among the 2026 lineup is Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, published via #Merky Books, Stormzy’s own imprint at Penguin Random House.
"Reading helped me when I was young and it still does today," Stormzy said. "Books have the power to carry you through life. I’m really proud that Derek Owusu is taking part; his words will reach the people who need them most."
Stormzy’s involvement underscores his long-standing commitment to social justice and the #Merky Foundation’s pledge to support racial equality and access to the arts. "Music and books are both about finding your voice," he added. "We are all made of stories—they define who we are—and that’s why #Merky Books exists: to make sure every voice has a platform."
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, The Reading Agency is launching several firsts for the program, including releasing Quick Reads as audiobooks and gifting half a million books to prisons across the UK. These efforts culminate on World Book Night (23 April), a national movement focused on providing free titles to libraries, food banks, and community groups.
Author Derek Owusu, who didn't read his first book until age 24, echoed Stormzy's sentiment: "I wish I had come across Quick Reads sooner. They’re accessible, affordable, and gentle... helping people feel confident enough to pick up a book."
With nearly half of UK adults identifying as non-readers, Stormzy’s advocacy aims to bridge the literacy gap during this milestone year.
