Motormouth Clarkson a role model for boys

2:36pm Friday 16th November 2007

TOP Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson's loud opinions are disturbing the peace of school libraries across the country under a scheme to encourage more boys to read books.

Clarkson's book on machines, 'I Know You Got Soul', has proved the most popular choice among librarians ordering titles specifically intended to appeal to boys.

Every secondary school in England is setting up a dedicated boys' bookshelf as part of a Government-funded initiative to improve reading among 11 to 14-year-olds.

The scheme followed concern over the large numbers of boys who struggle with basic literacy and never read books for pleasure.

Kathy Lemaire, chief executive of the School Library Association, which is running the initiative, said the rebellious, speed-loving Clarkson was a popular choice for boys.

"He is probably a bit of a role model for boys of that age," she said.

"He's a rebel against the establishment. He is associated with speed and cars. All of these things make boys think, 'Yeah, Id like to read about him'.

"As long as Clarkson isn't their only male role model then why not?

"We all need a bit of escapism with larger than life people like him."