For the first time since its launch, a national reading programme is offering youngsters a reading list picked by a group of their peers. At the launch of this year's Read! Singapore on Friday, a group of 25 students unveiled their selection of 24 titles in the four official languages recommended for young readers aged seven to 14.

Committee member Joanne Lee, 16, from Hillgrove Secondary School, who loved reading from a young age, said: "I remember spending hours engrossed on children's mystery tales. By sharing some of my favourite stories with my friends, I hope they too will love reading and make their own wonderful memories."

Launched in May 2005, Read! Singapore aims to promote a culture of reading fiction. Besides the titles selected for young readers, twelve short stories, four poems and four novelists, each writing in a different language, have also been recommended for general readers.

Read! Singapore has extended from its previous three-month duration to a year-long effort. Members of the public can take part in a number of activities, such as the pop-up library in July and an international literature competition for children aged 10 to 13 in October. Other activities include reading carnivals and interactive workshops.