Outspoken TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson is disturbing the peace of school libraries across the country under a scheme to encourage more boys to read books.

The Chipping Norton resident's book on machines, I Know You Got Soul, has proved the most in-demand among librarians ordering books 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-old boys.

And Clarkson, host of the television programme Top Gear, is their author of choice. The scheme followed concern over the large numbers of boys who struggle with basic literacy and never read for pleasure.

Kathy Lemaire, chief executive of the School Library Association, said the "rebellious", speed-loving Clarkson was a popular choice for boys. She said: "He is probably a bit of a role model for boys of that age. He's a rebel against the establishment, he is associated with speed and cars.

"As long as Clarkson isn't their only male role model, then why not? We all need a bit of escapism."

Mr Clarkson's book explores machines such as Concorde, submarines and the Zeppelin - all chosen for their "soul". In the book he explained what makes Concorde and the AK-47 special: "it's because they possess that most human of qualities, a flaw". School librarians have ordered 1,409 copies of the book.

"The second most popular book in the scheme was The Boys' Book: How to be the Best at Everything, by Guy Macdonald.

Next came thriller-writer James Patterson's novel, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports. Anthony Horowitz's Nightrise was fourth.

The Government provided money for schools to buy 20 books for a boys' bookshelf, and the School Library Association drew up a list of 160 titles.

Only 65 per cent of boys reached the standard of reading expected by the age of 14 in this year's national tests, compared to 78 per cent of girls.

BY THE BOOK: Written by Clarkson: The World According to Clarkson; And Another Thing: The World According to Clarkson (volume two); Don't Stop Me Now; Clarkson on Cars;I Know You Got Soul; Motorworld; Born to be Riled; Planet Dagenham: Cars in Film, TV, Music and Sport; Jeremy Clarkson's Hot 100.