BookTrust Represents
BookTrust Represents is our programme to support authors and illustrators of colour working on children's books.
Books and stories help children shape their attitudes of themselves, others and the world around them.
Therefore, it's so important that all children have access to books that reflect them and their wider community.
Each term, BookTrust Represents offers schools in low-income areas a visit from a celebrated author or illustrator of colour, and all children are gifted a copy of the author's book to take home. Children get the opportunity to hear inclusive stories first-hand and meet new and diverse role models.
Donate today to help us support authors and illustrators of colour
'I think many of our kids will have found what [the author] said relatable. It was amazing to have a successful adult standing in front of the children and showing that life can be tricky but it doesn't mean you can't be successful.'
- School librarian
BookTrust Represents also hosts free termly virtual author events with prominent author and illustrators of colour - watch our latest event with Jeffrey Boakye below:
How BookTrust Represents author visits support schools
Tina Milton, Reading Champion and Library Assistant at a school in Leicester, reveals what an impact BookTrust Represents author visits can have.
The impact on students
Teacher Anieka Caynes reveals what a difference reading books from authors and illustrators of colour can have on students.
Support us to keep providing school visits by donating today
BookTrust Represents research
As well as supporting schools, our BookTrust Represents work aims to promote and encourage authors and illustrators of colour by providing them with an online community, training opportunities and more.
Last year, we also released research tracking the percentage of authors and illustrators of colour - which showed that while there has been progress, there is still a lot of work to do. You can read the research here.