“Every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of a story": 13-year-old Jessica wins national BookTrust Represents competition
10 June 2025
Jessica wins an inclusive library for her school and an exciting author visit after writing a review of Dee Benson’s Glow Up, Lara Bloom.
We’re delighted to share that 13-year-old Jessica has triumphed in our national BookTrust Represents competition, celebrating representation in children’s literature.
Generously supported by Enterprise Mobility through its ROAD Forward initiative, BookTrust Represents invited children across England to write about a book that reflected an aspect of their identity — and explain how it made them feel.
13-year-old Jessica, from Brook Mead Academy in Leicester, scooped the top prize with her moving review of Glow Up, Lara Bloomby Dee Benson, which impressed a panel of judges including authors Sharna Jackson and Michael Mann.
She has won a £3,000 inclusive library grant, a visit from Dee, and copies of the book for all the students in her year group.
People can find it hard to express themselves, so being able to see yourself in a book is good as it allows you to have a wider image of you as a person. It can also allow you to explore more things, because you won’t be exactly like the character but having similarities in a book means you can connect with the character and try new things out.
Jessica, BookTrust Represents competition winner
The importance of representation in stories
Dee Benson, whose book inspired Jessica’s entry, said: “Every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of a story.
Representation in children’s literature does more than include — it empowers, inspires, and shows young readers their voices and experiences matter.
“Jessica’s review is a powerful reminder of why I write: to create mirrors and windows through books. I’m honoured that Glow Up, Lara Bloom resonated so deeply with her.”
Meanwhile, Brook Mead Academy’s head teacher Rita Hindocha said 100% of their students had borrowed a book from their library this year, adding: “We don’t rest until every scholar has found a book they love!
“As a proudly diverse school where some 45 languages are spoken, we want every scholar to see themselves reflected in books or for books to be read in a way which empowers all.”
And the school’s librarian Mel Peploe said: “Every young person should be able to see themselves in a book — it reassures them they’re not alone and helps them believe they can thrive. To truly serve our students, our library should reflect the diversity of our school community.
“This prize will transform our library at a crucial time as we prepare to move from two temporary sites into our new building. It’s an incredible opportunity to build a vibrant, inclusive collection that speaks to all our students.”
BookTrust also awarded two second place prizes of 100 inclusive books for school libraries and 11 Highly Commended awards. All of the children behind the top entries will receive curated book bundles, with schools benefiting from additional resources to expand inclusive collections.
Since its inception, BookTrust Represents has engaged more than 93,000 children through free books, school author visits, and inclusive learning experiences — working closely with leading authors and illustrators of colour to ensure all children see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
The competition was made possible by Enterprise Mobility’s ROAD Forward initiative — a global commitment to advancing social equity. By 2030, Enterprise Mobility will have invested nearly £130 million across Europe and North America in three key areas: early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and college preparation.
BookTrust CEO Diana Gerald said: ”Representation is fundamental to our mission to get children reading. When young readers see themselves in stories, it builds confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging.
Images of other winners in the BookTrust Represents competition, holding up their chosen books and their reviews
“We’re incredibly proud of Jessica and of all the young people who entered the competition with such honesty and passion. Thanks to Enterprise Mobility’s support, we’re one step closer to ensuring every child can see themselves in the books they read.”
And Earl Jackson, Enterprise Mobility Assistant Vice President of Strategic Diversity Initiatives, added: “Enterprise Mobility is proud to support initiatives like BookTrust Represents through the ROAD Forward initiative to promote early childhood education and foster diversity and inclusivity in children’s literature.
“Congratulations to Jessica and all the young participants for sharing their unique voices and experiences.”
