Support for schools
We want to get every child in your school reading, so join us each term for a live virtual author event with some of the leading names in children's literature as they share their inspiration behind their books, set interactive writing exercises and answer your questions in a live Q&A.
Elle McNicoll and the cover of Like A Charm
Join Elle McNicoll for an author talk and Q&A
Each half-term, 60 registered schools with the highest FSM percentage will receive 60 free books. Our sprint term 1 author is Elle McNicoll.
Date: Wednesday 15 January 2025
Timings: 11am start (45 – 60 mins max)
Accessibility: A video recording will be available two days after the event.
Suitable for: Year groups 5, 6, and 7
Why representation matters
Inclusive children's literature is vital. Children's books can act as mirrors, to reflect the readers' own lives, and also as windows, so readers can learn about, understand and appreciate the lives of others. They can shape how young readers from minority backgrounds see themselves as well as how readers from the more dominant culture see and understand diversity. The absence of an inclusive range of characters or creative role models in children's literature has the potential to deter children from minority backgrounds from reading and experiencing the associated benefits.
If you're a teacher or school librarian, here's how you can shine a spotlight on diverse authors/illustrators and improve representation in your school.
Competition: The Book That Represents Me
We want to find the most compelling review of a book in which a child feels at least one aspect of their identity is authentically represented.
We do not arrange or accept requests for in-person author visits, however, our virtual author events are available and free for all schools nationally.
Bring reading to life in your school with an author visit.
Find out how to organise an author or illustrator visit
Find ways to connect with authors and illustrators on social media
Get in touch with Authors Aloud who can organise a visit for you
Make sure you use our Breaking New Ground brochure to discover more authors and illustrators of colour to bring to your school and also keep an eye on these pages!
Get curated books for key stages 1-4
These useful book packs were selected by Letterbox Library, supported by BookTrust Represents:
UK Voices: British Authors and Illustrators of Colour Pack Key Stage 1 & 2
UK Voices: British Authors and Illustrators of Colour Pack Key Stage 3 & 4
More books to try
We've put together lists of some great books from writers and illustrators of colour that you might like to try.
BookTrust Represents: Picture Books
Check out some of our favourite picture books by authors and illustrators of colour.
BookTrust Represents: Middle Grade
Have a look at the great middle grade books by authors and illustrators of colour.
BookTrust Represents: Teen
Browse our list of brilliant teen/ya books by authors and illustrators of colour.
