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.

Register your school

Waterstones Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho

Register now: Join Joseph Coelho and special guests for a unique author talk and Q&A

This January, join us for a special Bookmaker Like You takeover of BookTrust Represents. In this virtual school event presented by Joseph Coelho, we’ll celebrate bookmakers out there with three authors who will share their journeys into bookmaking: their successes and their mistakes to break down children’s assumptions of becoming a storyteller.

Date: Wednesday 24 January 2024
Timings: 11am start (45 – 60 mins max)

Find out more and register your school

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.

Read BookTrust's research with UCL on representation of people of colour among children's book creators

Read CLPE's research on ethnic representation of characters in children's literature here Reflecting Realities

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.