Children’s books by black British authors will be given to every primary school in England

Children’s books by black British authors will be given to every primary school in England to increase diversity in literature

  • Collection of stories by black authors, Happy Here, will be published in August
  • It will be given to every English primary school to increase ‘diversity of voices’ 
  • It features writers Yomi Sode, Clare Weze, Dean Atta, and Patrice Lawrence

An anthology of children’s books by black British authors will be given to every primary school in England to increase ‘diversity of voices’.  

The collection of stories, titled Happy Here, features work from writers including Yomi Sode, Clare Weze, Dean Atta, Patrice Lawrence and Sharna Jackson.

It is aimed at children aged seven and older, and will be published on August 5. 

The project is a collaboration between reading charity BookTrust, publisher Knights Of, and charity Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE). 

A press release from the project’s creators says BookTrust will provide a free copy of the anthology to every primary school in England and, in partnership with CLPE, will ‘create and distribute free curriculum resources’.  

Jill Coleman, director of children’s books at BookTrust, said: ‘Happy Here is going to thrill and inspire children in families and schools across the country and we want to make sure it is read by thousands of children.

Happy Here, is aimed at children aged seven and older, and will be published on August 5

The collection of stories, titled Happy Here, features work from writers including Yomi Sode, Clare Weze, Dean Atta, Patrice Lawrence and Sharna Jackson (pictured at Henleaze Junior School in Bristol)

The collection of stories, titled Happy Here, features work from writers including Yomi Sode, Clare Weze, Dean Atta, Patrice Lawrence and Sharna Jackson (pictured at Henleaze Junior School in Bristol)

‘We are proud to be working with Knights Of and CLPE as part of our effort to drive a long-term, sustainable increase in the diversity of voices published in children’s literature.’

Aimee Felone, co-founder of Knights Of, said: ‘Being able to commission work that has no motive other than to amplify, uplift and celebrate what it means to exist in the UK today as black British is liberating for our team.

‘Each and every author and illustrator has focused not on the trauma or hardship of their existence, which is too often highlighted in children’s fiction, but the experience and possibility of happiness for their characters.’

She added: ‘As partners on Happy Here it is encouraging to know that these stories and resources will reach children everywhere.’ 

Those behind the project will also sponsor author events for schools to support the book, along with a programme of ‘ongoing professional development for teachers to broaden the scope of literature taught in schools’. 

Louise Johns-Shepherd, Chief Executive, CLPE said: ‘We are so pleased to be working together with our colleagues at BookTrust and Knights Of to bring new stories, characters and settings to children in classrooms across the country and to be part of a brilliant partnership that supports real, meaningful and continued change for the creators of today and the readers of tomorrow.’

Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence hosts a BookTrust Represents workshop

Dean Atta speaks at the Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela held at the Westminster Hall, House of Commons

Pictured right: Dean Atta. Left: Patrice Lawrence hosts a BookTrust Represents workshop

HAPPY HERE: THE AUTHORS 

  • Dean Atta
  • Joseph Coelho
  • Kereen Getten
  • Patrice Lawrence
  • Theresa Lola
  • E.L. Norry
  • Jasmine Richards
  • Alexandra Sheppard
  • Yomi Ṣode
  • Clare Weze

HAPPY HERE: THE ILLUSTRATORS 

  • Olivia Twist
  • Selom Sunu
  • Camilla Ru
  • Dorcas
  • Mo Fadera
  • Chanté Timothy
  • Wumi ‘Wumzum’ Olaosebikan
  • Onyinye Iwu
  • Lucy Farfort
  • Will Kay