Do you believe every child deserves to feel included in literature?

As part of Pearson’s drive to affect real change in the diversity of children’s literature, I have provided my perspective on what needs to happen now in a new series of thought leadership articles.

In early 2020, Pearson launched Plotting Ahead with the aim to drive national change in children’s literature by establishing real diversity, inclusion and belonging through what pupils read and study in education and beyond - something we feel deeply passionate about here at LoveReading4Kids.

This new article series continues the debate with an amazing range of practical, thought-provoking pieces from expert thinkers across the sector, sharing what they believe must happen to affect real change. My article Diverse and inclusive books must be the norm focuses on the need for diverse and inclusive books to become normal for every pupil. Read it here

Other articles in the series include:

No time to say “We don’t have time" – Jessica Tacon
Tokenism, virtue-signalling and ‘quick fixes’ can tempt schools, but making real change requires dedicated effort and awareness. Schools, with the right support, need to change right now. Read it here

Our educators must be equipped to effect real change – Alison Tarrant
Changing content in the curriculum means equipping educators with the skills to ‘challenge’. Questions need to be asked and resources shared to help teachers. Read it here 

Diversity is so much more than data – Samantha Williams
When inclusivity is reduced to pure statistics, its real-world implications can be hidden by research. The sector must create holistic pictures that inspire genuine change. Read it here

Publishers must be ethical leaders… now! – Penelope Sharott
Publishers have a key role to play in encouraging ethical leadership. Amazing illustrations and stories is just the beginning. Read it here

By starting new conversations with educators, parents, students, publishers and more, we hope we can collectively improve diversity in literature for children and young people across the UK – as individuals, as organisations and as a nation.

Learn more about Plotting Ahead at Go.pearson.com/plottingahead