Diversifying children's books in the primary classroom

Find new ways to introduce and discuss representation in children’s books with this afternoon event featuring inspirational children’s book authors and experts, sponsored by the British Library.

Taking place at Leeds City Library, this engaging event will combine workshops and discussion about children’s books and representation. It will address how you can help every child connect with books - from the classics to the latest graphic novel to writing their own stories. Translating research insights into practical classroom ideas, speakers will model powerful ways to discuss and engage with books, as well sharing ready-to-teach book-making activities. Delegates will discover ways to help every reader feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Our fantastic lineup of speakers includes:

• Patrice Lawrence, Waterstones Children's Laureate
• Candy Gourlay, author
• Dr. Darren Chetty and Professor Karen Sands-O’Connor - children’s literature scholars and authors of Beyond the Secret Garden: Racially minoritised people in British children’s literature (EMC, 2025).

What to expect:

Karen and Darren will engage in dialogue with teachers. The aim is to bring insight into how to select and discuss books with quality representation, and to understand the place of the evolving canon of children's literature in a modern world.

Patrice Lawrence will deliver a keynote exploring her reading and writing journeys and reflecting on representation and agency.

Candy Gourlay will run a practical session entitled 'The comic book of me', offering practical ideas to enable students to construct their own identities through playful activity.