All our children need to see into the lives others as well as seeing themselves reflected in the books they read to help them understand the world - and their place in it.

With your help, we are going to send hundreds of diverse and inclusive storybooks to all of the primary schools in Margate, Cliftonville Garlinge and Westgate.

Books with diverse characters racially, books that celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, different bodies and abilities and the strength of female characters.

We want our children to grow up to be anti-racist and pro-equality, to grow up understanding that 'normal' is different for everyone. We need children to understand and celebrate diversity and to see themselves represented in all aspects, and at all levels, of society.

We believe all primary schools need a full, diverse and vibrant collection of children’s books. They need real life books that they don't read off a device or via an app. Through our campaign ‘Margate Books for Change’ we are going to raise £3,000 – enough to deliver a box of beautifully written, potentially life-changing books. Each box will come with a teachers overview to support them to make full use of the new books that reflect the wonderful diversity of our population.

We will deliver books and teachers resources to the following schools: Holy Trinity and St John’s, Cliftonville, Drapers Mills, Garlinge, Northdown, Palm Bay, Salmestone, St Anthony’s, St Gregory’s, St Crispins and St Saviours.

Why do we need diverse books in schools?

Children reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of future success; we know that if a child learns to love reading, they have a better chance of doing well in all subjects at school and in later life. But children who do not recognise themselves in books are much less likely to engage with them.

Stories can excite and inspire, but they can also perpetuate stereotype and privilege, negatively affecting a child’s ability to recognise and realise their potential. Over time, certain ideas cement themselves in a child’s mind: that all superheroes are white, all explorers come from rich families, or all detectives are male. The damage is subtle, rarely discussed, and ultimately devastating.

Inclusive books remind children that there are many different normalities beyond their own. They can encourage children to dream bigger, more ambitious dreams. Inclusive books can inspire confidence, excitement and a sense that any child can achieve their potential, regardless of the colour of their skin, their gender or their background.

Covid-19

After months of coronavirus lockdown, children have spent an unprecedented amount of time in their own version of normal. Now, more than ever before they are going to need books to show how wonderfully diverse families, communities and societies are. Books will help them transition back into school life, will once again provide a valuable outside influence they so desperately need to develop open minded, understanding and respectful people.

Check our social media at @MargateBooksForChange for fundraising events, books lists as well as suggestions on where to buy them ethically and locally. If you'd like to get in touch, email us on margatebooksforchange@gmail.com.

Thank you for your donation from our next generation.