Representation of Race and Culture – Book List

We are passionate about representation and inclusion in the books we choose for the Literary Curriculum. It is essential that children see themselves and their lives in literature they read. Equally, literature should act as the window to new realities that they may have never encountered, broadening children’s horizons and informing their outlook. It is also vital that literature goes further and is deliberately anti-racist and provides us with the opportunity to learn about the history of cultures that may differ from our own.

The Literary Curriculum, whether it’s through the Planning Sequences or the Literary Leaves, contains many representational books from Reception to Year 6 that contribute to decolonising learning and celebrating black and BAME voices, characters and authors – contemporary and historical. This is an ongoing process and we are continually on the lookout for books that represent authentic voices in different, meaningful and ultimately hopeful ways.

With this in mind, we have put together a Representation of Race and Culture Booklist with the advice and input from our amazing, insightful and erudite Race and Culture panelists. We have included books in this list that explore positive body image; that address difficult issues around racism and migration; that represent different historical perspectives. We’ve included books that are joyful, optimistic reads with well-rounded characters.

If you feel that there is a book you would like to include, that we missed do get in touch and let us know.  

Posted in: Book Lists