With your help, we hope to help send hundreds of diverse books to local primary schools, working in partnership with The Little Bookshop Leeds. We want our children to grow up understanding that the world is a better place for its diversity, and supporting schools to develop a varied book range is a key part of that. Change begins with children - and with us!

Support local

So far we are proud to be working with Chapel Allerton Primary School and Chapeltown Community Nursery on this fundraiser and have contacted a number of other local schools - if you are interested in your school receiving books do get in touch!

We believe all primary schools need diverse and vibrant collections of children’s books - but they often don't have the available funds to provide this.

With your support (and sharing this page to others) not only will this help deliver new books to local children, it will help support Leeds only independent children's bookshop by obtaining these books through the shop rather through large online providers. The Little Bookshop will help the funds raised go further by donating additional books themselves.

Leeds is a hugely diverse city and we think that should be reflected in the books that children see in school and at home. We want children to see themselves and those around them reflected in what they read.

Let's build a positive story

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.

Did you know that only 4% of children’s books published in 2018 had a main character of Black, Asian or minority ethnic origins - despite the fact that around 33% of UK school children are of Black, Asian or minority ethnic origins.*

Stereotypes and understanding

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 - as well as seeing the potential in others. 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.

Everybody's different, and that's a good thing!

We want these books to show children that there are many different normalities beyond their own. They will encourage children to dream bigger, more ambitious dreams, 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 & Lockdown

Now, more than ever children need books that support their mental health and make them feel equal and important in our communities and city. Books that help them transition back into normal school life, will once again provide a valuable outside influence they so desperately need to develop into open minded, understanding and respectful people.

We massively appreciate any support you can give to this campaign, every pound will make a huge difference, please also share this fundraiser to friends, family and work where you can!

* The study, initiated by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) and funded by Arts Council England, found that of the 9,115 children’s books published in the UK in 2017, only 391 – 4% - featured a black, Asian or minority ethnic character.