Training Overview
This session will explore themes of diversity and inclusion within children’s literature. It draws on research into the importance of children feeling represented in the books that they read and the empathy boosting benefits of learning about others whose lives are different from our own.
What Does It Cover?
We will:
- Define ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ and discuss what these terms mean in terms of literature
- Explore findings of research into diversity, inclusion and representation in children’s literature
- Share recommendations of diverse texts and explore ways to share these
- Explore frameworks for critical thinking about how marginalised individuals/groups are portrayed in books
- Signpost to useful resources and campaigns
Who Should Attend?
The training will be suitable for reading leads, diversity leads, curriculum leads, librarians and anyone interested in developing a more diverse book collection for their school.
Who Will Be Leading the Training?
Jenny Holder is the Reading Coordinator at Liverpool Learning Partnership, a charitable organisation that supports the work of over 160 schools. Prior to this, Jenny worked as a primary school teacher (including time as an English Coordinator) for 13 years. During her time at LLP, Jenny has worked to establish reading clubs for vulnerable pupils in 100 schools and has established the city-wide Liverpool Readathon and Liverpool Children’s Festival of Reading. In 2021 she won the Community Reading Champion award in the Farshore Reading for Pleasure Teaching Awards. She is passionate about the impact that reading for pleasure can have on levels of education, social mobility and mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Feedback from previous attendees
“Excellent and really interesting.”
“Really useful and informative.”
Cost
This training is free for LLP member schools. There is a £50 cost for non-LLP schools payable via invoice.


