How to improve racial diversity in your children’s books

Find out how to improve representation and diversity in your school library and classrooms, so they reflect the society we live in and all of your pupils feel represented and valued.

Last reviewed on 17 February 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 40675
Contents
  1. Your pupils can't be what they can't see
  2. Review the books you already have
  3. Ask and discuss these questions during your review
  4. Download our questions and actions checklist
  5. If you're able to buy new books, use these booklists
  6. Review your curriculum

This article focuses on improving diversity in children's books in relation to race and ethnicity. You can, and are encouraged to, apply similar principles to improve diversity in your school's books in terms of other characteristics such as gender, disability, sexual orientation and religion.

Improving diversity in your school’s books isn’t enough on its own to create an anti-racist curriculum and school environment – but it’s a good place to start. 

Do this work alongside reviewing your curriculum to make it more inclusive – read more at the end of this article.

Your pupils can't be what they can't see

People from ethnically diverse groups and backgrounds are underrepresented in British children’s books.

It’s important for all children that the stories they listen