Author Maisie Chan with school children
Thousands of children across Manchester will discover books with characters they can relate to during the first See Myself in Books Festival, in a bid to boost reading for pleasure across the city.
The festival, which is delivered by Read Manchester – a partnership between Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust – runs for the next fortnight until 30 March and sees 15 diverse authors taking part. Highlights include a flagship event for schools at The Stoller Hall and a family fun day at the National Football Museum.
The See Myself in Books Festival builds on the success of two book collections specially curated for the city’s primary schools, which include 25 books focused on ethnic diversity and a further 25 books focused on neurodiversity. Copies of these books have been distributed to over 50 local primary schools so far and families can also borrow them at their local library.
The fortnight-long festival sees events across the city in schools, libraries and other community venues, including in-person events with diverse authors, with children and families encouraged to join in and also seek out some of the books to read themselves from the two collections.
Over 350 local primary school pupils joined in the festival’s kick-off event for schools yesterday (Tuesday 18 March) at The Stoller Hall. The event focused on ethnic diversity in books, with bestselling authors including Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola, Maisie Chan and Bobby Joseph. Each pupil who attended the event was given a copy of one of the authors’ books to take home.
Read Manchester will also be taking over the National Football Museum this Saturday 22 March, with a See Myself in Books family fun day to celebrate diversity in children’s literature and football. Author Priscilla Mante will read from her book, Jaz Santos vs The World (Puffin) and answer questions from families. There will also be craft activities and a book hunt for children of all ages. The event runs from 10 am – 3 pm and is free to attend for all Manchester families. Author reading sessions take place at 11 am and 2 pm.
Children across Manchester are also invited to design a See Myself in Books bookmark, which celebrates ethnically diverse or neuro-diverse characters in books. Three winning designs will be turned into official Manchester Libraries bookmarks, which will be shared across the city. Pick up an entry form at local libraries or find out more at readmanchester.org.uk
The See Myself in Books Festival comes as Manchester works towards becoming a UNICEF recognised Child Friendly City – a place where children’s rights are understood and respected, and that adopts a whole city approach towards making Manchester the best possible place for a child to grow up in.
Councillor Julie Reid, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People said: “We’re determined to make sure that every child and young person here in our wonderfully diverse city reaps the benefit of being a regular reader – both for the knowledge and wider understanding it gives them of the world around them, but also for the sheer joy of reading for pleasure.
“What the research shows us however is that children and young people are far more likely to read books if they see people like themselves in them and can identify with them.
“That’s why we’re on a mission to make sure that all our children whatever their background and circumstance, can see themselves reflected in the books they pick up – starting with the books in their own school library.
“We want all children and young people in Manchester to feel included and empowered by the books they read which is what makes our first See Myself in Books Festival so important. We’d love to see families and children across the city get involved – and of course, get reading!”
Research from the National Literacy Trust shows why events that celebrate reading and encourage reading for pleasure are so worthwhile. Last year, the charity revealed that when children and young people read in their free time at least once a month, it helps them to relax (56.6%) and feel happy (41%), learn new things (50.9%), understand the views of others (32.8%), learn about other cultures (32.4%) and be confident (26.0%) [1]. But too many children are missing out on these benefits because they don’t see themselves in the books they read:
· Over half (53.1%) of children aged 8-11 said they find it difficult to find books with characters or people like them
· Yet 1 in 3 children and young people aged 8-18 say that being given books or having books that represent them would make them want to read more
With children’s reading for enjoyment levels at a record low – just 1 in 3 (34.3%) children and young people aged 8-18 in the North West enjoying it in their free time – it’s more important than ever to inspire children to pick up a book.
Jill Connolly, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust said: “When children and young people enjoy reading in their free time, it helps their learning, wellbeing and confidence. By opening up a world of stories that children from diverse backgrounds can relate to, the See Myself in Books Festival helps more children feel these life-changing benefits.”
Find out more information about events and activities taking place during the See Myself in Books Festival
