• 15 diverse authors will take part in events from 17-30 March to inspire children to enjoy reading stories with characters they can relate to
  • Research from the National Literacy Trust shows multiple benefits of reading for enjoyment; but too many children are missing out because they do not feel represented in the books that they read
  • The festival builds on the success of two book collections distributed to over 50 primary schools in the city, focused on ethnic diversity and neurodiversity
  • See Myself in Books is delivered by Read Manchester, a partnership between the National Literacy Trust and Manchester City Council

 

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 – will run from 17-30 March will see 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.

 

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 [2]
  • 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 [3]

 

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 [4] – it’s more important than ever to inspire children to pick up a book.

 

On Tuesday 18 March, 350 local primary school pupils will join the festival’s flagship event for schools at The Stoller Hall. The event will focus on ethnic diversity in books, with bestselling authors including Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola and Maisie Chan. Each pupil will be given a copy of one of the authors’ books to take home.

 

Read Manchester will take over the National Football Museum on 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. All Manchester families are invited to attend for free and can register in advance.

 

The See Myself in Books Festival builds on the success of two book collections for primary schools, which include 25 books focused on both ethnic diversity and neurodiversity. Copies of these books have been distributed to over 50 local primary schools and families can borrow them at their local library.

 

Over the duration of the festival, through events across the city, in schools, libraries and other community venues, children will be inspired by diverse authors and encouraged to read books from the collections.

 

Children across Manchester are also invited to design a See Myself in Books bookmark, which celebrates ethnically diverse or neurodiverse 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 your local library or find out more at readmanchester.org.uk.

 

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.”

 

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!”

 

More information about all events and activities can be found at readmanchester.org.uk.