In 2021, Children's Books Ireland released a reading guide called Free To Be Me: The Diversity, Inclusion and Representation Reading Guide. Ruth Concannon from Children's Books Ireland is here to tell us about the updated guide and some of the new titles that have been added.
At Children’s Books Ireland we believe that children and young people deserve to see their lives and experiences reflected in the stories that they read. For us, it’s essential to champion authors and illustrators from diverse backgrounds and, it’s crucial that children and young people have access to these stories that can bring them so much joy. Children’s Books Ireland will always share stories that reflect the patchwork of modern life with you, our readers.
This month, we are unveiling a new Free To Be Me 'booster guide’ for primary school students featuring 100 additional diverse and inclusive titles. Here we have selected fantastic books for readers aged 4–12 years touching on topics like family, race and ethnicity, disabilities, neurodiversity and much more. We hope that every child will find a book in this guide that both speaks to their life experience and brings them joy.
Below are some of the examples of stories you can find in our latest Free To Be Me guide. Discover more books or download the entire guide for free at childrensbooksireland.ie.
Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole and illustrated by Karen George, Faber, 32PP, ISBN 9780571377169
In this family, the daughter has a tricycle, Daddy has a big car, and Mummy has a Mama Car, which is what our young narrator calls her mother’s wheelchair. The playful text authentically captures the world and voice of a young girl, pairing wonderfully with the illustrations. What a pleasure it is to read a book that so eloquently captures a child’s positive view of her mother’s wheelchair. It is a celebration of what the chair is, what it can do and, most importantly, who it contains. (Age 5–7)
Best of All: The Magical Mix That’s You by Smriti Halls and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, Two Hoots, 32PP ISBN 9781529080742
In this beautifully crafted and deeply heartfelt story, inspired by the author’s own experience of raising children with two different heritages, Halls takes readers on a journey through family, food and places, celebrating the unique aspects of each culture while showing how they come together to shape the reader’s unique identity. Prabhat’s vivid artwork bursts with colour, effortlessly bringing to life the beauty of both cultures. This enchanting book is a joyous celebration of identity, culture and family, a perfect read for children of all backgrounds. (Age 5–7, 8–10)
Lantern Smoke by Dagogo Hart and illustrated by Anita Schmidt, Gill Books, 32PP, ISBN 9780717197552
The smell of lantern smoke brings back memories of secret card games, sunny days and evenings spent with family. Alone now in the city, our hero’s memories of home are beginning to fade, until a lantern sparks the connection once more. This story of spreading your branches wide while remaining true to your roots is inspired by the author’s own experiences of emigration from Lagos, Nigeria, to Ireland, and explores navigating the complex feelings around building a life away from your family and homeland. (Age 8–10, 10–12)
Major and Mynah by Karen Owen and illustrated by Louise Forshaw, Firefly Press, 144PP, ISBN 9781913102746
Callie hates her new hearing aids – they simply make the world too loud! But when she discovers they give her the ability to communicate with an unusual bird named Bo, she sees a way to use them to her advantage. Joining forces with Bo, Callie and best friend Grace set out to solve the mystery of just who has been stealing things in their neighbourhood. Combining friendship, nature, mystery and a wonderful insight into adjusting to life with hearing aids, this is a truly enjoyable series opener. (Age 8–10, 10–12)
How to Roller-Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove and illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson, Orchard Books, 272PP, ISBN 9781408373859
Maya is not going to let the loss of her leg stop her from living her best life. Returning to school after a life-changing accident, Maya is determined to cross everything off her life goals list before she turns thirteen. This is an important book for any young amputees or children with limb differences, but it is also a delightful read for anyone, as Maya deals with the typical issues of a twelve-year-old. Illustrated throughout, Jamieson’s imagery gives the story a personal, diary-like feel. (Age 10–12)
Being Autistic (And What that Actually Means) by Niamh Garvey and illustrated by Rebecca Burgess, Jessica Kingsley Publishing, 160PP, ISBN 9781805011712
This book intends to support the reader, and particularly the young Autistic reader, to begin to understand Autism. Garvey factually and humorously takes the reader through many of the differences that an Autistic person might find between the way they experience the world around them and how their neurotypical peers do. The illustrations by Burgess are charming and engaging, complementing and adding to the text. Ideal for libraries, schools and anyone who wants an accessible and robust introduction to some of what the Autistic experience can involve. (Non-fiction, Age 8–10, 10–12)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Officer for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books.
We share our expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. We support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through our work.
Go to www.childrensbooksireland.ie for more about great books.
