STORIES FOR ALL Exploring the importance of representation and inclusivity in literature
T
he benefits of reading for children and young people are numerous and far reaching. Introducing children to stories and books from infancy can not only begin a love for stories, but it also forms a great foundation for an interest in reading in later life, and has been shown to improve literacy levels as a child grows. Books are powerful tools that can transport young minds into magical worlds, they can make them laugh, make them cry, teach them about kindness and friendship, loss and grief, and help them escape when their own world overwhelms them. Books and stories can be an important guide for young minds, teaching them about life, moulding their perspective on the world and helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Part of this literary power is through seeing yourself represented in a story, being able to relate to a character in a book or story can have a huge impact on a child. It is therefore very important to ensure that children are exposed to literature that reflects their own world as well as the wider world around them. The representation of disabled children and young people in books is not high, but it is something that we can see being addressed over the last few years. More books are being published that include disabled characters and that celebrate difference and inclusivity. Every child should be able to see themselves represented on the pages of a book, so we have coined a list of some of the best books for children and young people that focus on celebrating disability and difference.
LEO AND THE LIGHTNING DRAGONS Author Gill White has written this book for her son who lives with a rare form of epilepsy known as Ohtahara syndrome. Leo is a brave knight fighting fearsome dragons both inside and out and the story shows him realising that the most important thing is to persevere and believe in himself. The story has been really well received by parents of children with complex needs and healthcare professionals alike, and all royalties from the book sales go to Children’s Hospices across Scotland (CHAS).
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