In this blog post, our writer, Charlotte Bateman, shares a personal account recounting her unique experiences with Braille. When it comes to famous inventions, there are certain ones that just …
In the fragile landscape of our education system, the quest for inclusivity and equality is a journey fraught with challenges. This blog post delves into the importance of Special Educational …
What memories and images spring into life when you think of school libraries? We explore the role of school libraries in education.
Elly Roberts is the Editor of the magazine Early Years Educator which is aimed at anyone working with children under five. We asked Elly about the importance of reading in schools.
I am a female teacher and leader from a mixed heritage background. My parents didn’t have access to quality education or the opportunity to complete their schooling. Therefore, while growing …
Is there anything more worrying to parents of children in Early Years than the impact of COVID-19 on education? Early Years encompasses birth to five years old and, in the …
Does COVID-19 impact on children’s education? Sadly yes, and, as Books2All has a lens trained on anything that affects educational inequality, we are taking a deeper dive into this topic. …
Wednesday 8 September marks International Literacy Day and The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure programme would like to give a timely reminder to governments, civil society and educators to reflect …
Like my colleagues, I chose a career in publishing because I believe in the importance of reading. Our job is to find stories and share them as widely as possible, …
To consider the question: is virtual reality the future of education, we need to imagine a time when teachers are more like mentors, guiding their students through a personalised development …
(CONTENT WARNING: Mention of suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault and abuse) Much has been spoken recently about ‘privilege’ generally and not just educational privilege. Not as a word rolling …
I have worked in international education, but I am not an educator. I do not have a PGCE or any teaching experience to speak of – other than occasional classroom …
Educational inequality in the UK is a disparity that exists in both the private and state education systems. The private sector attracts wealthier families who can afford to send their …
India’s Imprint: How Rudyard Kipling’s Formative Years Influenced His Pen Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) was an English author and poet, best known for his works of fiction, including The Jungle Book. …
The St Pancras Christmas tree is always a magical sight. Every year, from November to January, it brings joy to thousands of phone-wielding passengers who jostle to take a picture …
Each November 29th, enthusiasts and readers worldwide come together to commemorate the birthday of C.S Lewis, paying tribute to the legendary author. His narratives have etched a lasting impression on …
As the dust settles from GCSEs, students face a big step up to A-levels and a future career. For those from a family on a low income, a vocational route …
The rich tapestry of history is interwoven with the remarkable stories of black women who defied societal norms and blazed a trail for generations to come. These women have overcome …
Halloween a time when the air is filled with excitement and the atmosphere tingles with a sense of mystery, offers the perfect opportunity to foster a love for reading among …
With fewer adults and children reading for pleasure, perhaps you need something to start you off. Here are 5 books you should read immediately.
Back to school can be both exciting yet daunting for our children. We explain what to look out for and how you can ease your child’s anxiety.
Gazing up at the night sky, a canvas of twinkling stars and mysterious darkness Can be a magical experience for kids. What if we told you that those stars form …
We spoke to Dirk Mueller-Remus, founder of Auticon, about the challenges that neurodiverse people face in the workplace, education, and the technology industry. Back in 2008, Dirk Mueller-Remus, an IT …
Every year on September 13th, readers and fans around the world celebrate Roald Dahl Day. We explore the children author’s fascinating legacy.
11 million people in the UK are currently experiencing digital exclusion. That’s according to figures from the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), which was set up by the Learning Foundation in 2021 as a response to Covid.
The Dodo Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Catherine Emmett is an inspiring story about incredible things that can happen if you dare to give them a try! Beautifully illustrated by Claire Powell, Catherine’s latest book was only released last week. We had the chance to interview Catherine about The Dodo Who Dreamed She Could Fly, dreams, books, and the lessons children can take away from wonderful stories like these.
The Internet has become an indispensable part of our lives, especially when it comes to education.
Schoolchildren in England learn about politics the hard way. With curriculums cut and teacher strikes, we find out why political literacy is so important.
Do you read for pleasure? We explore the many reasons why reading is an essential part of our human existence.
The summer slide. Also known as summer learning loss and brain drain. We find out what it is and how students can avoid it.
Reading for pleasure has lots of long-lasting benefits for students. We explain how reading positively affects a child’s curiosity.
In an era when mental health is affecting our society greatly, is it time to rethink your living space? We find out why decluttering can be great for your whole family.
The term EAL (English Additional Language) describes children exposed to one or more languages other than English in their homes. In the UK, especially in low-income schools, EAL students face …
For this year’s Schools Diversity Week (26th-30th of June), we are celebrating the efforts that schools around the country make to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in education. Having access to diverse …
In November 1999, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) proclaimed February 21st as International Mother Tongue Day, in a bid to transform education by encouraging multilingual education. International …
In 2016, the UN declared 11th February as International Day of Women and Girls In Science, to encourage more females to build careers in STEM. The STEM sector (science, technology, …
Understanding online safety is tricky for all ages. There is a wealth of books and resources available to help you make sure that your students and children know how to …
Books2All is, of course, only one of many book charities aiming to improve access to quality reading experiences for children and adults in the UK. We don’t regard this as …
This week we talk to new author, Frederick Petford Q: Hi, Frederick Petford, how are you doing? What have you been up to so far this year? It’s been a …
Since our app went live on 2 May, Books2All has been busy organising our first book donations with London schools registered to use our service. We are delighted to tell …
This week we talk to sci-fi author, Stephen Cox Q: Hi, Stephen Cox, how are you doing? What have you been up to so far this year? My second book, …
It has taken a bit longer than expected, but the Books2All app is now LIVE! You can download it from the App Store and Google Play. We know you support …
Harry Potter Day 2022 on 2 May is a chance to remind ourselves of the wonderful works of J.K. Rowling. Ask most people of my generation about a memorable book …
This week we talk to self-published author, Carla Golledge Q: Hi, Carla Golledge, how are you doing? What have you been doing this year? Hello, I am really well, thank …
Developing empathy in Early Years is crucial as it is a core component of our social and emotional skills. I am one of five founders of EmpathyLab, an organisation that …
Young Writers started in 1991 out of a love of reading and writing. Since then, we’ve put our hearts into empowering avid young writers by giving them a platform to …
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated by The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) on 2 April every year since 1967 to inspire a love of …
World Down Syndrome Day 2022 celebrated its tenth birthday on 21 March! World Down Syndrome Day advocates for inclusivity and the rights of those with Down syndrome. The United Nations …
This week we talk to new fiction writer, Jim McVeigh Q: Hi, Jim McVeigh, did you have a good St Patrick’s Day? What have you planned for this year? I …
If you discuss mental health in the classroom with people you know, some will reflect on their experiences and tell you that high school was hard. They might recall being …
Literacy is a lifelong skill. We might assume that good reading and writing abilities affect only certain career prospects, such as teaching, law and journalism. In reality, being literate helps …
As a mother and an educator, I firmly believe that bedtime reading is an invaluable gift that a parent or guardian can give their child. It takes a little discipline …
Martin Luther King Day on 17 January each year commemorates the life of a man who changed America. It’s a day that celebrates inclusivity and diversity and reminds us that …
This week we talk to author, corporate communicator and political strategist, Sven Hughes Q: Hi, Sven Hughes, how are you doing? What did you get up to this year? I …
These days, it’s so easy to forget about the benefits of reading and instead sit your child in front of the TV or a tablet while you rush to do …
Friends of Books2All We’re immensely proud to have the support of the following wonderful people as friends of Books2all.
This week we talk to special educational needs author, Katie Carpenter Q. Hello Katie Carpenter, how are you? What have you been up to recently? Hello! I’m well, thank you. …
Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2021 runs from 18-25 November and Books2All is keen to encourage more conversations around childhood and adolescent grief. The Childhood Bereavement Network reports that 78% of …
When I started secondary school in September 2005, you queued every morning for a ‘dinner ticket’ if you were on free school meals. It wasn’t a digitised system then. On …
This week we talk to acclaimed writer, navigator and explorer, Tristan Gooley Q: Hi, Tristan Gooley, how are you doing? What have you been up to so far this year? …
I am pleased to share my thoughts with you for ADHD Awareness Month. As a child, I didn’t know I had ADHD, and because I was academically gifted, I could …
Oops! Well that didn’t happen… Although our lovely Books2All app IS ready to go, there are some delays with making it available on the app stores. We do apologise and …
My debut piece for Books2All on reading for dyslexia coincides with Dyslexia Week. As an educator who consults on learning, teaching and assessment strategies in higher education, I am familiar …
My most recent book, Girls and Autism, discusses why we do not cater well for girls with autism. For far too long, autism has been considered a male-orientated condition. Initial …
This week we talk to prizewinning author, Diane Chandler Q: Hi, Diane Chandler, how are you doing? What have you been up to so far this year? Thanks so much …
As I look back over the year since Books2All became a registered charity, I scarcely feel the need to mention that a lot has changed since then. While it’s true …
This week we talk to popular children’s author, Jeremy Strong Q: Hi, Jeremy Strong, how are you doing? What have you been up to so far this year? Covid has …
We are all familiar with the idea of ‘losing yourself’ in a story. However, for a child with vision impairment, this process of becoming so deeply engrossed in what you …
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The Reading Agency strives for a world where everyone reads their way to a better life. We tackle life’s big challenges through the proven power of reading1, focusing on three …
Making a difference to children’s lives has always been at the heart of the public library offer. So much so, that the sector has created a promise that outlines the …
This week we talk to legendary children’s illustrator and writer, Nick Sharratt Q: Hi, Nick Sharratt, how are you doing? What have you been up to so far this year? …
As someone who had a career in marketing from 1990-2020 – exactly 30 years – I shall challenge my own literary skills and attempt to answer this. No prizes for …
This week we talk to children’s author and screenwriter, Rupert Wallis Q: Hi Rupert Wallis, how are you? What have you been doing so far this year? Hi, thanks for …
Before I explain how our school library is the heart of the school, I need to take you back to May 2017. I started my role as reading engagement coordinator …
A love of reading is a gift all children and young people deserve, but books about LGBTQ+ play a particular role for those who are lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, …
This week we talk to acclaimed children’s author, Philip Womack Q: Hi, Philip Womack, how are you doing? What have you been up to this year? I’m very well, thank …
(CONTENT WARNING: Mention of mental illness, depression and anxiety) As we near the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a good time to ponder can reading improve mental health? …
The history of children’s literature has been gaining interest in recent years, as more people understand the vital place these books hold. Besides being invaluable for children’s education and entertainment, …
This week we talk to children’s author, cookery writer and journalist, Joanne O’Connell Q: Hi, Joanne O’Connell, how are you doing? What are you looking forward to this year? I’m …
For World Autism Awareness Month, I have been asked to share with you our family’s favourite reading books for autistic children. Our son and daughter – now aged 13 and 11 …
I am passionate about accessible books for students with disabilities. As a teacher, special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) and vice-principal of an academy, I want to ensure that books are …
In my work, I think about inclusive books for primary school and inclusive books generally. The words “Representation is not a privilege, it’s a right” are pinned boldly to my …
As schools across the country reopen, pupils face the challenge of readjusting to the normal rhythms of in-person teaching. Finding the best study resources can be hard, so we at …
This week we talk to award-winning children’s author, Lucy Strange Q: Hi, Lucy Strange, how are you doing? What are you looking forward to this year? Hello! I’m great, thank …
It’s British Science Week and writing about STEM subjects has taken me down memory lane. I was starting the sixth form when I realised that engineering could be the career …
As we celebrated World Book Day this week, I started thinking about how reading develops imagination and how there’s never been a time when I didn’t love books. They have always been …
This week we talk to SJ Watson, writer of the critically acclaimed Before I Go to Sleep, Second Life and Final Cut Q: Hi, Steve, how are you doing? What …
I’m currently Vice-Chair of the Great School Libraries Campaign. We have investigated why school libraries are important and our research has found that one in eight schools has no library …
Teaching SEND pupils, or those with special educational needs and disabilities is the most rewarding job I have ever had. The smallest steps forward fill you with pride, and you …
This week we talk to international best-selling author, Amanda Prowse (CONTENT WARNING: Mention of mental health and depression) Q: Hi Amanda Prowse, how are you doing? What are you looking …
At some point in my life, I moved away from the self-improvement New Year’s resolution. You know the kind: get fit or eat less. No doubt there were too many …
I was only 18 when I began teaching reading to deaf children, but I quickly realised there was a serious lack of books they could easily access when they started …
This week we talk to crime writer, Decima Blake Q: Hi Decima Blake, how are you doing? How was your lockdown? I’m doing okay. Thank you for asking. Lockdown was …
This week we talk to blogger and teacher, Jo Cummings Q: Hi Jo Cummins, how are you doing? How was your lockdown? Hello there! As I answer your questions about …
This week we talk to award-winning children’s author, Giles Paley-Phillips Q: Hi Giles Paley-Phillips, how are you doing? How was your lockdown? I’m doing OK, thank you. Lockdown had its …
Books2All has given some thought to what the best digital learning resources are. Every child should have the right to access a broad range of texts freely and easily. As …
This week we talk to former BBC journalist, turned author, Bea Davenport Q: Hi Bea Davenport, how are you doing? How was your lockdown? Hi everyone! It’s been OK for …
I was asking myself what are schools like in Nepal the year I decided to volunteer with a Nepalise charity. It was with a charity called the Mountain Trust during …
