Students
If you’re a young person living in the UK, chances are you are studying – or have studied – English Literature. In fact, almost every single young person in the UK studies English Literature until the age of 16. The books we read are important – they help us see and understand each other.
Our new research has found that only 1.5% of students in England study a book by a writer of colour at GCSE, and just 7% study a book by a woman.
As a student you deserve an educational experience that fully reflects Britain’s past as well as the lives of its young people today. Through Lit in Colour we’re committed to championing the voices of young people campaigning for a more inclusive curriculum.
You can follow us on TikTok to find out more, or read more below to see how you can start making change in your school.
The Lit in Colour Creative Student Prize
Lit in Colour’s Creative Student Prize prompts young people to explore their relationship with books and reading by asking the question: what place do books have in your world?
Make change in your school
How to start a book club: read a book by a writer of colour this summer
Reading is often thought of as a solitary activity, but talking about books can be as fun as reading them in the first place. If you’re challenging yourself to read more authors of colour this summer, setting up a book club with your friends could be a good way to keep yourself on track, as well as discovering new books you […]
Tips on starting a conversation with your English teacher
Approaching your teacher can seem intimidating, but go in with an open mind, a notebook and loads of enthusiasm! We’ve put together some useful things to consider before starting your conversation. Keep the conversation positive Remember that the best chance of success is to work together with your teachers, and so rather than pointing out […]
Tips on starting a conversation with your school librarian
Does your school have a library? If so, this could be a great place to help connect students with books by writers of colour. Consider the list of questions below to get a conversation going between yourself and your school librarian. Remember this is a conversation. Go in with an open mind, a notebook and […]
Sign up to the Lit in Colour newsletter
By signing up, I confirm that I'm over 16. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, including for our recommendations, please visit our Privacy Policy.