What Are We Reading For? | Series 1, Episode 25
Season 1, Episode 25 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for November 2024 and What Are We Reading For? – A spectrum of reading cultures in schools.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Alexandra Strick is a British author and advocate for inclusive children’s literature. She co-founded Inclusive Minds, a collective dedicated to promoting diversity and accessibility in children’s books. Strick has over 30 years of experience in children’s literature, having worked with young people and in publishing.
Strick’s debut picture book, You Can! (2021), illustrated by Steve Antony, was developed through extensive consultation with children. The book features messages of empowerment and self-belief, reflecting the voices of young people. It has been praised for its inclusive approach and has been published internationally.
In 2024, Strick released a follow-up book, We Can!, continuing the themes of empowerment and inclusion. She is also the co-author of Max the Champion (2013), a picture book that subtly incorporates aspects of disability.
Strick has held leadership roles in organizations such as BookTrust, where she managed the Children’s Literature department and played a key role in developing the Bookstart programme. She has also worked with various disability charities to promote inclusion in children’s literature.
Her work focuses on ensuring that all children see themselves authentically represented in books and have access to literature that reflects their experiences.
Season 1, Episode 25 of the School Reading List podcast. New book post, 30 great books for November 2024 and What Are We Reading For? – A spectrum of reading cultures in schools.
We Can! Make a Difference is both for and by children. The actions depicted in the book are practical and achievable – focusing on equal rights, the environment, and respect for others. The literacy message is also highly relevant.
October 2024’s set of book club recommendations features titles by Alexandra Strick, Ben Sanders, Dee Benson, Gaelle Almeras, Garth Nix, Hari Conner, Jon Agee, Louisa Reid, Michael Morpurgo and Rutendo Dione.
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Our latest reading national curriculum year group recommended reading lists:
Picture books for the under 5s | Books for Reception | Books for Year 1 | Books for Year 2 | Books for Year 3 | Books for Year 4 | Books for Year 5 | Books for Year 6 | Books for Year 7 | Books for Year 8 | Books for Year 9 | Books for Year 10 | Books for Year 11