At WoW, we know that representation matters, and we are committed to promoting diverse literature that reflects and celebrates the rich differences in our world. Young people are shaped by the media they consume at home, who they see in their communities, and what they learn in school. Unfortunately, classrooms do not always accurately reflect the children within them. The lack of representation in literature is an ongoing problem with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education having found that only 7% of children’s books published in the UK between 2017 and 2019 featured characters of colour.
With Super Heroes: Words are our Power, WoW are successfully changing this outdated narrative. Our new book will enrich the lives of young people with captivating stories from diverse writers, developing their confidence, imagination and wellbeing through relatable characters and narratives.
We are proud to share the work of acclaimed writers Amina Atiq, Yvonne Battle-Felton, Ashleigh Nugent, Helen Dring-Turner, Nathan Powell, Alex Swan, Katie and Kevin Tsang, Alan Gibbons, Cheryl Martin, Marie Basting, Jon Mayhew, Emma Latham and Claire L. Heuchan.
The book will be launching in November at our eight Super Hero schools across Merseyside, alongside workshops and performances encouraging children to unleash their creative power!
'This fantastic anthology of superhero stories challenges this tradition. Diverse Stories for a Diverse World is a powerful celebration of diversity and a reflection of the richness this creates across our region. Each story contains subtle but profound messages, encouraging children to challenge their perceptions and think more expansively about the world. From Rabbit Girl who can magically teleport to her grandmother’s kitchen in Hong Kong, to Billy who realises he can change the world because of his ‘listening’ superpower, it is a valuable resource for both teachers and pupils. I know everyone who reads these stories will take away valuable insights and lessons – and may even come to recognise their own special superpowers!'
Mayor Joanne Anderson
'In all aspects of their lives, children live in a diverse world. However, this diversity is not reflected in their reading material. Writing on the Wall, a champion for diversity, believe it is essential that books reflect the world we live in to promote a healthier mindset, challenge racism and celebrate diversity. We are very proud that our Super Heroes: Words Are Our Power Project has published Diverse Stories for a Diverse World – a pioneering book that will play a key role in the implementation of equality and inclusivity in children’s literature.’
Mike Morris & Madeline Heneghan, Co-Directors, Writing on the Wall.
About Superheroes: Words Are Our Power
Superheroes: Words are our Power is a pioneering four-year project (2019-22) funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation More and Better fund that’s exploring new creative writing strategies for primary schools. Using Superheroes as a force for change we’re helping children use their imaginations through creative writing, play and story creation. Whilst also supporting teachers to put creativity back into the curriculum.The project aims to:
Superheroes: Words are our Power, provides a Professional Writer in Residence to all schools, working with the whole of key stage 2 across the school term.
The children and teachers have the opportunity to explore different forms of creative writing, through the writer’s expertise and passion!
Calendar
Check out all our events at our school launches throughout November!
Click the calendar to see the full sized version.
We are lucky to work with poets, authors, comic book writers, spoken word artists and playwrights.
Over four fantastic years we are working with eight schools in Merseyside;
Visit each website to find out more information:
Authors
Illustrator