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Presented by Bennie Kara, this session shared some guiding principles for approaching racism, language on race and racist language in the English classroom. The session also provided a space for teachers to reflect, ask questions, and discuss challenges when discussing race, racism and empire in their school contexts.

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Bennie Kara-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference-25

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Our new films, articles, timeline and digitised sources focus on widening the representation of ethnically diverse authors and continuing to support teachers to diversify the English curriculum. Explore resources connected to Andrea Levy's Small Island, Malorie Blackman, James Berry's poetry, South Asian writing in Britain and more.

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Small Island by Andrea Levy: character, setting, context, legacy

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Small Island by Andrea Levy: character, setting, context, legacy

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In this film, Hannah Lowe and Nicole-Rachelle Moore introduce Small Island by Andrea Levy. Through notes, sketches and drafts from Andrea Levy’s archive, discover how Levy developed character, voice and setting in the novel and explore key contexts including Windrush and migration from the Caribbean to Britain.

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Small Island by Andrea Levy: character, setting, context, legacy

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Hannah Lowe and Nicole-Rachelle Moore introduce Small Island by Andrea Levy. Through notes, sketches and drafts from Andrea Levy’s archive, discover how Levy developed character, voice and setting in the novel and explore key contexts including Windrush and migration from the Caribbean to Britain. 

Explore more Discovering Literature resources: padlet.com/discovering_literature/articles

Director: Timi Akindele-Ajani
Producer: Cree Brown (Pavilion Works)
Camera operator: Caleb Johnston
Sound recordist: Danny Hilton
British Library editorial and production: Katie Adams, Noha Choudhury 

Generously supported by The Patricia G. and Jonathan S. England – British Library Innovation Fund, Eccles Institute and The American Trust for the British Library. 

Music from #Uppbeat uppbeat.io/t/sega-williams/forever
License code: ETXXCRRK6HW0B1FJ 

For an audio described version, follow this link: vimeo.com/1113266845?share=copy

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The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Equiano's autobiography, book tour, legacy

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The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Equiano's autobiography, book tour, legacy

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In this film, S I Martin and Sandra A Agard introduce Olaudah Equiano and his autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African. Discover more about the book, Black and African writers in 18th-19th century Britain, Equiano’s abolitionist campaigning, and his legacy.

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The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano: Equiano's autobiography, book tour, legacy

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S I Martin and Sandra A Agard introduce Olaudah Equiano and his autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African. Discover more about the book, Black and African writers in 18th-19th century Britain, Equiano’s abolitionist campaigning, and his legacy. 

Explore more Discovering Literature resources: padlet.com/discovering_literature/articles

Director: Timi Akindele-Ajani 
Producer: Cree Brown (Pavilion Works) 
Camera operator: Caleb Johnston 
Sound recordist: Danny Hilton 
British Library editorial and production: Katie Adams, Noha Choudhury 

Generously supported by The Patricia G. and Jonathan S. England – British Library Innovation Fund, Eccles Institute and The American Trust for the British Library. 

Music: 'Life In Motion' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

For an audio described version, follow this link: vimeo.com/1112341953?share=copy

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South Asian writing in Britain: a timeline

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South Asian writing in Britain: a timeline

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Explore a snapshot of the vast wealth of literature written and published in Britain and Ireland by writers of South Asian heritage and learn more about the history of South Asian writing in Britain.

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South Asian writing in Britain: a timeline

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A snapshot of South Asian writing and literature in Britain. This timeline provides a snapshot of the vast wealth of literature written and published in Britain and Ireland by writers of South Asian heritage. Aimed at Secondary school teachers, students and librarians, we hope it will lead you to explore novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction by authors of South Asian heritage and learn more about the history of South Asian writing in Britain.1 Here we look at South Asia as encompassing the histories of the modern states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and administered Kashmir. We recognise that identity is nuanced and that each writer defines themselves differently in relation to ethnicity, nationality and other aspects of their identity. We use the title ‘South Asian writing in Britain’ to highlight a region of writing, within which writers with connections to South Asia and Britain published their texts in Britain and Ireland.2 These connections are linked to British colonialism and imperialism, alongside diverse migration journeys and diaspora experiences. Some authors featured here were born in India during the East India Company’s rule (1757–1858) or Britain’s direct colonial administration (1858–1947), and migrated to or visited Britain; others migrated to Britain after World War Two, Independence and Partition, or other independence movements; while other writers have moved to Britain in more recent years, or were born and grew up here. Teachers and students may recognise many writers from their curriculums, including Meera Syal, Monica Ali, Daljit Nagra, Imtiaz Dharker and Seni Seneviratne. The design of the timeline particularly aims to support and contextualise the study of South Asian writing in Britain featured in English curriculums. It also aims to provide an idea of the breadth of writing. We feature many writers who have reached canonical statuses, from Dean Mohamed to Kamila Shamsie. We place these writers alongside works that broaden the representation of South Asian writing in Britain from writers such as Cedric Dover, Shelley Silas and Suhayl Saadi. This timeline provides examples of novels, poetry, plays, travel narratives, non-fiction and memoirs spanning from the 18th century up to the present day. We have also included entries that demonstrate initiatives to promote British and South Asian voices, including examples of notable publishing companies, literary organisations, theatre companies and magazines. Beyond these entries, there is also more literary history to uncover. For example, the 19th-century poet and playwright Madhusudan Dutt tried to publish in Britain, but his work was not accepted. In the 20th century, the activist, lawyer and politician Krishna Menon became a founding editor of Pelican Books (the non-fiction, educational imprint of Penguin Books) and made significant contributions to library services in St Pancras. Read together, we hope the timeline illuminates the literary and cultural heritages each writer emerges from, as well as the connections between some writers. Beyond this timeline, we hope you’re inspired to explore British and South Asian literature, arts and culture more widely. South Asian presence in Britain encompasses at least 400 years of history. To learn more about the relationship between South Asia and Britain see: South Asian Britain: Connecting Histories South Asian Diaspora Arts Archive British Library’s India Office Records and Private Papers British South Asian Theatre: mapping histories and practices The Next Act podcast Striking Women Bichitra: Digitised Tagore manuscripts

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A short address detailing Joy’s journey and reflections when curating a culturally and racially diverse curriculum in an inner-city state school in London.

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Please note the auto-generated audio transcript contains some errors; at present, it cannot be manually updated.

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Hosted by Dr Furzeen Ahmed, with Maisie Chan, Nicole-Rachelle Moore and Derek Owusu. This discussion explores the global evolution of the English language due to the British Empire and subsequent migration. Panellists reflect on texts, research and experiences, to help teachers and librarians reflect on their current practices, hesitations, and opportunities for deeper engagement with varied uses of the English language.

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Discovering Children's Books: Step inside your story resource hub

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Discovering Children's Books: Step inside your story resource hub

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Join Maisie Chan and JT Williams to celebrate representation, by inviting your students to make books in which they are the stars. Find instructions, book inspiration, certificates and videos by beloved authors.

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Looking for inspiring and educational activities for your primary or secondary school? Join us for workshops, tours and events in London, Leeds, and online. Upcoming event highlights include National Poetry Day with Manjeet Mann, Step Inside Your Fantasy Adventure with Katie and Kevin Tsang and Viviane Schwarz, and Exploring Black British Literature – Live! with Malorie Blackman.

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Teachers and schools events, workshops and resources - British Library

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Explore our events, workshops and resources for teachers and educators. Join us in London, Leeds, or online.

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Creative writing and poetry with Alex Wharton

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Creative writing and poetry with Alex Wharton

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With ideas for creative writing, this session supported Primary Literacy teachers in developing the confidence and sensitivity required to teach culturally expansive poetry.

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Alex Wharton-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference 25

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With authors Maisie Chan and JT Williams, this session aimed to inspire you to celebrate representation by inviting your students to make books in which they are the stars.

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Step inside your story workshop-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference 25

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Power, Place, and Poetry: Teaching Empire and Identity in the GCSE Classroom

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Power, Place, and Poetry: Teaching Empire and Identity in the GCSE Classroom

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In this session, DeMarco Ryans explored a selection of the new poems by writers of colour recently added to the GCSE

English Literature specifications. The session examined language, imagery, and structural choices that reflect these tensions and histories, and directly addressed some of the discomforts or barriers teachers may face when teaching these poems.

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Power Place and Poetry-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference-25

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In this session, Samantha Wharton and Lynette Armstrong offered reflections on the significance of the addition of Leave Taking to three exam board specifications, and shared insights gathered since studying and teaching the text.

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Leave Taking workshop-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference-25

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Exploring Black British Literature through the archives

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Exploring Black British Literature through the archives

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In this session, the British Library Learning team and Curators explored novels, poetry and plays by authors of Caribbean, African and British heritage. Discover unique literary drafts, notebooks, photographs and contextual sources from the Library’s archives, and find out more about our popular school’s workshop, Exploring Black British Literature.

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EBBL archives-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference-25

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In this session, Noha Choudhury from the British Library introduced the new South Asian writing in Britain timeline and explored works by an array of writers from South Asian and British heritages, spanning from the 19th-21st century. This included examples of non-fiction and fiction including letters, magazines, novels, poetry and plays, and ideas for how to embed these texts into your classroom.

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Reading in the classroom and the library

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Reading in the classroom and the library

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In this session, Tessa

Roynon and Harriet Hinze explored their school’s use of The (incomplete) Lit in Colour book lists, and demonstrated how the collaboration between the library and the English department can effectively foster students’ sustained engagement with texts by authors of colour.

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Reading in the classroom and the library-Lit in Colour Teacher Conference-25

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To support teachers, Lit in Colour and partners have developed this library of free resources to increase knowledge and confidence in teaching texts by authors of colour in the classroom.

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As part of our commitment to support teachers and school librarians to celebrate and teach more books by writers of colour, we'll be releasing a range of free resources over time, for all age groups. These resources will be aimed both at the English literature and language curriculum, and also to support reading for pleasure and extracurricular activity.

You can explore what's available so far below.

We'd love to hear from you if you have ideas for future resources we might be able to create, or if you know of other great resources available which we could signpost, by emailing litincolour@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

We know that there is some flexibility to introduce new and different texts to your students at different stages in secondary education. The main ones being at Key Stage 3 as there are no examined texts, but also English Language GCSE.

So, we have produced resources on Poetry, Non-Fiction and Fiction for KS3, and resources for KS4 that support students' exam practice. We have also produced a KS5 resource for English Language which develops students' critical thinking and discussion skills.

All these resources include an extract of the selected text, videos of the author reading the extract aloud and/or talking about the text, and interactive activities you can run with your class. Download them all for free below.

Author talks to watch with your class

Penguin Talks is our existing programme which takes our authors into secondary schools, or more recently live streamed from their homes, to talk to young people about issues they care about - from grime artist Stormzy on finding your voice, to how to prepare for the squiggly world of work.

We've pulled out a few of these events which are particularly relevant to Lit in Colour below, but you can explore the full programme of talks on offer here.

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.

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Free teaching resources for supporting texts by writers of colour being taught in the primary and secondary classroom.

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Please note the auto-generated audio transcript contains some errors; at present, it cannot be manually updated.

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Taking the title of his new book Journeys of Empire as the theme of this keynote, Sathnam Sanghera discusses how important it is to understand the British Empire through literature, and how this contributes to our shared understanding of modern UK society.

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The Lit in Colour (incomplete) book lists

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The Lit in Colour (incomplete) book lists

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Free teaching resources for early years, primary and secondary students that recommend books by writers of colour to be read for pleasure or taught in the classroom.

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The Lit in Colour campaign does not exist within a vacuum. The (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline illustrates the changes in policy and practice that have contributed to, or hindered, our aim to ensure more texts by authors of colour are taught in schools in England. The timeline can also be used as a teaching tool to help identify non-fiction texts that can help inform teachers' own learning around race, racism and representation, empire and migration.

Additionally, the details of the (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline could be taught alongside texts that already feature on respective assessment specifications, such as Shakespeare, Austen or Dickens for example, as it informs the contexts that may influence the content of the novels, poems and plays studied.

There is no one way to use the (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline, so review the details below to spark other ideas about how to use this resource in your school. In keeping with our (incomplete) Lit in Colour book list, we plan to update this resource to document the changes in policy that continue to impact the literature learnt and taught in schools in England.

What's included in the timeline?

A highly detailed timeline resource with key dates, books and authors including the below:
- Overview of texts and context relating to 16 th century including notable titles and key authors
-Overview of texts and context relating to 17 th century including notable titles and key authors
-Overview of texts and context relating to 18 th century including notable titles and key authors
- Overview of texts and context relating to 19 th century including notable titles and key authors
- Detailed breakdown of texts and context relating to 20 th - 21 st century including notable titles and key authors

Some ideas for how to use the pack:

- Download the timeline PDF and:
- Review all sections, consider what information is new and can help develop your knowledge.
- Create some prompt questions and share with the English department in advance of a department meeting.
- Consider focusing on one period and using it as a springboard for cross curricular work with History, PSHE, Citizenship subject teachers.
- Consider the set texts and other classic texts mentioned and how to bridge discussion with texts by writers of colour or other key historical events of the period to broaden students' knowledge.
- Take students through a section and set homework to research more about a particular text or historical issue mentioned.

More from Lit in Colour
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Home Read the report About Lit in Colour Teachers Students Parents and supporters The Lit in Colour campaign does not exist within a vacuum. The (incomplete) Lit in Colour timeline illustrates the changes in policy and practice [...]

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Lit in Colour: Engaging with Empire (KS2/3)

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Lit in Colour: Engaging with Empire (KS2/3)

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Free teaching resources for key stage two / three students who are studying Nazneen Ahmed Pathak’s City of Stolen Magic and Sathnam Sanghera’s Stolen History.

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Lit in Colour: Stolen History by Sathnam Sanghera

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Lit in Colour: Stolen History by Sathnam Sanghera

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An accessible, engaging and essential introduction to the British empire for readers aged 9+, by bestselling author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.
You've probably heard the word 'empire' before. Perhaps because of the Roman empire. Or maybe even the Star Wars films.

But what about the British Empire? Why don't we learn much about this? And what even is an empire, anyway?

This book will answer all the important questions about Britain's imperial history. It will explore how Britain's empire once made it the most powerful nation on earth, and how it still affects our lives in many ways today - from the words we use, to the food we eat, the sports we play and even to every grown-up's fixation with a good cup of tea.

Because how can we ever make the world a kinder, better place for the future, if we don't know the truth about the past?
Sunday Times Book of the Week

'Stolen History is the perfect book for every school. All our young people need to know the truth about the British Empire. This book is accessible, expertly written and hugely important.'

Jasbinder Bilan - Award Winning Children's Author

'Something that really comes across in the book is Sanghera's faith in young people...to form their own judgements about the British Empire.'

Age: Key Stage 2/3 (middle grade)

Subject: English Language & Literature

These resource activity packs give KS2-3 students opportunities to engage with non-fiction text all about Britain's former empire. Students will be encouraged to explore ideas around culture, identity and belonging, and build their comprehension skills. There are activities for reading, speaking, analysis and comprehension.

The activities in the resource pack are designed to be used alongside the videos of Sathnam Sanghera which give additional context about the subjects discussed in the book. There are downloadable worksheets and PowerPoint activities.

How to use the pack

Download resource pack

More resources on Empire

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Free teaching resources for key stage two / three students who are studying Sathnam Sanghera's Stolen History.

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Lit in Colour: Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera

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Lit in Colour: Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera

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Free teaching resources for key stage five students who are studying Sathnam Sanghera's Empireland.

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Lit in Colour: Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman (KS4)

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Lit in Colour: Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman (KS4)

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In Boys Don't Cry, bestselling author Malorie Blackman explores the unchartered territory of teenage fatherhood.

You're waiting for the postman - he's bringing your A level results. University, a career as a journalist - a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings it's your old girlfriend; and she's carrying a baby. Your baby.

You're happy to look after it, just for an hour or two. But then she doesn't come back - and your future suddenly looks very different.

Malorie's dramatic new novel will take you on a journey from tears to laughter and back again.

Subject: English Literature

The activities in this resource pack gives teachers and students in KS4 classes, who are studying Boys Don't Cry, the opportunity to engage with a fiction text, developing their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. The pack includes activities on comprehension, extract analysis, and creative writing.

The activities are designed to be used alongside the videos of author Malorie Blackman, and the PDF extracts taken from the text.

What's included in the resource pack?

How to use the resource pack

Download the resource pack, which includes the activity PowerPoint presentations and all accompanying documents

Take your students through the activities and watch the corresponding videos with the author

Use the worksheets and text extracts to support the activities

Download the resource pack

More from Lit in Colour
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Home Read the report About Lit in Colour Teachers Students Parents and supporters "Blackman's emotional intelligence is such that Boys Don't Cry should be read aloud in every secondary school" - The Times In Boys Don't [...]

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Lit in Colour: Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman (KS2)

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Lit in Colour: Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman (KS2)

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Home Read the report About Lit in Colour Teachers Students Parents and supporters All Cameron wants is a ‘normal’ life – friends, swimming, school, family. But most normal thirteen-year-olds don’t desperately need a new heart […]

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Lit in Colour: My Name is Leon by Kit De Waal (KS4)

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Lit in Colour: My Name is Leon by Kit De Waal (KS4)

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Home Read the report About Lit in Colour Teachers Students Parents and supporters WINNER of the Irish Novel Prize Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award Adapted for television by BBC My Name is Leon […]

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Lit in Colour: Reflective practice session (Secondary)

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Lit in Colour: Reflective practice session (Secondary)

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Penguin LiT in Colour Conference || Secondary session - Reflective Practice on Diversity

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Reflective practice session (Secondary) teaching resource

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Reflective practice session (Secondary) teaching resource

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Top tips for building confidence in teaching texts by authors of colour (Secondary) | Teaching Resources

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All the teachers involved in the Lit in Colour Teacher Conference reflective practice panel discussions wrote a series of tips, advice and book recommendations that

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Lit in Colour: Reflective practice session (Primary)

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Lit in Colour: Reflective practice session (Primary)

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Penguin LiT in Colour Conference || Primary session - Reflective Practice on Diversity

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Reflective practice session (Primary) teaching resource

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Reflective practice session (Primary) teaching resource

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Top tips for building confidence in teaching texts by authors of colour (Primary) | Teaching Resources

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A collection of tips created by educators to support the teaching of texts by authors of colour in English Literature and Language classes. All the teachers involved

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In conversation with Bernardine Evaristo (KS5) 

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In conversation with Bernardine Evaristo (KS5) 

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Penguin LiT in Colour Conference || Secondary session - in conversation with Bernardine Evaristo

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Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo: teaching resource

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Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo: teaching resource

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Girl, Woman, Other - Lit in Colour Teacher Conference | Teaching Resources

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The resources in this pack are to support teachers who are considering auditing and amending their curriculums to include Girl, Woman, Other (KS5). This resource pro

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Penguin LiT in Colour Conference || Secondary session - in conversation with Tanika Gupta

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The Empress by Tanika Gupta: teaching resource

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The Empress by Tanika Gupta: teaching resource

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KS4 Teaching Resource: The Empress - Lit in Colour Teacher Conference | Teaching Resources

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This detailed teacher resource pack is designed to support English teachers who are reviewing and updating their KS4 curriculum to include The Empress. This resource

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In conversation with Nazneen Ahmed Pathak (KS2/3)

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In conversation with Nazneen Ahmed Pathak (KS2/3)

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Penguin LiT in Colour Conference || Primary session - In conversation with Nazneen Ahmed Pathak

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City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak: teaching resource

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City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak: teaching resource

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City of Stolen Magic - Lit in Colour Teacher Conference | Teaching Resources

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The resources in this pack are to support teachers who are considering auditing and amending their curriculums to include texts like City of Stolen Magic (KS2-3). Th

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Find out more and access reports from Reflecting Realities, the first UK study looking at diversity in children's literature.

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Reflecting Realities is the first UK study looking at diversity in children's literature. Funded by the Arts Council, our aim is to quantify and evaluate the extent and quality of ethnic representation and diversity in children's publishing in the UK.