Missing Pages Library
A Teach First community library, full of recommendations for more diverse English literature lessons
At Teach First we believe the books taught in schools should reflect the many perspectives and backgrounds that make up our country’s diverse population.
This library is a collection of book recommendations from our community and the public, full of works by ethnic minority authors they wish they’d had a chance to study at school. We want to inspire teachers, school leaders and exam boards to diversify the English literature texts they celebrate.
This library follows the publication of Missing pages: increasing racial diversity in the literature we teach. The report explores why representation matters, and how four English teachers are celebrating racially diverse authors in their classrooms.
Is something missing? If you have a great idea for the library, tweet us @TeachFirst using #MissingPages, with a short sentence about why your book should be added.
Today a pupil can leave school without reading a single book by an ethnic minority author. Together we can change that.
There is a high chance of studying
no Black authors
in UK schools
98% of all teachers
believe it's 'important' or 'very important' to study ethnic minority authors in secondary schools.
Contents
1. British Fiction
2. International Fiction
3. Non-fiction
British Fiction
Home-grown stories from some of the best ethnic minority writers in the UK.

The Black Flamingo

GIrl, Woman, Other

The Long Song

Small Island

When We Speak of Nothing

(Un)arranged Marriage

The Lonely Londoners

Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth

White Teeth
International Fiction
Groundbreaking titles from some of the most influential writers from around the world.

You Must Be Layla

Things Fall Apart

Americanah

Purple Hibiscus

Children of Blood and Bone

The Sellout

Kindred

Nervous Conditions

Second Class Citizen

A Raisin in the Sun

The Book of Night Women

Sister, Outsider

Beloved

Norwegian Wood

Under the Udala Trees

Persepolis

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

The Hate U Give

The Color Purple

The Piano Lesson
Non-fiction
Essays and books exploring issues and experiences surrounding ethnic minority communities.

Loud Black Girls

Natives

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Am Not Your Baby Mother

Between the World and Me

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

Talking to Strangers

Brit(ish)

The Good Immigrant

Men We Reaped: A Memoir
Further reading
Lots of organisations have resources which can help students, families, teachers and school leaders engage with more diverse literature. Here are just a few below:
Pearson
Pearson Edexcel have produced a number of coursework guides for teachers and students to use when considering their coursework text choice. The guides are designed to help widen the range of texts that students can engage with, and help them to read texts where they can encounter characters and themes that may resonant with their own identities, or challenge them to think beyond their own experiences.
Penguin
Penguin and The Runnymede Trust are currently undertaking research into how the curriculum can be effectively diversified. You can contribute to this research, as well as sign up for news and resources below.
National Literacy Trust
To help young people of all ages, their families and teachers explore race, identity, family and community, the National Literacy Trust has developed a series of age-appropriate books by black authors and illustrators sharing diverse stories and voices.
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