As keynote speaker at the Turning the Page Conference, author, teacher and UCL lecturer Dr Darren Chetty explored the pleasure, power and purpose of reading. His message was clear: the books we place in children's hands matter. They shape how young people see themselves, how they understand others and how they imagine the possibilities open to them. The books in Darren's reading list reflect that philosophy. Carefully chosen, they celebrate the richness of children's experiences, encourage empathy and curiosity, challenge assumptions and invite meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, history and representation. Alongside unforgettable stories, they introduce children to a wonderfully diverse range of voices and perspectives, reminding us that every child deserves to find books in which they can both see themselves and discover someone else. Together, they demonstrate the extraordinary power of reading not simply to educate, but to broaden horizons, spark imagination and help young people make sense of the world around them.
Turning the Page Conference: Keynote by Darren Chetty: 19 books, including Handa's Surprise, I'm Going to Make a Friend and Our Story Starts in Africa.
