A BOOKMARK-making marathon by primary pupils has helped a fundraising push to re-stock a school library.

Children from Brookfield in Highgate are now delivering their artworks to residents and businesses in the area.

The appeal, organised by parents and teachers, came about after an audit of books on school shelves revealed an outdated library with books which do not reflect the school or its community.

Parent Charlotte Phillips, who has two children at Brookfield, said: “Only 14 per cent of the 500 books we looked at had a main character of minority ethnic heritage. We know that 58 per cent of Camden’s primary school pupils are from minority ethnic groups, and 60 per cent of books had male main characters, and few books featured neurodiverse, disabled or LGBTQ+ characters.”

After speaking with teachers, it was estimated the school needed nearly 1,000 new books to ensure every child from nursery to Year 6 could pick up a title and see themselves and their wider community reflected in some of the titles.

Anella Wickenden, another parent, said: “It’s frustrating that the lack of diverse authors and stories in children’s publishing, together with a lack of funding and support, has left Brookfield – and I’m sure many other state schools in London – with a book collection that doesn’t meet our children’s needs. But I’m really proud they are acknowledging the problem and being proactive about putting it right. I hope this appeal also highlights the issue to Camden Council and they start to help schools improve book diversity.”

The project aims to raise £6,000, and has the support of teachers.

Year 5 teacher Alaa Lafta told the New Journal: “Books are windows, mirrors and sliding doors: when children see themselves in stories and their community and the people around them, that’s empowering.

“Books are windows into other lives – they open up wider horizons, they create places and scenarios you may not see in everyday life. They are a mirror to see yourself, windows to see others, and sliding doors to explore the world.

“Children learn empathy and conviction when they read books that are diverse – it empowers them. I know first-hand how powerful it is when a child finds a book that reflects who they are – their culture, their com­munity, their identity – as well as the world around them. Every child deserves this feeling.”

Headteacher Simon Shiel added: “In recent years there has been a bloom of diverse authors creating stories which reflect the richness of our modern, diverse society and we want to be able to provide these amazing stories to our children here at Brookfield so that every child can see themselves reflected in our book corners, in our library and in our learning. As a school it’s our opportunity to use the power of story to expand our children’s understanding of the world, to fire their curiosity and compassion for others and see the amazing diversity of our community as a strength and something to be cherished.”

Working with the Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town, the school has drawn up a booklist – and a donation from an anonymous individual has kickstarted the push.