Books for Change
Having access to books and to education can really make all the difference. 2026 is the National Year of Reading, and this month we are celebrating the inspirational stories of real life people and legendary characters that remind us of the crucial role books play in our lives.
To Sir, With Love
ER Braithwaite
ER Braithwaite’s celebrated autobiographical novel tells the story of a Black teacher in postwar London fighting to win the respect of his pupils, helping break down the barriers of race and class prejudices.
Matilda
Roald Dahl
Paladin of all bookworms, Matilda’s story continues to inspire one generation of avid readers after the next. A heartwarming story of how being encouraged to keep curious, keep learining, and keep reading is almost like being given a superpower.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
Frederick Douglass
This landmark memoir is the account of how Frederick Douglass, born into slavery, managed to escape, fought for his education and eventually became a pioneer abolitionist and a campaigner for women’s rights.
Black Teacher
Beryl Gilroy
Beryl Gilroy was the trailblazing author and educator who became the first Black headteacher in England. Her experimental memoir sets the record straight on prejudice, representation and access to culture lensed through race and gender.
In Other Words
Jhumpa Lahiri
Everyone that either grew up speaking two languages or had to learn a new one from start, will tell you that it’s like learning a whole new world. These essays on learning Italian are a powerful exploration of identity and belonging.
The Elements of Marie Curie
Dava Sobel
Before going on to win not one but two Nobel Prizes, Marie Curie studied at the clandestine Flying University, at a time where women weren’t otherwise allowed to enroll. Here is the story of how she changed the world.
Among Others
Jo Walton
Walton’s classic coming of age fantasy novel tells the story of Morgana, a 15 year old with an eerie, troubled childhood who finds refuge in the pages of her beloved science fiction books and in the quiet of her local library.
Educated
Tara Westover
This memoir is a powerful account of the importance of education to expand one’s view of the world. Growing up with no formal education, Westover had to overcome her isolating survivalist family to pursue a degree and take charge of her own life.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Malcolm X
Born into adversity, and with a less than easy start in life, Malcolm X taught himself to read through the dictionary. Here is a powerful account of his life told in his own voice.
I Am Malala
Malala Yousafzai
Malala was 15 year old when she was shot for having dared to seek an education. She became a symbol of peaceful resistance and the youngest Nobel laureate. Here is the first hand story of a life devoted to activism from the start.