Inclusive Books for Children quintuples book-gifting scheme

Inclusive Books for Children (IBC), the charity dedicated to making inclusive books mainstream, has announced that it is expanding its Book Box scheme for 2025. 

This year, 60 boxes, each containing 100 carefully selected children’s books, will be gifted to UK schools and community libraries. 

Launched as a pilot in 2024 with 12 boxes, the scheme grew quickly to 34 boxes in the same year, following the demand from schools with little to no budget for buying books and scarce diversity on their shelves. 

The books, chosen by IBC’s team of reviewers, reflect the rich diversity of UK society and are suitable for children aged two to 12. 

All UK state primary schools and community libraries are eligible to apply, with applications from schools and nominations from parents opening on 18th June and closing on 18th July 2025. 

One 2024 recipient, a rural school librarian, said: “The students are finally able to have books that represent themselves and expose them to places they don’t normally experience. It’s now a badge of honour to have your book review on our wall.” 

A survey of last year’s recipients showed that 93% saw a positive impact on pupils’ reading enjoyment, 86% reported improved pupil self-esteem and 100% noticed increased awareness and normalisation of diverse identities. 

Co-founder of IBC Marcus Satha said: “Schools and libraries are in desperate need of books that are in touch with the communities they serve. We’re proud to expand this scheme and increase the accessibility of inclusive children’s books for ever more children.”