1. PANEL DISCUSSION | Representation for generations: diversity and inclusion in children's and young people's reading

Suitable for: primary, secondary, public libraries

Join Farrah Serroukh, Research and Development Director at Centre of Primary Literacy and Education (CLPE) and Jake Hope, Publisher Liaison Lead at Inclusive Books for Children for an in-depth discussion into the current picture of diversity in children's and young adult literature, and what we can do now to achieve a consistent, long-term inclusive reading experience for generations to come. Ends with a short audience Q&A.

2. Oracy in primary schools: how effective oracy practice brings about motivated readers and writers, led by Alice Pepper, Education Consultant, OneEducation

Suitable for: primary

Alongside, reading and writing, oracy should be given equal importance as a means to raising children’s literacy attainment. In fact, oracy is the cornerstone to children’s literacy and learning as a whole. So how do we harness oracy practice to bring about a passion for reading and writing? In this workshop, you will explore how to lead and create a culture of quality talk about reading; how oracy first and last creates a motivated writer; and how the principles of effective talk lead learning across the literacy curriculum and beyond.

3. Curious minds: how non-fiction books are vital to teen development in the Internet Age, led by Christopher Lloyd, CEO of What On Earth Books

Suitable for: secondary, public libraries

With the rise of disinformation, division and AI online, well-researched and engaging information books are an essential resource for young people coming of age in this fast-paced world. Christopher Lloyd makes the case for why your non-fiction section is essential in supporting teens' literacy and personal development in this current cultural climate, and examines how libraries and schools can work together to keep young people informed and skilled.

1. Peters’ picks 2025-2026: our librarians' and schools’ team recommended reads for children and young adults, led by Alison Tarrant, Head of Library Services, Peters

Suitable for: primary, secondary, public libraries

Discover the exciting debuts, big hits and high-quality reads you might have missed in 2025, and the ones to watch in 2026! All highlights have been handpicked by our team of qualified librarians, teachers and children’s book specialists, with Head of Library Services Alison Tarrant leading you through this year’s recommended reads, and the next year’s most exciting releases.

2. Different text types for different readers, led by Ruth Baker-Leask, Director of Minerva Learning

Suitable for: primary, public libraries

Every young reader has different needs and passions, so offering and exploring a broad range of formats can help unlock those initial key moments of reading interest in all children. In this workshop, you will explore a range of alternative text types, such as graphic novels, poetry, and information books; and explore strategies for sharing these different formats with children to offer a more personal, inclusive reading experience, no matter their level and interests.

3. Building reading communities: how schools, libraries and parents can work together to improve children's and young people's reading enjoyment, led by The Reading Agency

Suitable for: primary, secondary, public libraries

How can teachers, librarians, parents and volunteers work better together to improve reading enjoyment and create long-term reading communities? You will discover The Reading Agency’s key findings on cooperative reading projects and the long-term benefits of these relationships; explore different kinds of cooperative literacy projects with practical advice in how to kickstart a project between libraries, schools, and the wider community; and learn the provisions and support available for maintaining your reading community.

1. PANEL DISCUSSION | Power-up! Graphic novels' impact on children's and young people's reading for pleasure

Suitable for: primary, secondary, public libraries

Join us for a celebratory conversation about the world of graphic novels and comics, and how the popularity of this accessible and versatile medium can help reverse the decline in children and young people’s reading enjoyment. Featuring National Literacy Trust’s Head of Libraries and podcast host Comic BOOM! Lucy Starbuck-Braidley. Ends with a short audience Q&A.

2. Reading inclusive books: nurturing the next generation of open-minded and inspired young readers, led by Jake Hope, Publisher Liaison Lead, and Amy McKay, Reviewer, Inclusive Books for Children

Suitable for primary, public libraries

Get top tips from Jake and Amy for creating and maintaining an inclusive book collection in your school and library with a focus on empathy, community, and healthy personal development. In this session, you will discover the best practice for auditing your book stock and selecting new titles with inclusivity in mind; learn how to incorporate these titles into your current outreach strategy; and explore how best to encourage open dialogue between children through inclusive books to foster empathy and emotional development.

3. Line by line, rhyme by rhyme: accessible reading through children's poetry, led by Anjali Patel, Lead Advisory Teacher, CLPE

Suitable for: primary

Build confidence in using a wide range of poetry types to reach all readers in this interactive workshop from CLPE, who run the UK's leading award for published children's poetry, the CLiPPA. With Anjali Patel’s guidance, you will discover the key research findings behind this area of literacy; explore the teaching approaches and provisions which help increase your knowledge of children’s poetry collections; and learn practical ways in which you can confidently use children’s poetry collections in the classroom at each Key Stage.