Full Breakdown
Selina Brown Named UK's First National Reading Hero
4/8/2026, 4:01:49 PM
Recognition of a Community Champion
Selina Brown, founder of the Black British Book Festival, has been honored as the UK's first National Reading Hero by Queen Camilla, receiving the inaugural Queen's Reading Room Medal. The award, presented at a reception in March, recognizes individuals who promote literature and foster reading within their communities. Brown expressed her gratitude, stating, "This award is not just for me, it's for the people, the community, those who support the festival, and buy books. It's a collective effort."
The Black British Book Festival
Founded in 2021, the Black British Book Festival began as a grassroots event in Birmingham and has since grown into Europe's largest celebration of black literature, now held at The Barbican in London. The festival has reached over 100,000 attendees and has supported hundreds of black British authors. Brown's initiatives, including the Reading for Smiles program, aim to improve literacy rates in primary schools by introducing inclusive stories. She has also established two community libraries and implemented a unique scheme that places books in unconventional locations, such as barbershops and takeaways.
Impact on Literacy and Representation
Brown's work emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, particularly for black children. She stated, "Black books aren't just for black people. They're for everybody, because the black British story shows the beauty that exists in the UK." Her debut picture book, *My Rice Is Best*, which explores themes of food, friendship, and cultural identity, has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the British Book Awards 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Queen Camilla praised Brown's contributions, expressing her admiration for the work being done to promote reading and literature. Brown highlighted the transformative power of books in her life, stating, "As a young black girl growing up in Britain, I found possibility in stories long before I saw it in the world around me."
Criticism & Opposition
While the festival has garnered widespread support, some critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure diverse literature is accessible to all communities, not just those directly involved in the festival.
What's Next
Looking ahead, Brown plans to expand her initiatives further, continuing to advocate for the visibility of black authors and stories in the literary landscape. Her collaboration with publishers Pan Macmillan aims to increase the publication of works by black authors, enhancing representation in the literary world.
Verbatim Quotes
- "It was dreamy to be in the King and Queen's living room." — Selina Brown, Founder of the Black British Book Festival
- "To know I've been acknowledged at this level brings me pure joy." — Selina Brown, on receiving the Queen's Reading Room Medal
- "Black children need to see themselves represented in books and black authors, like all authors, need to be celebrated." — Selina Brown
