Free To Be Me

This themed reading guide highlights books that celebrate diversity, representation and inclusion for children and young people aged 0–18. The Free to Be Me reading guide promotes equity and visibility of diverse stories in both school and public libraries, bookshops and shelves in the home.

The aims of the guide are to:

  • inform readers and educators about the range of excellent books available
  • stimulate conversations around the issues
  • develop young people’s values, attitudes and knowledge. 

By achieving these aims we hope to better prepare young people to fully participate in, mould and build a more equitable society. We imagine an Ireland where all children and their families feel welcomed, valued, celebrated and respected. By supporting young people, we hope to achieve this vision.

'Every child has the right to be free to be themselves.'

Will schools receive a copy of Free to Be Me?

Yes. A copy of this guide has been sent to every school in the republic of Ireland and it was sent to schools in the north of Ireland through strategic partners.

How can I get a copy?

You can purchase a copy of Free to Be Me and sign up for a membership in our shop.

This guide is printed in Ireland, distributed to our members, available in participating libraries and bookshops nationwide during September and available for purchase in our shop.


MORE INFORMATION & LINKS

To download a database of the books available in this guide, with added information about available accessible editions and other language editions please click here

Free To Be Me resource packs

Ashwin Chacko

Arts Council’s Equality, Human Rights and Diversity Policy and Strategy

Equal Status Acts 2000–2018