In a world increasingly driven by technology, it's crucial to provide children with the tools they need to navigate and understand the digital landscape. The charity Technology Books for Children, founded by Beverly Clarke MBE, is dedicated to this mission. By encouraging reading for pleasure on tech topics, the charity aims to encourage enjoyment of technology and play a part in fostering the next generation of digital citizens.
The Inspiration Behind the Charity
The idea for Technology Books for Children was born from Beverly’s observations while as a teacher, leading computing education nationally and while writing her tech-themed children’s book series, The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip. She noticed that many children saw technology as distant and complex, something reserved for school or work rather than a topic of interest. Moreover, the underrepresentation of women and disadvantaged groups in tech further highlighted the need to make technology more relatable and inclusive.
Recognising the potential of reading to help bridge this gap, Beverly founded Technology Books for Children. The charity’s mission is simple yet profound: to foster a love for technology through reading, making complex topics accessible and engaging for children of all backgrounds.
Why Physical Books Still Matter
In today’s digital age, the importance of physical books might seem diminished, but their value in a child’s learning journey cannot be overstated. The tactile experience of holding a book, turning its pages, and even the smell of the paper, all contribute to a deeper connection with the content. This engagement can lead to a more profound understanding and appreciation of the material, something that digital screens often fail to replicate.
Reading for pleasure also plays a vital role in childhood development. It encourages enjoyment, stimulates imagination, supports social development, advances vocabulary and digital literacy, fosters computational thinking, and ultimately improves life chances. When children enjoy what they read, they are more likely to absorb information and develop a lifelong love for learning.
Unlocking the World of Tech Through Books
At Technology Books for Children, we believe that books are a gateway to understanding the ever-evolving world of technology. Our curated book lists cover a range of topics, from online safety and gaming to artificial intelligence and the latest digital innovations. These books are designed to spark curiosity and inspire young readers to explore the possibilities that technology offers.
Our educational resources and recommendations are tailored to make complex tech concepts accessible to children. By introducing them to the wonders of technology through books, we help them build a strong foundation for the future. Explore our website to find books that can turn screen time into quality reading time, fostering a love for learning and a better understanding of the digital world.
The BIG Book of Tech: Showcasing Real Stories
To further our mission, we are developing The BIG Book of Tech—an annual volume that will showcase the stories of real people in the tech industry. This book aims to provide relatable role models for children and demystify the tech industry. We aim to ensure that at least twenty five percent of schools in education opportunity areas, always gain access to our materials. Our goal is to double this distribution each year, ensuring more children have access to inspiring stories that highlight the relevance of technology in their lives. Share your story here.
Bridging the Digital Divide
At Technology Books for Children, we are committed to addressing the digital skills gap and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed in a tech-driven world. Our work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Gatsby Benchmarks, emphasising the importance of quality education and equal opportunities. By promoting literacy and reading for pleasure in tech, we aim to create a more inclusive future where every child can explore and excel in the digital world.
How You Can Support Us
There are many ways to support our mission. We are always looking for volunteers to help with fundraising, grant writing, book reviewing, website development, and more. If you’re interested in contributing your skills, visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved. We also welcome donations from individuals and corporations, which can be made through our website. Your support will help us reach more children and continue to inspire a love for technology through reading.
Get Involved
- Join Our Book Review Team
Our book review team is at the heart of our efforts to curate the best tech-themed books for children. The team meets regularly to highlight books for ages 4-14 across various tech categories, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, online safety, and coding. If you have suggestions for tech-themed books, we encourage you to fill out our recommendation form on our website. Together, we can help guide children in their exploration of the digital world and make technology a fun and integral part of their learning journey.
- Become a Book Ambassador
We are also soon launching a Book Ambassador program to engage and inspire young people about technology. As a Book Ambassador, you will be a public face of the charity going into schools and other organisations to share the joy of reading for pleasure on tech topics. Your contribution will play a crucial role in guiding young readers on their tech learning journeys. Sign up today to be part of this exciting initiative and help us inspire the next generation.
Find out more
To learn how to include technology as a fun and engaging part of your child's reading journey, visit the Technology Books for Children website and follow on social media @techbooks4kids
