Beverly Clarke MBE, founder of Technology Books for Children
9 October 2024
Technology Books for Children is dedicated to fostering a love of reading on tech topics among young readers, and this mission perfectly aligns with the broader goals of Archives of IT. By celebrating the achievements of those in the tech industry and providing tech-related educational resources, Archives of IT aims to inspire the next generation, and Technology Books for Children supports this by making technology accessible and engaging through storytelling.
Our commitment to reading for pleasure not only helps to bridge the STEM skills gap but also to spark curiosity and fosters a lifelong passion for learning, encouraging children to envision themselves in tech careers. Together, we aim to empower children from all backgrounds to become the digital innovators of tomorrow, contributing to a more diverse and skilled tech workforce. Who knows? Some of the children we inspire today might one day have their stories featured in the Archives of IT.
Our Values
At Technology Books for Children, our values guide our mission to make tech accessible and enjoyable for young readers:
- Encouraging Reading for Pleasure: We inspire children to explore technology through reading, whether at home, in school, or any environment.
- Family Engagement: We encourage families to embrace technology and engage in meaningful discussions about its impact on their lives.
- Supporting Educators: We empower teachers to use tech-themed books to spark conversations in the classroom and promote a deeper understanding of technology.
We Share:
- Curated Resources: We offer resources created by our charity and trusted partners to support digital literacy.
- Information on Digital Literacy: We provide up-to-date information to help children and their families navigate the digital world confidently.
Our Commitments:
- Quality Book Recommendations: We recommend high-quality books that can be enjoyed outside of the school curriculum and support classroom activities.
- Author Visits: We promote author visits to schools and organizations, allowing children to learn directly from those writing about tech topics.
- Collaborative Partnerships: We work with high-quality partners who share our vision of making technology accessible and enjoyable.
- High-Quality Resources and Activities: We create and highlight engaging activities that help children and their families better understand tech.
Our Mission:
- Demystifying Technology: We strive to ensure that children see themselves as part of the tech world and understand its relevance in their lives.
- Promoting Positive Tech Conversations: We work with others to foster open communication about the positive impacts of technology on communities.
- Highlighting the Positive: We are committed to presenting technology in a positive light, emphasizing its benefits and potential.
Why Reading for Pleasure on Tech Topics Matters
Reading for pleasure not only stimulates imagination and supports social development but also advances vocabulary and digital literacy. Tech-themed books uniquely support computational thinking, which can significantly improve children’s life chances. Through our carefully curated book lists, we aim to nurture a deep understanding of technology, helping young readers see the role they can play in the digital world.
Book Recommendations and Brief Reviews
Our team of dedicated volunteer book reviewers read and evaluate tech-themed books for children aged 4-14. Here are some of their top picks:
Chicken Clicking
A cleverly designed and written so that it reads like many other books for this age group, whilst introducing key Online Safety messages at an age appropriate level.
I am a digital artist
A fun and creative way to introduce coding to children
The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip: Smart City
A fantastic way to introduce tech to primary school pupils and to encourage discussion on how our world is changing
The Elementia Chronicles
A perfect off screen way to support interest in gaming.
The Person Controller
This book is likely to appeal to gamers who are already keen readers, as well as those who may not usually read as much.
Cyber Security, Life Skills
Goes beyond smartphones and considers a range of devices including smart speakers, and use of public and private wi-fi networks. It ends by highlighting potential cyber security careers.
Unmasking AI
Regardless of your knowledge level about AI and machine learning, this book will enhance your understanding.
For more recommendations and resources, visit our website!
Blogs and Resources for Parents, Families, and Educators
We also offer a variety of resources to support parents, families, and educators:
- Educator Insights: Discover stories and experiences from educators who have integrated tech books into their teaching. Our blogs feature insights from both primary and secondary educators.
- Parental Guidance: Benefit from the expertise of TV Parenting expert and trustee Sue Atkins, who shares tips and advice for supporting families in the tech age through our blogs.
- Community Engagement: Join the conversation in our Technology Books for Children Facebook group, where you can share your experiences, discuss tech books, and even participate in occasional giveaways!
Get Involved and Support Our Mission
To support our mission or get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or joining our book ambassador program, visit our website. Together, we can make tech topics an exciting and integral part of every child’s reading journey, paving the way for the next generation of tech leaders.
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Technology Books for Children, is a newly founded charity by Beverly Clarke MBE. Beverly first featured in the Archives in our interview in January 2020 and also took part in our conference Reflections on the Past and Future of the British IT Industry in February 2022.
