7 books that encompass British Values

If your class are anything like the children we know, then they’ll be fascinated by how ‘stuff’ works. Particularly, how adults decide things – who is in charge, who makes the rules and how is it made fair? These questions, and their associated concepts, can be tricky to understand…but very interesting for inquisitive children who want to know how the world runs.

British Values was introduced to the UK curriculum over 10 years ago to help prepare children for life in modern British. The values include democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance. Teaching these values helps children to understand how the country runs, how we include people of different beliefs, and why laws are important.

These values feed in to children’s PHSE and RSHE learning; incorporating topics such as ‘Respectful Relationships’, ‘Caring Friendships’ and ‘Shared Responsibility’. One of our favorite books, and one which is included in The Story Project curriculum, is ‘On The Tip of a Wave’ by Joanna Ho and Catia Chien. This books follows the true story of an artist who highlights the importance of human rights.

On the Tip of a Wave by Joanna Ho and Catia Chien

On The Tip of a Wave is a great book to discuss British Values. There are also a plethora of other stories which you might like to look at:

If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug, Ella Okstad, and Rosie Hedger

Age Range: KS1 and LKS2

A sweet and sensitive look at some big topics! Follow one boy’s imagination as he considers how different the world would be if he could just change a few things. Even adults reading this story will rethink their views, seeing issues through the eyes of children.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Age Range: KS1 and LKS2

With it’s predecessors success, this book needs little introduction. Another fantastic installment filled with beautiful illustrations and a go-getting lead character who shows us the power of an idea.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Age Range: EYFS and KS1

A simple exploration of diversity, set to the back drop of a school. This is the perfect book for discussing tolerance and mutual respect. It inspires us to think about how we celebrates our differences and similarities and an engaging, child-friendly, way.

Vote For Effie by Laura Wood

Age Range: KS2

A likeable and fun read for KS2 children that follows the story of Effie, as she tries to join the school council in her new school. It echoes lots of the feelings Year 6s will experience in their transition to Year 7, too.

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

Age Range: KS1

A wonderful true story about the power of community action. The themes in the book lend themselves to discussions about individual liberty, respect, and the idea of collective democracy. It would also be a good starter to a conversation about school council and how children can be involved in changing their surroundings.

Emmeline Pankhurst by Lisbeth Kaiser and Ana Sanfelippo

Age Range: KS1 and KS2

What better than a Little People, Big Dreams book to talk about the history women’s rights. This is a wonderful non-fiction book to add to discussions about democracy, fairness and voting.