We could be Heroes – National Non-Fiction November 2021

The theme for National Non-Fiction November 2021 is Heroes!

Organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, National Non-Fiction November is an annual celebration of the power of non-fiction to inspire children and celebrate readers who have a passion for information and facts. 2021 celebrates the 11^th anniversary of National Non-Fiction November since it began with National Non-Fiction Day in 2011.

The theme chosen for this year is a celebration of all the real-life superheroes out there. It is a way of appreciating and admiring the ordinary people who do the most extraordinary things to make a positive difference to the world we live in. Encompassing the entire globe and all of history, the theme embraces; ground-breakers, political pioneers, environmental activists, stellar scientists, awe-inspiring authors, incredible inventors, sporting superstars, and rambunctious rebels who have altered our lives for the better. In the last 18 months we’ve seen the true power of altruism through heroes like Sir Captain Tom Moore and Marcus Rashford to the unsung ones that consistently make sacrifices for others; every key worker from the doctors, nurses, carers, emergency services to the supermarket workers and delivery drivers who worked tirelessly during the pandemic, did so in the knowledge that they were risking their lives for us. Therefore, this National Non-Fiction November will be dedicated to honouring these sacrifices.

National Non-Fiction Day was launched in 2010 at the FCBG Conference in Reading by the current Chair, Adam Lancaster. The day was to be dedicated to the celebration of the best information and narrative non-fiction books for children and to demonstrate that non-fiction can also be read and enjoyed for pleasure. It was such a successful initiative that in 2014, it became National Non-Fiction November and a whole month of celebrations. FCBG continues to develop partnerships with children’s publishers and value their support for National Non-Fiction November activities. The Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) is a national voluntary self-funded organisation whose aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children’s books and reading and to encourage the availability of books for children of all ages, from first picture books to young adult. The federation has strong national links with children’s publishers, authors, illustrators, and all organisations who support their aim of encouraging children to enjoy, read and share books and stories.

FCBG Chair, Diane Gaunt says, ‘We have all been conscious of the kindness of others over the last eighteen months and have developed a new appreciation for those in our communities who have stepped up to offer invaluable support to those in need- which has been most of us in some way, at some point. I am delighted that this year’s National Non-Fiction November gives us the opportunity to share with children books which celebrate the heroes in our world. As ever, the Federation of Children’s Book Groups will provide a focus, book suggestions, activities and competitions to help bring children and books together this November’

National Non-Fiction November will be celebrating the breadth, depth, and richness of non-fiction writing, illustrating, and publishing for children and young people. During the month, schools, libraries and local FCBG groups can get involved by organising and taking part in activities, entering the competitions, and making use of the of the available resources.

Key activities taking place during the month are:

Heroes’ competitions

Children are also being encouraged to take part in three brilliant National Non-Fiction November competitions. http://fcbg.org.uk/national-non-fiction-november-2021-competitions/

• KS1 children are being asked to design their own comic superhero.The illustrator of The Superhero Comic Kit Jason Ford will be choosing the winners.
• KS2 children are being asked to create a banner for a protest. Sister act and authors of ProtestAlice and Emily Haworth-Booth are our guest judges.
• For KS3 children the competition is to write 250 words on why Marcus Rashford is a hero

Free Author Event for Schools: It’s Up to Us – A Children’s Terra Carta for Nature, People & Planet with Christopher Lloyd

Authors Aloud UK & What on Earth Books in partnership with The Prince’s Foundation and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups invite schools to join us to celebrate National Non-Fiction November.  Join Christopher Lloyd on a beautifully illustrated journey through the story of global climate change supported by the book’s jaw-dropping illustrations by 33 artists from around the world. Based on ideas inspired by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and developed in partnership with The Princes’ Foundation, ‘It’s Up To Us’ shows how people have upset nature, and ends with a series of pledges to help restore the harmony of nature, people and planet back to balance. This event is ideal for all ages from 6+.  For more information and details of how to register contact: events@authorsalouduk.co.uk

Booklists and Supporting Resources

There is an exciting range of books on the booklist for schools, libraries and families which is available to download from the website, as well as an NNFN downloadable poster.