Council publishes superheroes book authored by children in care

Leicester County Council has published the UK’s first storybook written by children in care.

The local authority’s Leicestershire Virtual School project produced Superheroes! which features stories written by 48 children aged between four and 15-years-old in care. The programme aims to close the attainment gap between children living in foster or residential children’s homes and their peers. 

Each child who contributed to the book will be given a copy at the official book launch next week by Astrosaurs (Doubleday) author Steve Cole. He said: “For children, who can sometimes feel invisible or unheard, a writing project that allows them expression is a way to boost confidence and self-esteem – and celebrating it gives them a real sense of achievement.”

Superheroes! was published by Leicester County Council through publishing for schools application Make Our Book. The council has also sent monthly book parcels to all primary age children to encourage and nurture reading skills. 

Leicestershire Virtual School aims to promote the emotional wellbeing and educational achievement of the children and young people in the care of Leicester City Council.