Books changed my life, says Queen’s first reading hero
Books changed my life, says Queen’s first reading hero
Selina Brown, a mother of three and founder of the Black British Book Festival, has been honored as the UK’s inaugural National Reading Hero by Queen Camilla. The accolade includes the Queen’s Reading Room Medal, awarded during a March reception. Brown, based in Birmingham, shared her reflections on the honor, highlighting the transformative role of literature in her life.
“As a young black girl in Britain, I found possibility in stories long before I saw it in the world around me,” Brown said. “Books changed my life before I ever changed anyone else’s.”
Her initiative, the Black British Book Festival, began in 2021 as a small grassroots event at the Legacy Centre in Newtown, Birmingham. It has since expanded to The Barbican in London, becoming Europe’s largest celebration of black literature. The festival attracts over 100,000 attendees annually and supports numerous black British authors.
The Queen’s Reading Room Medal recognizes individuals who promote books and storytelling within their communities. Guests at the ceremony included renowned actress Sigourney Weaver and celebrated poet and novelist Sir Ben Okri. Brown described the experience of being in the royal residence as “dreamy,” noting that Queen Camilla expressed admiration for her work.
“When I spoke to the King, I asked if he’d been reading, and he said ‘yes, when I get time,'” she recounted. “Just to have those conversations was amazing.”
Brown’s Reading for Smiles program has introduced inclusive stories to primary schools in underserved areas, fostering a love for reading among children. Teachers reported that students who once avoided books now borrow them weekly and create their own narratives. She has also established two community libraries and launched a creative initiative placing books in unconventional locations, such as barbershops and takeaways, with plans to grow this work.
Her debut picture book, *My Rice Is Best*, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the British Book Awards 2026. The title explores themes of food, friendship, cultural identity, and heritage. Brown has partnered with Pan Macmillan to publish works by black authors, emphasizing the importance of representation in literature.
“To know I’ve been acknowledged at this level brings me pure joy,” she added. “But this award is not just for me—it’s for the people, the community, those who support the festival, and readers. It’s a collective effort.” Brown stressed that black stories are universal, stating, “They’re for everybody, because the black British story shows the beauty that exists in the UK—and the range of diverse experiences—and everyone deserves to be heard.”
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