Guest writer Bec Manser, author of Wildheart, the new fantasy adventure for readers 8+, explains why diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in children's books are so important to her.
"When I started writing Wildheart, I knew that I wanted to write an action-packed adventure aimed at eight to twelve-year-olds, set in a creepy forest, with a scaredy-cat main character, a spooky mystery to solve and lots of twists and turns. But I also knew that one of the core themes of the book would be inclusivity. Growing up Queer and going through school under Section 28, none of the books I read had any Queer characters. It would have made such a difference to my confidence to have seen someone like me represented in the books I loved so much. So, when I started writing Wildheart in 2023, I made sure that Queer characters were at the forefront of my story, because I know how much representation matters, especially in children’s books.
"In my story, a nervous twelve-year-old girl called Nettle enters a haunted forest to seek out the Wildheart Rangers, the protectors of towns from the forest’s Spirits and ghouls. News reaches Nettle that her older, and much braver sister, Fern, has abandoned her role as a Ranger to join the Ranger’s enemy. Nettle doesn’t believe the rumours and sets out to uncover the truth. But as I was writing my first draft, something unexpected happened. I needed a best friend for Nettle to meet when she arrived at Camp Root and into my mind stepped a boy called Aster. I imagined him sitting in a library, dressed in his Ranger’s uniform with a green cloak and a magical dagger strapped to his hip. Beside him was a wolf Carved Creature made from forest parts. But Aster wasn’t a typical Wildheart Ranger, Aster was blind and his wolf Carved Creature, Echo, was his Guide-Wolf.
"I immediately knew Aster’s character inside and out. He was full of humour, loyalty and ambition. But as I charged into Wildheart’s second draft, I questioned if I should keep Aster. Was it right for me to include a blind character in my book when that wasn’t my own lived experience?
"In my heart I wanted to keep Aster. Although Wildheart is a fantasy book, I wanted its cast of characters to reflect the diversity of the real world we all live in. But representation only matters if it’s done right. Aster’s voice had to be authentic and not perpetuate any harmful stereotypes. Having the RNIB act as a sensitivity reader was invaluable and their continued support for Wildheart has been amazing.
"With diversity and inclusivity in mind, I was passionate about making sure Wildheart would be produced in a variety of accessible formats. One of the many reasons I am thrilled to be published by Puffin Books is their partnership with the RNIB’s Bookshare programme, where eBooks are available to suit the accessibility needs of each person. My partner, Jon, struggles with reading books, so when I learnt Wildheart would be published in audiobook and narrated by the super talented, Ayesha Antoine, I was so happy. Now Jon can experience my story in a way that works best for him and that he can get maximum enjoyment from it, which is something everyone has a right to.
"Reading isn’t only important because it brings us joy, stories teach us important life skills like empathy, resilience, courage, how to handle bullies, be a good friend and help each other. The lessons we learn from books shape our moral compass and give us hope that, no matter who we are, we all have the power to make the world a better place. By making books accessible, every child has the chance to find that special book with a message they will carry in their heart, forever.
"I can only speak from my own experience as a Queer author as to how life-changing it was when I finally saw myself represented in books. But seeing myself reflected in the characters was just the beginning, it was their out and proud authors that made me realise that becoming an author was something I could do too.
"If I could ask the publishing industry to make one improvement in regard to accessible publishing it would be to listen to organisations such as the ADCI (Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses) and RNIB on how to make it easier for disabled writers to become authors. Because we need to see more Asters being written by disabled authors."
Wildheart is available now from Puffin Books, in paperback, audio or as an eBook; and from RNIB Bookshare as DAISY, EPUB 3, Word, BRF, and audio. It will be available in braille and as a Talking Book from RNIB Library by the end of the summer.
While you're waiting to get your hands on Wildheart, check out these similar titles from RNIB Library:
