Why I Created EmpowerEd Novels

As a classroom teacher, I see children who rarely see themselves represented in the books they use at school. They notice it too. I created EmpowerEd Novels to encourage a few of my own students. When they became the hero of their own story, they loved it. That made me wonder: what might happen if every child who feels overlooked had the same opportunity? EmpowerEd Novels grew from that simple question.


“I've enjoyed learning about EmpowerEd Novels and look forward to seeing the outcomes of the pilot.”

Dame Alison Peacock DLChief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching

“I enjoyed talking with John over coffee about EmpowerEd Novels and refining the initial trial. It is an interesting idea and worth exploring through a school pilot.”

Prof Simon Peyton Jones OBE FRSCo-founder of Computing at School; chaired the group that developed England’s national computing curriculum
A scene from an EmpowerEd Novels story

Our Mission

To empower under-represented and overlooked young people through personalised graphic novels that integrate science learning, climate literacy, and positive representation — so young people can see themselves as the hero.

What exists today: a working Hero Builder, completed demonstration books and a full creation pipeline. Our Founding Partners enable the next stage: delivering and evaluating the programme through schools, libraries and communities.

Why it matters

When a young person rarely sees themselves represented with dignity, it quietly teaches them they don’t belong. We flip that script — by making them central, capable, and real.

This is built for: students, schools, libraries — and partners who want measurable community impact.

Artwork representing learning, identity, and belonging
A hero portrait example

You can’t be,
what you can’t see

Personalized stories help make confidence, literacy, and science feel like they belong to everyone.

A second hero portrait example
Become a Partner Read a sample book Create a hero

Meet our Heroes

A living wall showcasing characters created by young people — designed to represent them in their own story.

If you can’t see the live wall, you can still read a sample book or try the Hero Builder.

Read their stories Create your own hero Support the Pilot