Through her Reading for Smiles programme, Brown said she had brought inclusive stories into primary schools in areas with low literacy rates.
Teachers told her that children who once avoided reading now borrowed books weekly and wrote their own stories.
She has opened two community libraries and has a playful scheme, where she places books in unexpected spaces, from barbershops to takeaways – and plans to expand on this work.
“Black books aren’t just for black people. 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,” Brown said.
Her debut picture book My Rice Is Best was shortlisted for both the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the British Book Awards 2026.
The book explores the joy of food, friendship, cultural identity and heritage.