Bestselling author Abi Daré has been announced as the first-ever Author Ambassador for Book Aid International, marking the occasion with a visit to the charity’s Swindon warehouse.
Abi, the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Girl with the Louding Voice, has long been a passionate advocate for education and access to books. Her debut novel won the Bath Novel Award and was shortlisted for several major literary prizes, while her second novel, And So I Roar, became the first winner of the Climate Fiction Prize.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Abi has spoken widely about the importance of education, particularly for girls, and the role books play in creating opportunity. Taking on the ambassador role for 2026, she will work with Book Aid International to raise awareness of the global need for books and encourage wider public support for the charity’s work.
During her visit to Swindon, Abi joined volunteers at the warehouse to help pack books destined for Nigeria, including copies of her own novels. The books were donated by her publisher, Sceptre — an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton, part of Hachette UK — which has been a long-standing supporter of Book Aid International.
To date, the charity has provided more than 131,000 books to partner organisations in Nigeria, with plans to expand its work in the country in the coming years.
Speaking about her new role, Abi said she believes access to books is fundamental to building a fairer future.
She said: “I believe passionately that if we are to build a bright, sustainable future for all — and particularly for girls — we must ensure access to books for everyone. Reading should not be a privilege of the few, yet for millions of people books remain out of reach.
“That’s why I’m so excited to be supporting Book Aid International as it works towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to read. I’d encourage anyone who loves books to consider getting involved with this wonderful charity.”
Dr Alice Prochaska, Chair of Trustees at Book Aid International, said the charity was delighted to welcome Abi as its first Author Ambassador.
She said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have an author of Abi’s calibre supporting our work. The themes in her writing around education and the power of reading align so closely with our mission. With Abi’s support, we hope to reach even more readers around the world, and we’re hugely grateful for the time and commitment she has given.”
More information about Book Aid International and its work can be found on the charity’s website.
