Sophie Deen
{{short description|Children's author and coding educator}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sophie Deen
| image = Sophie Deen (cropped 2).jpg
| caption = Deen in 2017
| birth_date =
| education = Law, 2005
| alma_mater = University of Sheffield
| known_for = Children's books
}}
Sophie Deen is a British children's author and leader in the field of coding and STEM for young people. She is the CEO of Bright Little Labs, a kids media company that makes animations, books, games and toys with a focus on 21st century skills, inclusive role models, and sustainability.
Early life
Deen attended Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls from 1989 until 1999 leaving after GCSEs. She received a bachelor's degree in Law at the University of Sheffield in 2005, before completing a Legal Practise Course at The College of Law.{{Cite web|url=https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophie-deen-0359b93b|title=Sophie Deen – Linked In|website=Linked In|access-date=1 March 2018}}
Career
Deen worked as a lawyer at Herbert Smith Freehills, before joining SamKnows. Deen realised she wanted to work with children, and became a school counsellor with Place2Be.{{Cite web|url=http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/witsend/previous-everywoman-award-winner-sophie-deen-talks-tech/|title=Previous everywoman award winner Sophie Deen talks tech – WITsend|website=itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com|access-date=1 March 2018}}
She worked for Code Club, where she helped to introduce the new coding curriculum for the United Kingdom with Google and the Department for Education.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/connect/small-business/detective-dot-creator-sophie-deen-working-with-kids/|title=Detective Dot creator: 'Working with kids is the best part of the job'|last=Caines|first=Matthew|date=24 February 2017|work=The Telegraph|access-date=1 March 2018|issn=0307-1235}} In 2014 Deen was appointed head of Code Club Pro, which ran training sessions for teachers.{{Cite news|url=https://audioboom.com/posts/2513206-sophie-deen-head-of-code-club-pro-talks-to-bbc-radio-manchester|title=Sophie Deen, Head of Code Club Pro talks to BBC Radio Manchester|work=Audioboom|access-date=1 March 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://fireflylearning.com/blog/the-changing-computing-curriculum-eat-sleep-code-repeat|title=The changing computing curriculum – eat, sleep, code, repeat – Firefly|website=Firefly|access-date=1 March 2018}} At Code Club Deen recognised a large group of young people who could not engage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thememo.com/2017/05/24/detective-dot-is-turning-your-children-into-smart-spies-who-can-code/|title=Detective Dot turns your children into spies (who can code)|date=24 May 2017|work=The Memo|access-date=1 March 2018}}
In 2015 Deen founded Bright Little Labs, who use "edutaining" stories to get children to learn to code.{{Cite web|url=https://angel.co/sophie-deen|title=Sophie Deen|website=angel.co|access-date=1 March 2018}} Following a survey of over a thousand people, Deen found the negative stereotypes in technology are reflected in children's cartoons.{{Cite web|url=http://agent4change.net/news/2359-detective-dot-has-plans-for-gumshoe-primary-kids|title=Detective Dot has plans for gumshoe pupils|last=John|first=Merlin|website=agent4change.net|access-date=1 March 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/18kObKk1_kVEdham84IVee-9r66ADQaZHAYd1tx36iFw/edit|title=Detective Dot: Research & Stats|work=Google Docs|access-date=1 March 2018}} In an interview with The Guardian, she said that "by age eight, children think that some things are for boys, some things are for girls – from toys to future careers".{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2016/dec/05/robots-beware-children-training-jobs-tomorrow|title=Robots beware, kids are in training for the jobs of tomorrow|last=Card|first=Jon|date=5 December 2016|website=The Guardian|access-date=1 March 2018}} Her research revealed that "In kids’ cartoons under three per cent of characters are black,".{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesscloud.co.uk/news/kids-will-be-cast-aside-if-they-cant-use-tech|title='Kids will be cast aside if they can't use tech'|website=BusinessCloud.co.uk|access-date=1 March 2018}} The project raised £14,500 on Kickstarter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/533144978/detective-dot-adventure-stories-for-a-fairer-world?token=8b4d87c1|title=Detective Dot – Adventure stories for a fairer world|website=Kickstarter|access-date=1 March 2018}} It has reached over 30 countries worldwide.{{Cite web|url=http://emergeconference.co.uk/portfolio/sophie-deen/|title=Sophie Deen – Emerge Conference|website=emergeconference.co.uk|access-date=1 March 2018}}
The Kickstarter project resulted in children’s book, Detective Dot, which was first published in 2016.Detective Dot is a fictional character who works for the Children's Intelligence Agency (CIA), and invites readers to "become agents, go on missions and do investigations,". Dot's challenges are inspired by citizen science and help young people to engage with data in a real-world way. Bright Little Labs are working with educators, illustrators and writers to create stories and content linked to the computer science curriculum. In 2017 it was listed by The Independent as one of the "10 best coding toys", by the Evening Standard as one of the "best coding toys and games for kids 2018" and one of the "Best STEM toys 2019" by The Sun.{{Cite web|date=2018-11-22|title=10 best coding toys|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/kids/gifts/best-coding-toys-kids-games-2017-apps-software-laptop-robot-beginners-a8029061.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/kids/gifts/best-coding-toys-kids-games-2017-apps-software-laptop-robot-beginners-a8029061.html |archive-date=24 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-14|website=The Independent|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Barratt|first=Bianca|date=2018-08-29|title=Best coding toys and games for kids 2018|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/kids/toys-games/best-educational-coding-toys-and-games-for-kids-a3826066.html|access-date=2021-01-14|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en}}
In 2016, the tech-for-good investment fund Bethnal Green Ventures invested in Little Labs.{{cn|date=September 2021}}
In 2017 Deen delivered a TEDx talk at Goodenough College, "The robot revolution – a survival guide for kids".{{Cite web|title=2017 Speakers – TEDxGoodenoughCollege|url=http://www.tedxgoodenoughcollege.com/2017-speakers/|access-date=2021-01-14|language=en-GB}} {{Citation|title=The robot revolution – a survival guide for kids {{!}} Sophie Deen |date=10 August 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oCkqWny108&t=0s&list=PLsRNoUx8w3rOl-X53ZXB6jOrENv1UXOu0&index=9|access-date=1 March 2018}}
In July 2018, Turner International (now WarnerMedia) made a strategic equity investment into Bright Little Labs, to power their growth, marking the group’s first entry into the edutainment space. Patricia Hidalgo, Chief Content Officer EMEA & International Kids Strategy for Turner, said: “Turner shares with Bright Little Labs a passion for engaging kids in a way which is original and immersive. We see multiple opportunities to leverage our kids’ expertise to further develop BLL’s existing business and engage kids in a way that while putting entertainment first also equips them for the skills they need for today’s 21st century world.”{{Cite web|title=Turner International and Bright Little Labs Sign Strategic Equity Investment|url=https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/pt-br-br/media-release/turner-international-and-bright-little-labs-sign-strategic-equity-investment?language_content_entity=en&fb|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Pressroom|language=pt-br}}
In 2018, Bright Little Labs opened a live Children's Intelligence Agency activity at [https://kidzania.co.uk/ Kidzania, London], where children develop their spy, computing and coding skills, by saving Kidzania from a computer virus, marking Bright Little Labs entry into live events.{{Cite web|title=CIA Children's Intelligence Agency {{!}} Activities {{!}} Bright Little Labs {{!}} KidZania London|url=https://kidzania.co.uk/whats-inside/all-activities/children-s-intelligence-agency|access-date=2021-01-14|website=KidZania}}
In July 2020, Walker Books announced they were publishing the Agent Asha fiction series from Bright Little Labs. Commissioning editor Daisy Jellicoe acquired world rights from United Agents. In an interview with The Bookseller, Deen said: “Agent Asha shows kids how to navigate the modern world, with empowering role models and a hi-tech spy agency". Jellicoe added: “The series brings computer science and coding to life in such an engaging and exciting way, with an evil trillionaire, deadly sharks and a farting selfie stick. Sophie’s belief in the importance of digital literacy and critical thinking skills for all children, regardless of their background, is inspiring and Agent Asha is without a doubt a much-need protagonist for the world today.”{{Cite web|title=Walker Books to publish coding fiction series {{!}} The Bookseller|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/walker-books-publish-coding-fiction-series-children-1193915|access-date=2021-01-14|website=www.thebookseller.com}}
In an interview with Computer Weekly, Deen said she created the Agent Asha series to “ensure that everyone has access to, and is empowered to have, a voice in our increasingly digital world,” she said. “Over the last decade, coding has become a basic literacy, like reading and writing. It’s the number one sought-after skill in employees, and workers with coding skills get paid the highest wages. Yet not everyone is able to access these skills.”{{Cite web|title=Bright Little Labs launches Agent Asha series|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252491841/Bright-Little-Labs-launches-Agent-Asha-series|access-date=2021-01-14|website=ComputerWeekly.com|language=en}}
In 2020, Vogue recommended the Agent Asha Children’s Spy Agency Activity Gift Pack for any budding adventurers.{{Cite web|title=Agent Asha Children's Spy Agency Activity Gift Pack|url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/mini-vogue/gallery/activities-for-kids-at-table?image=5fdc9b47bae996037e56409a|access-date=2021-01-14|website=British Vogue|language=en-GB}}
Sophie is represented by United Agents.{{Cite web|title=Sophie Deen {{!}} United Agents|url=https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/sophie-deen|access-date=2021-01-14|website=www.unitedagents.co.uk}}
Published works
Author of Agent Asha: Shark Bytes, published by Walker Books in 2020
Published by Walker Books in 2020, 'Mission Shark Bytes' is the first book in the Agent Asha trilogy by Sophie Deen, featuring illustrations by Anjan Sarkar. Protagonist Asha, a recruit of the Children's Spy Agency, uses her coding skills to prevent Shelly Belly from monopolising global internet access through the destruction of underwater cables with robotic sharks. The story offers a blend of espionage, tech, and a race against time.
Shark Bytes has been nominated for the following awards:-
- Shortlisted for Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2021{{Cite web |title=Agent Asha: Mission Shark Bytes {{!}} Royal Society |url=https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/book-prizes/young-peoples-book-prize/agent-asha-mission-sharkbytes/ |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=royalsociety.org}}
- Named the Best Coding + STEM Toy by Tech Advisor in 2022
- Included in 2022’s Summer Reading Challenge in the UK{{Cite web |title=Middle-grade-2022 {{!}} Summer Reading Challenge |url=https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/middle-grade-2022 |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=summerreadingchallenge.org.uk}}
- Shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award (radical fiction for young readers){{Cite web |title=Little Rebels - Previous Shortlist and Winners 2021 |url=https://littlerebels.org/previous-shortlists-winners/ |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}
- Nominated for the CRIMEFEST Award for Best Crime Novel for Children (ages 8-12) {{Cite web |title=Awards |url=https://www.crimefest.com/awards-cf/ |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=Crimefest |language=en-GB}}
- Recognised as the ‘Best STEM Book’ by The Sun in 2019
Author of Agent Asha: Cyber Chop, published by Walker Books in 2022
Published by Walker Books in 2022, 'Operation Cyber Chop' is the second instalment in the Agent Asha series by Sophie Deen, featuring illustrations by Priyanka Sachdev and cover art by Elvira Lanzafame. The narrative follows Asha Joshi, a top coder and spy, as she unravels a plot by a tech trillionaire to replace natural trees with CyberOaks in her favourite park. The book seamlessly integrates STEM concepts into its adventure storyline, aligning with key KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum Computing concepts such as algorithms, conditionals, and debugging.
Author of Detective Dot, published by Bright Little Labs in 2016
'Detective Dot', is a story about Dot, an inventive 8-year-old coder, who brings everyday objects to life in unexpected ways. Using her tech-savviness and problem-solving abilities, Dot guides young readers to question the origin and impact of the items they use daily. The narrative takes readers on a global journey, from Indian tea fields to Silicon Valley, revealing the stories behind household objects and promoting a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.
Honours, decorations, awards and distinctions
Listed in the Computer Weekly Top 50 Most Influential Women in Tech shortlist in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. {{Cite web|title=34. Sophie Deen, CEO, Bright Little Labs - The 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2017|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/photostory/450427458/The-50-Most-Influential-Women-in-UK-Tech-2017/34/34-Sophie-Deen-CEO-Bright-Little-Labs|access-date=2021-01-14|website=www.computerweekly.com}}{{Cite web|title=Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252449081/Computer-Weekly-announces-the-Most-Influential-Women-in-UK-IT-2018|access-date=2021-01-14|website=ComputerWeekly.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2019|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252471156/Computer-Weekly-announces-the-Most-Influential-Women-in-UK-Tech-2019|access-date=2021-01-14|website=ComputerWeekly.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2020|url=https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252489730/Computer-Weekly-announces-the-Most-Influential-Women-in-UK-Tech-2020|access-date=2021-01-14|website=ComputerWeekly.com|language=en}}
Named Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year for London & East of England finalist at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020 in partnership with Starling Bank. {{Cite web|date=2020-07-23|title=2020 finalists {{!}} London & East of England|url=https://www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com/news/2020-finalists-london-east-of-england/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=The Great British Entrepreneur Awards & Community|language=en-GB}}
Named Leading Honouree in Campaign’s ‘Rising to the Top’ category for Female Frontiers 2020. {{Cite web|title=Celebrating females leading the way {{!}} Female Frontiers|url=https://www.femalefrontiers.co.uk/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=www.femalefrontiers.co.uk}}
Bright Little Labs named as finalist in the Tech4Good Diversity Awards 2019, sponsored by Nesta and BT. {{Cite web|title=Bright Little Labs|url=https://www.tech4goodawards.com/finalist/bright-little-labs/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Tech4Good Awards|language=en-GB}}
Sophie Deen was nominated as one of the Top 30 changemakers 2018 by London Tech Week, celebrating companies and people harnessing technology to inspire social and economic impact and drive global innovation.{{Cite web|date=2018-04-04|title=London Tech Week reveals 30 Change Makers|url=https://www.businesscloud.co.uk/news/london-tech-week-reveals-30-change-makers/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=BusinessCloud|language=en-US}}
Winner of the FDM Barclay’s Everywoman Award as Startup Founder of the Year 2017. Everywoman in Tech is an award celebrating the achievements of women working in tech and STEM. {{Cite web|date=2017-01-09|title=Finalists announced for The 2017 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards|url=https://www.everywoman.com/my-development/learning-areas/articles/finalists-announced-2017-fdm-everywoman-technology-awards|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Everywoman|language=en}}
Named by the British Interactive Media Association in the top 100 most influential players in the British digital industry in 2017. {{Cite web|title=BIMA 100 2017|url=https://issuu.com/bima-awards/docs/bima_100_2017_final|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Issuu|language=en}}
Winner of the EDF Energy Pulse Award 2016 for the 'Inspiring young people into STEM' category. {{Cite web|date=2017-03-07|title=The EDF Pulse Awards reveal the best of local innovation|url=https://www.edf.fr/en/the-edf-group/dedicated-sections/edf-startups/edf-pulse-awards/award-news/the-edf-pulse-awards-reveal-the-best-of-local-innovation|access-date=2021-01-14|website=EDF France|language=en-en}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Deen, Sophie}}
Category:English women novelists
Category:English children's writers