I Can Make A Difference!

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2023 A group of children living amidst the Mumbai railways come together to fight the excesses of corporate capitalism -child labour, corruption, Western hypocrisy, social inequality- through peaceful protest and through the mighty power of the pen!, Age 9-12, Paperback 282pp

Two parallel lives which echo and weave in and out of each other: Semira and her mother live in present day England, their immigration status insecure, ruthlessly controlled by the man who 'enabled' their escape from Eritrea when Samira was aged just 7; Hen, a child living in Victorian England, is suffocating under the conventions of her family but is introduced by her magical Aunt Kitty to new forms of self-expression and freedoms: animal rights activism (inspired by the origins of the RSPB), the struggle for women's suffrage and women's and girls' first forays into cycling. Discovering Hen's diaries and alongside new friend Patrick (whose family have escaped domestic violence), Semira is emboldened to embark on her own flights of freedom, discovering her skills as a cyclist but also discovering the strength and courage to take herself and her mum to a place of refuge. Lewis' trademark expert storytelling sweeps up a range of social justice issues in a passionate call for compassion and freedom, all driven by a protagonist with enviable strength and bravery. Age 9-13, Paperback 223pp

Art Class is no fun for one quiet child, sat on her own, with a fuzzy black cloud hovering over her...but a patient and fun-filled little girl resolves to find a way through the fog...Multicultural, casual images of disability, a winning text and exceptionally imaginative illustrations. Age 4-8, Paperback 27pp Themes: I Can Make A Difference, Feelings

"Dare to see when others don't...Dare to speak when others won't". Minimal rhyming text and bright splashes of colour encourage children to dare to try new things, to take a chance- and, also, to speak out, express themselves and their identities. A wonderfully toddler-friendly and toddler-empowering text which cements the rights to have opinions and to express those freely. The double page spread of adults and children bearing placards is a delight! (Includes a child who wears a hearing aid). 'What a great title- which follows through with such positive messages and very appealing illustrations' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Manager, LL reviewer ). 'Overall a very positive message that can help children to dare to do more...and know that they are allowed to speak up/voice their own opinions' (Nicole, teen Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 3-7, Paperback 28pp

You may well have heard of Judge Brenda in the context of the Supreme Court's ruling back in September 2019 in which Boris Johnson's proroguing of parliament was found to be unlawful. You may also have seen the extensive media coverage of Judge Brenda's... brooches! (most notoriously an exceptionally large arachnid as she read out said ruling). But did you know that Judge Brenda was the first woman to become a Law Commissioner? And the first ever woman to be a judge in the UK's Supreme Court (remaining so until 2017- there are now 3)? And the first woman to be made President of the Supreme Court? If that record isn't grand and inspiring enough for the children in your life, then they might well enjoy hearing about her legislative roles in the fight for equal pay and the pivotal part she played in writing the Children Act 1989 which placed children's safety and happiness at the centre of child welfare decisions. (N.B.: she was also a celebrity judge on MasterChef 2018!) A truly rousing narrative and with a fabulous narrative perspective- the Supreme Court and Judge Hale are introduced through the keen voice of Ama on her trip with Class 3 from Richmond, Yorkshire to London's centre. Perhaps where this book triumphs most is in getting children to imagine themselves as the judges of the future- the final image of 12 members of Class 3 (including children from a range of faiths, ethnicities and a wheelchair user), now all grown up, poised in their judges' regalia, contrasts exquisitely with the earlier portrait of the current Supreme Court: all white; mostly male. As the book's publicity material says: "depicts a positive and aspirational vision of the Supreme Court for the future". There is so much for a classroom to exploit in this book; includes extension notes and archive pics at the back. Rhyming couplets and Beaumont's vibrant splashes of watercolour keep the text super-animated and engaging. Published by the Legal Action Group and written by a former barrister. Favourite illustrations: Judge Brenda in full gown and wig, gloved up in a boxing ring; a Black Rosie Riveter placard blazing out from a sea of women protestors. ['Casual' inclusion of a Black protagonist, multicultural characters and a child who is a wheelchair user]. Age 6-9, Hardback 34pp

Errol has plenty of green fingers. But his flat doesn't have nearly enough space for all of his seedlings and pottings. But then, he discovers the roof at the top of his tower block and an idea begins to germinate, in every sense of the word. He just needs a little bit of help from his friends. A great, positive boost of a story as a hugely diverse community come together to create something very beautiful which then spreads across the skyline... The strawberries look delish! 'Lovely to see a creative approach to gardening in the city and the power of working together' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'This book's illustrations and story made my smile' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paper27pp

The true story of Daphne Caruana Galizia. From a very young age, Daphne led a life of passionate resistance and truth-telling. As a journalist, blogger and activist, she uncovered corruption at the highest level in Maltese politics. In 2017 she was assassinated. Award winning illustrator (Maltese but lives in London) Gattaldo has achieved that rare feat in children's literature: turning hard-hitting and complex material- freedom of speech, protest, justice, fake news- into a wholly age-appropriate and child-friendly narrative. The text is sparse and accessible; the minimal palette illustrations, which bleed and sweep autumnal colours across the pages , are satisfyingly heavy with symbolism and storytelling in their own right. It feels like a real gift to have this extraordinary activist's life translated for our youngest minds. Thank you, Gattaldo, and thank you publishers Otter-Barry Books. Endorsed by Amnesty International. Age 6-10, Hardback 26pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2023 The second novel from our 2021 Little Rebels Award winner (with Boy, Everywhere)! Political activism forms this novel's backbone as Aaliyah and her classmates take on Islamaphobia and racism and advocate for free expression through sit-in protests and public speaking. Age 9-14, Paperback 370pp

A toddler stretches up high, reaches far; she gets involved, speaks up, strikes a pose, flies ahead, wins...all with her hands up! This picture book re-spells affirmation with a capital 'A'. Pulses with self-determination and self-belief. Protest, praise and... basketball are all acts of strong positivity. Purposefully reclaims a charged phrase and implicitly inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. "A warm and necessary message of empowerment for black children, helping them see that raising their hands is a celebration of their humanity" (Kirkus Review Jan 2019). Age 4-8, Hardback 31pp

A young boy in a concentration camp keeps hopes alive through the transcendent powers of music. Hauntingly beautiful. 'This book is excellent' (Patricia, 10, LL reviewer). Age 7-10, American Import Paperback 30pp Themes: I Can Make A Difference, Peace and Conflict

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2022 "Hey you. Welcome to the world". Feel affirmed, feel bold, feel wonderful as this author and multiple illustrators accompany you on your journey through the world...from babe in arms to questioning teenager to empowered grownup. Feel yourself held and gently guided as you navigate choices, resist, persist and thrive. A tribute to growing up Black. Age 4-8, Paperback 42pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2021 "My name is Hope Jones. I am ten years old. I am going to save the world". The first in a new series in which a determined budding young activist, Hope Jones, tackles different environmental concerns. Here, her push to get her family to go plastic-free mushrooms in to a wider local community -and then a national- movement against supermarket plastic waste. Age 8-12, Paperback 169pp Click here to access the teaching sequence of activities for this book from Andersen Press, designed in partnership with CLPE.

Kate Greenaway Medal & English Assoc. Shortlists 2009 Nobody saw the pigeon fall to the ground. Except a kind and gentle little boy. Sparse text and fantastically eloquent illustrations. 'Wow! So much you could do with this book in both KS1 & 2' (Primary Strategy Consultant, LL reviewer). Age 3-8, Paperback 36pp Themes: I Can Make A Difference, Gender Equality

Prince Veera and his best friend, Suku, are back, holding court in the palace courtyard, eager to settle the local community's disagreements with sprinkles of wisdoms and a pinch of justice! A jar of tender mango pickles, counting crows and tickly noses are just some of the tricky issues up for debate. Trickster tales based on traditional Indian folk tales. Part of Walker's Racing Reads series. Age 7-10, Paperback 88pp

2021 Blue Peter Book Awards Shortlist; 2020 Blackwells Children's Books of the Year; 2021 Brandford Boase Award Longlist; 2021 Carnegie Nominee "My Grandpa always said, people like me in the past might not have been the most sociable. Or the chattiest. But while everyone else was around the fireplace gossiping, we were out finding electricity. That's what my autism is. It's a kind of spark." Barely in need of an introduction after taking multiple social media platforms by storm! A smart debut (by a neurodivergent author), A Kind of Spark tells the story of Addie, the unique world she shares with sister Keedie and the bold and affirmative place she take up in the neurotypical wider world, making her mark as she takes on the bullies in her midst (her peers, but also her teacher) and restores the lost voices of the women tortured and killed during the Scottish witch trials. A brilliant challenge to assumptions about autism and a joyful coming-of-age narrative which delivers a young activist for our times. Age 9-13, Paperback 186pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2020 King Leonard is rich. Very rich. He has everything he wants. And, then also, a little bit more. And when those things stop working or get a little grubby, he simply replaces them. Single-Use-Leonard is his name. But tragedy strikes one night when the stuffing bursts out of his most beloved Teddy. Because as any child with a favourites toy knows, a thing like Teddy is completely and utterly irreplaceable. Can King Leonard make do and mend after all? On being shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award 2020, Phoebe Swan described her books as a challenge to our culture's fondeness for "over consumption and waste" while Catherine Barter on the Little Rebels Award website calls the shortlistee title, "A warm and witty picture book with a strong message about community and sustainability." Age 4-7, Paperback 36pp

The Big Red Wall had always been there. No one knew where it started. Nor where it ended. And, mostly, nobody cared. Except Little Mouse who started to ask questions of the other animals: why was the wall built?; what is behind it? Will Little Mouse ever discover the world beyond? With discussion rife about freedom of movement, erecting walls and fractured communities, this book feels rich with philosophical potential; the author's own dedication reads, "To the fearless- and a world without walls". Deceptive in its simplicity, with densely textured illustrations from a fine artist who blends handmade and digital techniques. 'Wonderful book! You can read this on lots of levels but it is primarily about keeping an open mind. It challenges the idea of barriers, both physical and mental' (Kerry, LL staff and reviewer). 'Great story. Introduces curiosity and adventure to a child's mind' (Anne Marie, EY Safeguarding Consultant, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2018 If Malala had a magic pencil like the boy in the TV show she used to watch, she'd use it to "draw a better world, a peaceful world....erase war, poverty and hunger....draw girls and boys together as equals". Told in her own words, this is the story of Malala Yousafzai's childhood in Swat Valley, Pakistan. How she loved school and worked hard until the Taliban took control and banned girls from attending. How she dared to speak out against the regime and became a target. How she has continued to speak out, inspiring adults and children all over the world. A wonderful, age-appropriate picture book. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully empowering. Age 5-9, Paperback 38pp

Marcus is huge, with hands as big as dinner plates. Delilah is teeny, the size of a Christmas tree fairy. Both are mourning (an absent and a deceased parent respectively). Both are as strong and defiant as they are gentle and lost. Soon, they forge a deep alliance and share a dangerous adventure over a mysterious stray dog. A fast-paced, highly readable story which exposes at its centre the cruelty of illegal puppy farming (includes informative back notes on puppy farms). An award-winning author who also advocates for several, including animal welfare, charities. Age 8-12, Paperback 212pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2022 On the surface, the Pomegranate Institute promises comfort to the recently bereaved, extending people's 'lives' through uncannily true-to-life holograms. But are they simply bringing back to 'life' or are they trading in digital cures and a morally dubious vision of human perfection? When they zoom in on Cora, who is neurodivergent, for their research programme, things take a sinister turn. Can Cora and best friend, Adrien, expose Pomegranate's ambitions in time? Can they quite literally save humanity? Age 9-12, Paperback 310pp

Pearl Power is back and this time, she and her new bestie, Sebastian, take on the marketing forces which target toys to children according to their gender. Provoked by newcomer, Jerome, who tells Pearl she can't play with his dinosaur because, "THIS is a dinosaur, YOU are a girl!", the children decide to challenge the advertising industry who spread those pernicious messages about boys' toys and girls' toys in the first place. And so, they pen a letter to the "TV Boss" in their very neatest handwriting, prompting a surprising and welcome reply. 'I enjoyed reading this book that clearly shows that girls are the same as boys. Many people don't realise that there is no written rules to say that girls can't play with boys' toys and boys can't play with girls' toys' (Nicole, aged 11, LL reviewer). A clear, uncompromising message in a good, strong, rhyming story. 'Would lead to a lot of discussion and talking' (Deborah, Ed. Lecturer, LL review). And if the gendered marketing of toys or books raises your hackles, get yourself over to the brilliant, joy-filled, campaigning group, Let Toys be Toys (http://lettoysbetoys.org.uk/) Age 4-7, Paperback 34pp

The purpose of plastic, its original discovery, its revolution in manufacturing, its overuse and, now, its appearance...everywhere with all the environmental dangers it threatens. In Neal Layton's hands, the catastrophe of excess plastic becomes lucid, and the possible solutions to the problem become accessible. With a chatty text, detailed pictures, labels and diagrams, mixed fonts, glossary and mini bios of young climate activists, this is non-fiction at its most energetic and galvanising! 'Written in a non judgemental way, this book is helpful in saying what the problem is and how everyone can help to solve it whilst giving space for the reader to come up with solutions' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'It's one of the best books I've seen on this subject' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 4-8, Paperback 30pp

Omar, friend Charlie and reformed-bully-now friend (see the 1st in the series!) Daniel are gearing up for an Epic Nerf battle. All they need now is to get the cash together to buy themselves the necessary Laser Nerf Blasters. But when news flashes up on the local Whatsapp group that Omar's secret-smile mosque may have to close down, the children decide to divert their fundraising efforts towards a -woohoo!!- talent competition to raise the cash. The usual Omar-tinged mayhem and comedy ensue. The second in the 5-books series from Little Rebels Awards Winner 2018 (and UK British Muslim) author, Zanib Mian. A delectable series which never wanes in its humour, its gentle messaging and its dismantling of stereotypes of Muslim lives. Unexpected Super Spy delivers as expertly as the first! (Do look out for the treat of the multi-costumed girl, pp. 139-40, who wears an Iron Man costume under a Spider-Man costume under a Batman costume...!) Diary of a Wimpy Kid, to which Mian's work is often compared, has nothing on Planet Omar. For more details, see our listing on this website for the very first in the series, Planet Omar, Accidental Trouble Magnet. Age 7-10, Paperback 217pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2014 A street thief in a "mean and hard and ugly city" nearly snatches a woman’s handbag...the woman tells the child she can have the bag if she makes a promise in return. It’s a promise she keeps and its consequences bring about her own and her environment’s transformation. A picture book which explores our relationship with nature and offers a vision of a new harmony. Ages 5-8, Paperback 38pp

Mean Jean rules with a push and a lollapaloosh...until the teeny but exuberant Katie Sue crosses her path. Hugely attractive and positive. 'YES, YES- loved this! Great vocabulary, strong illustrations and a good story!' (Primary Strategy Consultant, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, American Import Hardback 29pp Themes: I Can Make A Difference, Bullying, Making Friends

Part of a series focusing on 'real tasks', this uses conversational text as two lively children ask their parents how to sort items of recycling, which seeds to plant and the price of second hand objects. Age 2-5, Card Pages 23pp

"It's been our wild place, somewhere we haven't been told what to do or been marked by or graded by school. Even friendship hasn't been measured in the number of likes. It's been real". Izzy's dad has lost his job and her mum is exhausted from her shifts at the local supermarket. Escaping the tensions at home and the ever-present threat of local top dogs, the Skull brothers, Izzy and her friend, Asha, find the perfect outdoor patch to get in their skateboarding practise- a deserted gasworks. But they soon discover this patch of wilderness is already a home- to a wild and injured wolf- as well as under threat by developers. A narrative about so much: the lack of space for many children to play in and explore, the loss of wilderness, the need to re-wild our landscapes, the grip big business have over precious land resources. A perfectly accomplished 'reluctant reader' book, communicating a wealth of detail and thought in a sparse carefully considered text. Set in London amidst a working class community. Age 8-12, Paperback 106pp

A groundbreaking photo-essay focusing on 2 children- one Jewish and one Palestinian- who learn to work and play together at Israel's summer Camp Peace. Objective and positive. Age 9-13, American Import Hardback 43pp Themes: I Can Make A Difference, Peace and Conflict

"All over the world, girls are more likely to be told to be quiet, to sit down, to have smaller dreams. Don't listen to those voices". A companion to the No 1 New York Times bestseller, She Persisted, which focused on inspirational N. American women, this new title looks at thirteen game changers who have changed the course of and remoulded history. Women featured are: Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (Mexico), Caroline Herschel (Germany), Kate Sheppard (New Zealand), Marie Curie (Poland), Viola Desmond (Canada), Mary Verghese (India), Aisha Rateb (Egypt), Wangari Maathai (Kenya), Joanne Rowling (UK), Sisleide Lima do Amor (Brazil), Leymah Gbowee (Liberia), Yuan Yuan Tan (China), and Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan). Inspirational messages to children top and tail these mini bios. Great to see a disabled hero in the mix (Mary Verghese)! Bright bold artwork accompanies a positive, upbeat, energetic text. Age 7-11, Hardback American Import 31pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2018 Gill Lewis once again manages to combine political and thought-provoking content with an easy, flowing narrative. In what is surely brand new material for children's literature, Lewis explores the environmental impact of grouse shooting-and therefore, in turn, deforestation and endangered hen harriers- and raises the radical possibility of rewilding our landscapes. All this within a cast of characters who straddle our bizarre English class hierarchy from the landed aristocracy who run the grouse-shooting business to the working class gamekeepers and grouse beaters dependent on the land for their work. At both ends of the spectrum, young people- Joe, Minty and Ella- are galvanised and empowered to have a say on the great cost to them all of leaving this 'sport' unchecked. A fantastic tribute to all of the children and young people who ask, 'why?' and then keep asking 'why?' This is the fourth book Lewis has had on the Little Rebels Shortlist. Truly one of the UK's most compassionate and politicised children's authors. Age 9-12, Paperback 259pp **Special offer is £1.99 off, usually £6.99**

A love story of opposites with a distinctly 'English' feel to it. Joni's life is tough- her Dad is temporarily out of work due to a bad back, her mum is working all hours, the family is at risk of losing their home. Annabel is from the other side of town: rich, privileged, perfectly 'put together'. The two meet in the best of places: the local library. An old tune of unlikely people falling in love is given a freshness through its contemporary setting-a world of Lidl, A Levels and fish and chips, its class dynamics and its budding youth activism. Joni and her brother's campaign against the corporation trying to buy out their estate is a joy to witness. All against the backdrop of a -first troubled and then soaring- romantic love story. Age 12+, Paperback 317pp

Greenbackboy wants to play a game called "K'Ching" which involves cutting down all the forest trees and catching all the ocean fishes. Can Snowboy save the day? A smart tale linking environmental destruction to monetary greed. Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2020 "A dreamer. A doer. A real-life go-getter. Most people like good, but Sofia likes better". The Beaty/Roberts team find themselves on the Little Rebels Shortlist for the 3rd time! (see also Rosie Revere and Ada Twist). From her very first toddler years, Sofia has wanted to help people- from shopping for neighbours to walking their pets. And, her political-badges-toting Abuelo is always by her side, keeping a watchful eye. But when Abuelo trips and hurts himself on a pile of rubbish (Mount Trashmore) , Sofia decides to aim her acts of kindness a little higher... a project that takes her to City Hall and beyond... On being shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award 2020, Beaty said of her young activist, "Sofia understands that kindness is the beginning of all bravery." Age 4-7, Hardback 36pp

A brilliant suffragette vignette from the 1860s. The little known, true, story of the Smith Sisters, their herd of cows and their fight for women's votes. Fascinating, fresh and funny. Age 7-10, Hardback 27pp Themes: I Can Make A Difference, Gender Equality

An award winning novelist brings spark and fire to this Suffragette story for young people, centring on 17-year-old, working class, Lizzie. The fight for the women's vote is explored with honesty and passion, showing the rallies, the direct actions and the hunger strikes. (N.b.: there is also a nice touch to the novel's conclusion as it suggests Lizzie and Connie form a relationship going forwards.) 'Well drawn and engaging characters and a nice sense of period' (Mark, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, LL reviewer). Reading Age 8+ Interest Age 10-14, Paperback 85pp

"Dear Jan, I am a boy like you. I am not at war with you. You are not at war with me. Your friend, John". 1918. World War I rages. John's Dad is away fighting in France. Mum works in the local munitions factory. John writes to Buckingham Palace and asks when the war will end. There is no reply. Him and his friends start to ask questions, in particular: what does it mean when the adults state blithely, "We are at war". "Who is the 'we'?", the children wonder; certainly it is not them, the children. A powerful indictment of war through the eyes of the young with beautifully stark black and white illustrations. Written to commemorate 100 years of the end of the First World War. 'A great anti-war message' (Fiona, School Librarian, LL reviewer). Age 9-12, Paperback 119pp

An award-winning author brings us another uplifting story of young people who have the courage to take a stand and make a difference. Powerful messages about our fragile environment and the threat from commercial ventures is delivered through a thrilling adventure. And, there is some fantastic casual inclusion here through the main leads: Kara is dyslexic and Felix has cerebral palsy. Age 9-12, Paperback 270pp