Peace & Conflict

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2019 Olivia's school wants to open a new Army cadet unit. Mum is a lifelong activist and campaigner for pacifism. Grandad is ex-army. Olivia is caught in a whirlwind of competing ideologies at home, at school and within the wider community. Sent to spend time with her Dad who lives on Lindisfarne, those conflicts seems blissfully far way...and then she befriends a young, strangely other-worldly boy who speaks of war. A novel rich with Booth's trademark, social justice 'sweep' in which she encompasses a great range of thought-provoking issues and places a young person at the centre who then courageously strives to carve out an independent voice. "A nuanced exploration of the legacy and impact of warfare" (Little Rebels Award website). Age 9-12, Paperback 302pp

Winner Little Rebels Award 2014 A dystopian novel set in the UK. The 5 major banks have crashed, money is worthless, law & order are fragile and food is a precious commodity. The options are to go hungry, store food and risk being raided or flee the country. Matt and his family are forced to take that final option and make the dangerous escape to a refugee camp in France. Age 9-12, Paperback 296pp

Nominated for Carnegie Medal 2011 A powerful story, set in the UK, of bloodbrothers who are separated by the devastating events of 9/11. Two childhood friends, Chris and Imran, grow into two young people treading very different paths in life. Mostly told through flashbacks and from both boys' perspectives with real contemporary references (eg the Bradford riots), Gibbons gets to the heart of present day events which threaten peace, community and friendships. Age 13+, Paperback 294pp

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Paperback 36pp

on the current Little Rebels Award shortlist! It's a hat trick for John Boyne- this is his 3rd time on the Little Rebels shortlist, following on from the shortlistings of The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket in 2013 and Stay Where You Are and Then Leave in 2014. In his latest exploration of the cruelties of war, Boyne introduces a boy called Pierrot, orphaned at a young age, who ends up in Hitler's Austrian house in the mountains, the Berghof. Pierrot starts out as a kind, sensitive child who loathes bullying and shares a magical friendship with a Jewish boy, Anshel (who is also deaf). But then gradually, over the years at Berghof we see Pierrot become Pieter, slowly but surely infected by Nazi ideology, prejudice, and racism- and by the trappings of power. A study of corruption and atonement. Age 11+, Paperback 272pp **WAS £7.99 NOW £6.99***

"War took everything, war took everyone". A child's perspective on war: its sudden devastation; the loss of all she knows; the way it stalks her in her new 'home' as adults shut their doors on her and turn away...until, finally, a small child brings her a chair and a place. A devastating and brilliant picture book provoked by the UK government's refusal in 2016 to give sanctuary to 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees, inspiring a wave of quiet, powerful activism by some of our most loved children's authors and illustrators. 'Very moving in both text and images. Very necessary' (June, Parent, LL reviewer). Endorsed by Amnesty International. For more on the #3000chairs movement, visit here: https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2016/may/03/3000chairs-empty-chairs-of-syrian-refugees Together, this article, this movement and this book provide very rich materials for schools to explore. Age 4-10, Paperback 27pp

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

Little Rebels Award shortlist! Gill Lewis was named winner of the Little Rebels Award in 2015 for Scarlet Ibis and this is now the 3rd time Gill Lewis has been shortlisted (see also Moon Bear)! This is classic Lewis- the interweaving of separate animal and human stories to expose issues around social justice. Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this story explores how the farming of a mineral needed for mobile phones is destroying the gorilla's natural habitat. Linked to this is the story of two children, Imara and Bob, who are held by a group of rebel soldiers. Fundamentally a story about exploitation (by both rebel soldiers and Western companies)- of children, of animals- for profit. Age 11+, Paperback 326pp

'Wow! What a powerful book! So much you can take from this- in such a simple format.' (Primary Strategy Consultant, LL reviewer). A stark picture book which tackles huge themes- refugees, xenophobia, racism and human rights. A timeless fable. International award-winner. Age 7 to adult, Hardback 30pp

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: Peace and Conflict, I Can Make A Difference

A nameless country. A war which stretches like a grasping hand across the land. A parent and her two children separated from their father. A journey to a strange place with strange cities and creatures and landscapes. A long and painful journey. Borders to climb. Seas to cross. Angry guards to evade. A journey that doesn't ever end- even with this book. Evocative, devastatingly simple, text- "The further we go...the more we leave behind"- is extended by illustrations which layer and build the story with other narratives. Based on the author's interviews with refugees and migrants from many different countries, woven here into one multifaceted, unique, hopeful quest for freedom and safety. Truly excellent. Age 7-11, Hardback 41pp

"We called ourselves the Bad Lads, but it was just a joke". The Bad Lads: pesky little mischief makers or bullies in the making? With the arrival of German refugee, Klaus, in post-war Newcastle, some of the lads start to question their gang leader's ideas of entertainment- especially when it comes to tormenting the local 'conchie'. 'Interesting interweaving of conscientious objection, bullying and gang mentality' (Cariad, Theatre Lecturer, LL reviewer). Reading Age 7 Interest 9-14, Paperback 55pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2020 There was once a farm where all the animals lived and worked in a mutually supportive democracy. But, one day, the geese (and ducks) decide that they simply do not have enough room for the other animals. Surely, they muse, life was pleasanter and greener and rosier before their patch got quite so... busy? And so the ducks, under the instructions of the geese, bring down the footbridge which links their island to the mainland. But, as time passes and labour is meager and 'community' even thinner, their lives become all the poorer and their patch of land becomes vulnerable and exposed. Can the bridge be built back up? A modern parable fusing Animal Far with Brexit! Both author and illustrator have described this book as one they hoped would counter the messages of hatred so prevalent post-Referendum. Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

'I would recommend this!' (PRU Manager, Letterbox reviewer). Inspired by the Iraqi conflict, a wide range of contributors, using poetry and prose, describe conflicts throughout the world and across history. Fantastic classroom resource. Age 7-12 Paperback 273pp Royalties & profits to UNICEF

Lubna leaves her old world and awakes to find herself in a World of Tents. Luckily she has Pebble, clutched snugly in her hand. Pebble listens and smiles back at her. When it gets cold, Daddy makes sure Pebble is well protected in a shoebox. And then, one day, along comes another child, Amir. A child in need of a friend and, quite possibly, also, a Pebble. A sensitive, astute and original narrative about a child's arrival and survival in a refugee camp. Brilliantly captures a child's point of view on a potentially traumatic environment. We witness Lubna 'managing' her surroundings and nurturing herself through a controlled, episodic, introspection, a self-hug which she then slowly moves out of to offer comfort and friendship to a peer. Age 4-7, Paperback 27pp

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

A wordless picture book which lurches you through to an ending and an afterword (by writer and journalist Leogrande) which then flings you back to the start with a new understanding of what you've just witnessed. A silent dramatisation of the exploitation of desperate people, their perilous journeys and the transformation of the Mediterranean into a mass grave. 'A brilliant evocation not only of the impact of colonialism but of Europe's continuing refusal to take responsibility for the world created and ills wrought by colonial powers...It value for anyone involved in education or anti-discrimination work is huge' (Mark Jennett, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, LL reviewer). By the author of The Island (also listed by us). And, likewise, a picture book for older readers. Age 8-11, Hardback 36pp

A powerful book exploring the impact of war in a fresh, compelling way; dedicated to "the children of Afghanistan." Rich, burnt-orange artwork introduces the village of Paghman, Afghanistan. We witness a community going about its daily life through the eyes of a young child as he joins in the harvesting of plums and cherries and accompanies his dad to market in a bustling neighbouring town. The presence of war is kept at a distance in the background images while the foreground teams with the bright colours of a thriving modern town with its bazaars and teahouses and mosques. Until the final page... 'Very evocative and moving... very original and real' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Mgr., Letterbox Library reviewer). 'Enjoyed the cheerful dialogue and beautiful illustrations. Thought that the sense of community was nice' (Nicola, young Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 6-8, Hardback 40pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2020 Private Fazal Khan leaves his home in India to join Company 32, supporting the British in World War II, including the beach battlefield at Dunkirk. Initially proud to enlist, Fazal begins to question his own loyalty when he starts to encounter hostilities well inside of enemy lines. 1.5 million Indians volunteered towards the UK's efforts during World War 2, forming what is still the biggest volunteer force in modern history. And yet, barely any of those stories are ever heard or told. Now or Never forms part of an important new series -Voices from Scholastic UK (edited by Tony Bradman)- designed to uncover and amplify Black and Minority Ethnic lives in UK History. On being shortlisted for the Little Rebels Award 2020, Bali Rai said about his historical novel "A lot of these stories are unknown...those unheard stories need to be brought to the fore...it's dreadful that we don't understand UK History in the correct way". Age 9-14, paperback 202pp

"The gun is power. It has no moral conscience, no will of its own. I was fourteen when I met the gun". Driven by the senseless loss of young lives in the UK, Gibbons explores gang culture, violence and loyalty through his usual keen contemporary eye and his unwavering passion for social justice. A wholly responsible as well as a thrilling teen read. Age 13+, Paperback 280pp

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: Peace and Conflict, I Can Make A Difference

A disillusioned teen is drawn into committing a crime he doesn't understand. A rare, Romany lead character in a very British book- from the author of Refugee Boy. An important and timely look at terrorism, hacking, police racism, social justice and teen activism from the perspective of Rico, an endearing, thoughtful and questioning teenager. 'I like the flow of the book and it is certainly eye-opening. It makes a strong point that really needs to be approached and dealt with as terror is a difficult subject' (Alex, aged 14, LL reviewer). Age 11-16, Paperback 199pp

Influenced by Sassoon's poetry and Vera Brittain's testament of Youth, the prestigious award-wining author, Lidna Newbery, pens a story about a lesser known aspect of World War I- the experience of young men with learning difficulties. Set in rural Essex and told from the perspective of Georgie's sister, Tilly, this is also a fine story about the experience of young women during the war and the shifting gender expectations required by the war 'effort'. An original take which works well to expose the distress, confusion and horros of war. Reading Age 8+ Interest 9-13, Paperback 86pp Barrington Stoke offer a downloadable guide for teachers to lead a mixedability group through Tilly’s Promise by Linda Newbery here.

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2019 Yazan is a small child bewildered by the changes around him- his mother has stopped painting, the news blasts out of the TV set constantly, school has mysteriously ended and the days, mostly spent indoors, are becoming yawningly monotonous. But then, one day, without permission, Yazan leaves the house- only to be confronted by a dramatically unfamiliar landscape... A stark, sparse text captures a child's unique perspective on a country at war. "A beautiful picture-book full of heart, and not without hope, set against the backdrop of the Syrian war" (Catherine Barter, reviewing for the Little Rebels Award website). Age 4-8, Hardback 25pp

"So I went to live with Danny. And that's the end of a story". Lena's mum dies when she was 3-years-old after which she is raised by her older brother, Danny, and his boyfriend. Now aged 15, she wants to know more about her mother's past as a political activist, but Danny just bristles whenever she tries to discuss the past. An intense, yet upbeat and life-affirming, coming-of-age story, set against a brilliantly executed backdrop of a London under threat by the 'East End Bomber'. A real page-turner... with a conscience! How refreshing and how timely to have a book which proudly puts forward its weighty political themes and assumes, quite rightly, that young people are ready and hungry to listen and hear. A book which celebrates activism and intervention within a thoughtful, well woven, story about loss, family and the knotty business of growing up. A very exciting debut from a new talent. We're keeping our eyes on this author... 'Intelligent and thought-provoking, this is an absorbing novel and a highly impressive debut' (Books for Keeps).Age 11+, Paperback 371pp

First published in 1967 by a (now) big name author, back as a brand new edition- and it hasn't dated at all! Two giants live in an idyllic world with a beautiful landscape and beautiful climate. And then one day, they both spot a pink shell- and both want to own it. An argument becomes a fight becomes rock-throwing...with consequences for their once perfect world. A seemingly uncomplicated tale which can be used to explore lots of very big themes connected with transitions and change: friendships broken and reformed, peace & conflict and even, very simply, the changing weather and seasons. Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

"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

A book which, amongst its very many achievements, expertly gets children to see how very easy it is to become displaced, prompting them to imagine themselves as refugees. This in-depth exploration of the context and history of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants succeeds in breaking down so many of the myths which are poisoning current debates. There are lots of real-life accounts, including the authors' own experiences as well as profiles of migrants and refugees who have plenty of teen appeal, e.g.: Young Poet Laureate 2014, Warsan Shire (her poetry featured in Beyoncé's Lemonade), comedian Omid Djalili, Benjamin Zephaniah, singer Rita Ora. Fact boxes, mini biographies, a glossary, archive photography, discussion points and personal testimonies are repeatedly interjected with 'Think About' signposts which keep nudging young people to empathise, to relate, to consider, to give proper weight to the issue. 'An excellent reference and source book. Teachers will find it invaluable for an in-depth debate, discussion and clearer understanding' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Full of real substance and well worth the price tag. Age 9-13, Hardback 45pp

"My dad has to go to something called a war. He will be gone a year. How long is a year?" The author of The Hunger Games turns her hand to a deeply moving story from a child's perspective as her father goes to war. Child-friendly illustrations bring a delicate lightness of touch. 'Deceptively simple text conveys much unsaid but deeply felt' (Eileen, Former Teacher, LL reviewer). 'Brilliant in so many ways' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Manager, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Hardback 38pp