Peace & Conflict

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

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, Hardback 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***

Carnegie Medal Winner, Naidoo, delivers another searing, gripping and thought-provoking story of conflict, justice and survival, this time set in 1950s colonial Kenya. 'Sometimes you have to break the rules, particularly when those rules are based on prejudice. Naidoo breaks the rules' (The Guardian, 2007). Backpages include an interview with the author. Age 9-13, Paperback 198pp

Britain seems rainy and colourless to Hassan, but after painting the bright colours of his refugee family's flight from sunny, war-torn Somalia he begins to see colours in his new home. Sensitively and beautifully illustrated. Age 6-9, 15pp Paperback Themes: Peace and Conflict, Refugees and Migration

Two boys, two faiths- one unholy war. A topical challenge to all forms of religious extremism, this exceptional and thought provoking account of the Crusade's assault on The Holy Land is also a stirring adventure story. Shortlisted for the 2008 Carnegie Medal. Age 9-adult, paperback 390pp

"At the time I never thought of it as somewhere else. Somewhere else was anywhere except where we lived". So begins this story of Toda's flight to safety as civil war breaks out in her (nameless) country. An acute, witty narrative shows a child's bafflement in the face of an incomprehensible, topsy turvy adult world with its wars and its borders. 'It was a great book and it was beautifully written. I think it is a brilliant book' (Panashe 10, aged, LL reviewer). Age 9-12, Paperback 99pp

"Dear Malala, I have never seen you before, but I've heard your voice. We are raising our hands with you...as you represent all of us..." This book opens with a brief introduction to the heroism of Malala Yousafzai, before moving on to an imagined letter to her from young women across the world. Accompanied by stunning photographs of girls and young women from every continent, giving testimony to both their subjugation and to their uprisings and declarations. A minimal text which speaks to a wide age range and which ends with an excerpt of Malala's powerful 2013 speech to the UN 's Youth Assembly on her 16th birthday. 'A brilliant book which speaks so clearly and emotionally. I love the letter format which in itself is very powerful' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Inspired by the UN's declaration of July 12, 2013 as Malala Day which led to young people producing a film of young girls' messages to Malala which in turn helped form the content of this book. Age 5-9, Hardback 30pp

on the current 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 **WAS £6.99 NOW £5.99**

'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

Jessie's Grandma is sounding confused- and she keeps harking on about past events which are clearly troubling her. Meantime, at school, Jessie is learning about the rise of fascism during the 1930s. Jessie starts to realise that these historical events are not so far removed from the present day prejudices she is witnessing in her immediate neighbourhood. A story about social justice which makes direct links between present-day Britain and Nazi Germany. Ages 9-12, Paperback 167pp

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

Based on the award-winning BAFTA animations produced for BBC Learning. Stills from the animations combined with the original personal testimonies of young refugees combine to create powerful and dramatic illustrated biographies for 'older' readers. This one tells the story of Juliane, a 12-year-old who is separated from her mum at a young age due to the civil conflict in Zambia. The book tracks her journey from a local under-resourced children's home to a reunion with her mother to their application for political asylum in a place of safety. Juliane speaks directly to the reader through the barest, most straightforward of texts- but the issues her narrative raises are of course vast and complex. A great springboard for class discussions on refugees and asylum seekers. 'Beautiful artwork and a story that can give young children some context for asylum seeking' (Josephine, aged 15, LL reviewer). 'It will definitely reveal to children what refugees go through before they find shelter in a new country. The artwork is brilliant, bright and charming' (Nike, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Paperback 29pp

"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

'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

Real-life stories from young women growing up amidst conflict in Northern Ireland. Sometimes humorous, sometimes harrowing - an eye-opening and compelling read. Age 12-16, 127pp Paperback **SALE ITEM** WAS £4.99 NOW £2.99 Themes: Peace and Conflict

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2014 When her mother dies from a snake bite, Comity and her dad are left to fend for themselves in the middle of nowhere- the Australian outback in the 19th century. As her father loses himself in grief, Comity turns to Fred, a young Aboriginal boy and builds a friendship with him which fires the prejudices and violence of the white ‘settlers’. NB: the author has described Comity’s name as meaning "harmony and understanding between nations". Age 9-12, Hardback 292pp

"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

After her adventures in Tudor England, Rosie is back in boring old history class. And her lessons are making even less sense than ever. Unable to acknowledge her dyslexia, Rosie runs away form herself- but then a mysterious watch belonging to a a WW1 nurse sends her crashing back into the past again, this time to meet a woman full of bravery- Nurse Edith Cavell. A quick-paced little adventure story with an absorbing historical context. Reading Age 8+ Interest 10-14, Paperback 73pp Themes: Peace and Conflict, Disability

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 band of forest folk spot a bird. Three of them have a plan: to sneak up on it and capture it with their nets and cage. One of them, the smallest one, wants to chat to birdy and feed it crumbs, a gesture which has unexpected consequences. A subtle, minimal words picture book about kindness and friendship winning out over force and enmity. Age 2-6 , Paperback 37pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2014 There is nothing in the world Alfie wanted more than to ride the milk float with his Dad... but everything changes the day World War I begins and his beloved Dad enlists as a soldier. Divided families and communities, poverty, attitudes towards mental health and the treatment of conscientious objectors are all explored here Ages 9-12, 247pp Paperback American Import

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

"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

As we write this review (Sep 2014), Walter Tull is about to be commemorated on a special coin issued by the Royal Mint! A fitting tribute to the first Black outfield player in professional UK football and the first Black officer in the British army. This lovely scrapbook format is written from Tull's perspective and traces his life from attending school in Folkestone to his footballing years at Spurs to his death, aged 29, during the Second Battle of the Somme. With wonderful black and white photography, drawings and archive materials, this is a wonderfully rich historical resource. 'An inspiring, moving account of Tull's life' (Parent, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Paperback 30pp

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