‘‘
more valued to even more people. The story features a character called Bushra. She is based upon a real and highly inspirational girl I knew when working for Lancashire Libraries.
Bushra set up and oversaw a teenage reading group in the Harris Library in Preston. I hoped the story would act as a frame story for the collection, making solid the role that libraries play in children’s rights around education and acting as a mechanism to be able to emphasise the number of the diverse and varied creators who had contributed to the anthology. It is exciting to have the book published and available for readers. It represents the culmination of so much work by so many exciting authors, poets, illustrators and talented publishing professionals. Each copy of the book sold will raise money for Amnesty International, helping them to continue their excellent work in
Big ideas are really simple – say the truth, do the right thing, be kind. They are all important and yet simple ideas. – Chitra Soundar
upholding human rights.
The Little Bookshop in Leeds have described the book as “one of the most important children’s books of 2023”, and this feels like an incredible accolade. If the book is able to connect children with the fundamental rights that are enshrined in international law and which helps protect them and their influences, that has to be a positive thing for all. Reading connects us with other people, with different ways of thinking about and seeing the world. A number of people have suggested that the book is one which all schools and libraries should hold. That feels an exciting and important thing to aspire to. Using the power of stories and poetry to communicate ideas feels hugely important and their rights are something which all children should be aware of. Open books so often lead to open hearts and to open minds. In a society that often feels quite divided, that unity and understanding is important for us all. PEN&INC.
Autumn-Winter 2023
PEN&INC. 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
