A Book About Real World Issues by Jill Fenton

Where Are You Really From?

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:26:58 UTC

A humorous look at the story of the human species, showing that race is a social construct and not written in our DNA.

30-second politics

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:31:39 UTC

You may be OK with standard stuff like Conservatism and Democracy, but do you really know what a Neocon is? And what about Oligarchy? Anarcho-syndicalism?

Politics is, we are willing to bet, the most passionately argued-over subject matter, and yet how many of us flounder around in confrontational debates because we have no grip on political theory, just a vague notion that they are all out to get us?

Worth Dying For

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:33:05 UTC

When you see your nation's flag fluttering in the breeze, what do you feel?

Politics for beginners

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:33:55 UTC

What is an election? Who gets to be Prime Minister or President? What does immigration mean?

This essential introduction to politics for children answers all these questions and many more.

Black and British: A Short Essential History

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:35:07 UTC

When did Africans first come to Britain?
Who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings?
Why did the American Civil War disrupt the Industrial Revolution?
These and many other questions are answered in this essential introduction to 1800 years of the Black British history: from the Roman Africans who guarded Hadrian's Wall right up to the present day.

Invisible Women

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:37:13 UTC

From government policy and medical research, to technology, workplaces, and the media. Invisible Women reveals how in a world built for and by men we are systematically ignoring half of the population, often with disastrous consequences. Caroline Criado Perez brings together for the first time an impressive range of case studies, stories and new research from across the world that illustrate the hidden ways in which women are forgotten, and the profound impact this has on us all.

Asking For It

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:38:04 UTC

In a small town where everyone knows everyone, Emma O'Donovan is different. She is the special one - beautiful, popular, powerful. And she works hard to keep it that way. Until that night... Now, she's an embarrassment. Now, she's just a slut. Now, she is nothing. And those pictures - those pictures that everyone has seen - mean she can never forget.

The award-winning, bestselling novel about the life-shattering impact of sexual assault, rape and how victims are treated.

The Silence Of The Girls

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:38:49 UTC

When the Greek Queen Helen is kidnapped by Trojans, the Greeks sail in pursuit, besieging the city of Troy. Trapped in the Greek soldiers' camp is another captured queen, Briseis. Condemned to be bed-slave to Achilles, the man who butchered her family, she becomes a pawn in a menacing game between bored and frustrated warriors. In the centuries after this most famous war, history will write her off, a footnote in a bloody story scripted by vengeful men - but Briseis has a very different tale to tell . . .

The Black Flamingo

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 14:40:34 UTC

A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo.

LGBTQ+ Reading List (link)

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:09:07 UTC

Noughts and Crosses

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:11:14 UTC

Sephy is a Cross - a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a nought - a 'colourless' member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses.

Against a background of prejudice, distrust and mounting terrorist violence, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum - a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger...

Stand up and speak out against racism

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:11:56 UTC

When Our Worlds Collided

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:12:27 UTC

Three teenagers are brought together when they witness a fatal attack on a 14-year-old boy and have to contend with institutional racism in the aftermath.

The Black Friend: On Being A Better White Person

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:12:44 UTC

Lies We Tell Ourselves

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:13:01 UTC

An African American girl and the daughter of an ardent segregationist find that they have growing feelings for each other in racially divided 1950s North America.

The Boxer

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:13:35 UTC

A teenage boy takes up boxing after being the victim of an unprovoked racist attack.

A powerful indictment of racism that reads more like a polemic than a novel at times but does an admirable job of confronting prejudice. The fight structure works well and it deserves its place on every shelf.

The Weight of Water

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:15:05 UTC

Follows a 12 year old Polish girl struggling to adjust to life in Britain. Eye opening, poignant & very well written in verse.

Moxie

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:19:49 UTC

A teen girl stands up to sexism in her high school and unwittingly starts a feminist revolution that shakes her whole town.

A thought-provoking but very readable coming of age story which ends on a terrifically empowering, feel-good note.

Watch Us Rise

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 15:20:52 UTC

Two school friends find their blogs go viral when they start posting articles and videos online heralding women's rights.

Thought provoking & challenging on many levels, it may preach to the converted but it is opening up a discussion about race and gender politics.

Rosie Loves Jack

jfe5 — 2024-03-19 16:05:49 UTC

A teenage girl with downs syndrome runs away from her family when she is split up from her boyfriend because of his anger issues.
Reserve here

Yes No Maybe So

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:01:01 UTC

Two childhood friends become reacquainted and fall in love whilst working on a local election campaign.

What Is Politics? Why Should We Care? And Other Big Questions

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:01:53 UTC

Explains what politics is and how it relates to us all in our everyday lives.

Trouble on Cable Street

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:06:32 UTC

A girl fights for what she believes in as members of her family choose opposing political sides as the Second World War looms and fascism takes hold in the East End of London.

Flawed (series)

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:07:03 UTC

A teenage girl finds herself at the centre of a political storm when she is unduly punished for assisting an elderly man on a bus.

Fever Crumb

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:07:49 UTC

Thirteen-year-old Fever discovers that vital information has been stored in her brain by her Scriven grandfather.

The Girl Who Broke The Sea

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:08:44 UTC

A troubled teenager goes to stay on a sustainable underwater rig for a few months when her scientist mother takes up a research opportunity

The Upper World

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:09:26 UTC

The story of two teenagers a generation apart, connected across time by one bullet about to devastate both of their lives.

Small Town Hero

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:10:14 UTC

A thirteen-year-old boy develops the ability to create alternate pasts, presents and futures after his father is killed in an accident.

Into The Sideways World

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:10:47 UTC

When Willa and Manny stumble upon a seemingly perfect world without pollution or conflict, they try desperately to make people in their own troubled world believe them.

Pop!

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:11:47 UTC

When the secret formula to the world's most popular fizzy drink washes up outside her home, a teenage girl finds herself at the centre of a corporate conspiracy.

Snowglobe

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:13:01 UTC

In a world of constant winter, only the citizens of the climate-controlled city of Snowglobe can escape the bitter cold, but this perfect society is hiding dark and dangerous secrets within its frozen heart

The Blue Book of Nebo

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:13:42 UTC

Dylan was six when The End came, back in 2018; when the electricity went off for good, and the 'normal' 21st century world he knew disappeared. Now he's 14 and he and his mam have survived in their isolated hilltop house above the village of Nebo in north-west Wales, learning new skills, and returning to old ways of living.

The most important comic book on Earth: stories to save the world

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:14:26 UTC

A collection of short comics and cartoons to highlight the call for climate change and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.

How To Manage Your Eco-Anxiety

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:14:56 UTC

Explores solutions and coping strategies for those who find themselves overwhelmed worrying about the future of our planet.

Fashion Conscious

jfe5 — 2024-04-24 09:15:46 UTC

A guide to making fashion choices that don't harm the planet.

Fight Back

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:26:42 UTC

When a terrorist attack fuels racist hatred in her area, Aaliyah begins wearing a hijab to school and decides she needs to organise a positive response to racism.

Lessons In Chemistry

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:28:41 UTC

Forced to leave her job, chemist Elizabeth Zott soon finds herself the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.

Girl, Goddess, Queen

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:29:48 UTC

Retells the Greek legend of Hades and Persephone from the perspective of Persephone as she seeks to escape an arranged marriage by her father, Zeus.

Speak (Graphic)

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:31:16 UTC

A young girl who busted an end-of-summer party after being raped by an older boy is ostracized by her friends and so retreats into her own head, unable to articulate what happened to her.

Stolen History

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:35:39 UTC

An accessible, engaging and essential introduction to the British Empire. This book answers all the important questions about Britain's imperial history and how it still affects our lives today. This could be used to open up discussions about the country's imperial past, about belonging and equality and the lessons we can learn from history.

From Prejudice to Pride: A History of the LGBTQ+ movement

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:36:50 UTC

From Prejudice to Pride looks at the rise and achievements of the LGBTQ+ movement and the different communities, pioneers and stories of heartbreak and courage that have marched alongside it.

Kicked Out!

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:46:35 UTC

Sami and Ali set out to prove that their friend, Aadam, is innocent when he is accused of stealing thousands of pounds from a rich friend's house.

Absorbing and realistic read that blends everyday concerns with more challenging themes of racism, bullying, parental separation and the asylum system. It is thought provoking but filled with hope and friendship.

The Fights That Make Us

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:47:23 UTC

When Jesse stumbles across Lisa's teenage diary, they are fascinated and horrified by her stories of living a secret life and protesting in the streets.

An engaging and heart-warming story with likeable characters that you can't help rooting for.

The Lies We Tell Ourselves

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:48:32 UTC

An African American girl and the daughter of an ardent segregationist find that they have growing feelings for each other in racially divided 1950s North America.

Fatherland

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:50:25 UTC

Set in a 1960s Britain ruled by the Nazis, Harris' superb alternate history page-turner finds a Berlin detective uncover a conspiracy whose ramifications go right to the top of the party.

Agent Zigzag

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:52:05 UTC

Dashing and louche, courageous and unpredictable, the traitor was a patriot inside, and the villain a hero. The problem for Chapman, his many lovers and his spymasters was knowing who he was.

Ben Macintyre weaves together diaries, letters, photographs, memories and top-secret MI5 files to create the exhilarating account of Britain's most sensational double agent.

The Door of No Return

jfe5 — 2024-05-07 08:54:18 UTC

First in an epic trilogy of verse novels set in 19th century Ghana, following a boy who is sold into slavery

The verse flows beautifully and carries the reader comfortably through the story, though the story is not comfortable. Wonderful characters and a joyful glimpse of the Asante people. An intense but dazzling read.

Lark

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 13:37:41 UTC

Nicky and Kenny find themselves in danger when they get lost on the Yorkshire Moors in a snowstorm.

Finding Phoebe

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 13:39:05 UTC

Follows a girl with Autism navigating her way through life - friendship, school and family dynamics.

Like A Charm

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 13:40:53 UTC

A young girl with dyspraxia from a magical family sets off on an adventure to discover the truth about the mysterious Hidden Folk.

Do You Speak Chocolate?

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 13:41:43 UTC

A girl befriends a Syrian Kurdish refugee who has started at her school when her family came to England after fleeing the war in their home country.

The Boy Who Steals Houses

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:28:01 UTC

A teenager and his autistic brother are taken in by a family whose home they have broken into to live in while they were away.

The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Nighttime

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:29:28 UTC

'Lots of things are mysteries. But that doesn't mean there isn't an answer to them'. This is Christopher's murder mystery story. When Christopher decides to find out who killed the neighbour's dog, his mystery story becomes more complicated than he could have ever predicted.

A Different Sort of Normal

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:30:25 UTC

The true story of one girl's journey growing up autistic - and the challenges she faced in the 'normal' world.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:34:56 UTC

Eleanor Oliphant is happy. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything...
One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted - while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she's avoided all her life.

Climate Change

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:42:30 UTC

The Climate Crisis is real. Climate Change is having an enormous impact on the world around us. This book uses simple language and vivid illustrations to explain complex questions clearly. How does the climate work? What are we doing to change it?

Green Rising

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:43:43 UTC

A teenage girl with the power to grow plants from her fingers spearheads a teen rebellion against governments and corporations to save the Earth.

Books with characters of colour/authors of colour

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:45:16 UTC

Just Listen

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:46:52 UTC

A teen girl has to cope with rumours and bullying by a supposed best friend

You Could Be So Pretty

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:49:04 UTC

Two girls with very different attitudes decide to work together to change the expectations for girls and women in their society.

What Is Masculinity? Why Does It Matter? And Other Big Questions

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:49:52 UTC

Looks at issues surrounding masculinity and gender stereotyping.

We Should All Be Feminists

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:50:46 UTC

A short essay about what 'feminism' is and should be in the 21st century.

Different For Boys

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:54:03 UTC

Teenager Ant is involved in a secret sexual relationship with best friend Charlie but their dynamic is challenged when an old friend returns to their school.

The Deathless Girls

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:54:53 UTC

A reimagining of the Dracula legend from the point of view of the women taken to be his brides.

Burn

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 14:55:52 UTC

Idea sounds bonkers, but it really works. Combining Cold War paranoia, with the consequences of blind faith and the redemptive power of love - oh, and city-destroying dragons, it's a cracking read.

Adam 2

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:00:12 UTC

A robot locked away for two hundred years has the power to end a civil war - but must decide who and what he is.

Queer: A Graphic History

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:01:28 UTC

From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do; how these ideas get tangled up with our culture and our understanding of biology, psychology and sexology; and how these views have been disputed and challenged.

The Miseducation Of Cameron Post

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:04:15 UTC

1993 Cameron Post is caught making out with the high-school beauty queen and unceremoniously outed. Desperate to 'correct' her niece, Cameron's aunt Ruth takes drastic action and sends her to God's Promise where she is subjected to gay conversion therapies.

Now Cameron must battle with the cost of being her true self - even if she's not completely sure who that is.

Felix Ever After

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:05:38 UTC

A transgender teen grapples with problems created when someone posts his deadname and pre-transition pictures of him on the internet.

The Silver Chain

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:22:51 UTC

An illustrated coming-of-age verse novel about family, mental health and the healing power of music.

Am I Normal Yet?

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:24:24 UTC

A teen girl struggles to live a 'normal' life while in the grip of OCD

When I Feel Blue

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:24:56 UTC

A boy struggling with OCD, starts at a new at school and learns to cope with the help of friendship and understanding.

Beautiful Broken Things

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:29:39 UTC

Two teenage girls find the dynamics of their friendship change when they make friends with a new girl with a history of physical abuse in her family.

Crossing The Line

jfe5 — 2024-06-26 15:31:06 UTC

When Erik's bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd, he's sucked into a terrifying new world of drug dealing, trap houses and violence.