Street Heroes

Street Heroes

by JohnWilliams (Illustrator), JoeLayburn (Author)

Synopsis

Georgie's dad, George Smith is a highly controversial politician whose message is to get rid of non-white people from London's East End. Everyone assumes Georgie shares his father's views, even his father. But while he loves his dad, he's really not sure what he thinks. And then he begins to hear a voice in his head, the voice of a Muslim girl called Fatima ...Meanwhile Fatima is also contacting other children in difficult situations. When an attempt is made to kill George Smith he responds by planning a repeat of the historical Battle of Cable Street when Fascists demonstrating against Jewish immigrants confronted local people. How can the mysterious Fatima and her gang stop Smith, and which side will Georgie be on? By the acclaimed author of Ghostscape, this gripping story is a 'Heroes' for children dealing with issues of racism and immigration. Follow Joe Layburn's blog by clicking here This title is also available as an ebook, in either Kindle, ePub or Adobe ebook editions

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 144
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Published: 06 May 2010

ISBN 10: 1847800777
ISBN 13: 9781847800770

Media Reviews
A poignant novel for younger readers that poses large ethical issues. Three characters are drawn together by the humane advice they hear from a mysterious inner-voice. Set amid a backdrop of political change, the tightening of extremism reaching out from the carefully written novel is palpable. It is touching and thought provoking. Bookseller One to Watch: Topical issues of extremism, belief and prejudice are well pitched for younger readers. Bookseller An unusual book that pits Heroes ; style gifted children against fascist politicians. The writing is very accessible, and provides a good starting point for discussing issues of race and prejudice with 9+ readers. Children's Bookseller This is a clearly written story which could well form a classroom discussion but it is also a good stand alone read. Carousel An intense, thought provoking story told from three viewpoints giving the reader a really rounded view of a painful situation. Fair sized print, short novel for older readers. Primary Times
Author Bio
Joe Layburn worked for fifteen years as a journalist and television reporter with BBC, ITV and Channel 4, often working on programmes focusing on children, and has been nominated for the Royal Television Society's home current affairs award. In 2002 he switched to teaching, and started working in East End schools. It was here that he heard the little-known story of South Hallsville School, Canning Town where, during the Blitz, around 500 people fled after their own homes were destroyed - and the school itself was demolished by a bomb. This was the inspiration for his novel, Ghostscape - Joe's first book for children. Follow Joe Layburn's blog by clicking here To read an interview with Joe Layburn, click here John Williams (1922-1994) was born and raised in Northeast Texas. Despite a talent for writing and acting, Williams flunked out of a local junior college after his first year. He reluctantly joined the war effort, enlisting in the Army Air Corps, and managing to write a draft of his first novel while there. Once home, Williams found a small publisher for the novel and enrolled at the University of Denver, where he was eventually to receive both his B.A. and M.A., and where he was to return as an instructor in 1954. Williams remained on the staff of the creative writing program at the University of Denver until his retirement in 1985. During these years, he was an active guest lecturer and writer, publishing two volumes of poetry and three novels, Butcher's Crossing, Stoner, and the National Book Award-winning Augustus.