Literature Review of the Year (and what we're excited about for 2023!)

I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli, illustrated by Zinelda McDonald (Amazon Crossing Kids, February 2022)

Ubuntu! A pleasing sounding word and in just three small syllables, this ancient South African word expresses so much: I am, because you are. I exist because of you; I see you. What an utterly beautiful sentiment! Written as a series of reflections or teachings, this gentle and evocative text is perfect for holding discussions with the very youngest of children about empathy and developing an awareness of others’ needs. A little girl dances with her friend at a disco: When I look into your eyes, I see your beauty. I love you. And because I love you, I love myself too. Zinelda McDonald’s illustrations beautifully capture the light and joy that the Ubuntu philosophy embodies: we are all connected and all of our actions have an impact on others.

Alte Zachen by Ziggy Hanaor, (Cicada, April 2022)

Long-listed for the UKLA 2023 Book Awards for Children’s Fiction, this beautifully illustrated book gives us insight into an intergenerational relationship. Benji and his Bubbe (Grandmother) are both bound by the thread of family whilst also seeming disconnected at the chasm that exists between their worlds. In graphic novel format, Bubbe’s story is told through a series of flashbacks and it is through these sections – in colour – that we learn why so many things in this modern world make her vexed. And it through this insight into another perspective that we learn exactly why Bubbe seems so critical and dismissive of today’s youth. Perfect for developing work around seeing others’ viewpoints and would work well with the theme of Lessons from History as well as work on relationships and family.

Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush by Patrice Lawrence and illustrated by Camilla Sucre (Nosy Crow, May 2022)

A beautifully written story with a warm sentiment at its core. Ava adores her Granny: warm, loving, fun to sing with. Ava faces a problem, though: she needs a costume for a ‘dress up as someone you admire day’ and she can’t think of who to choose. Granny thinks she can help and To the trunk they go. The trunk contains old clothes and other bits and pieces, all of which tell a story: An empty jar. A smooth grey pebble. A little blue hat. A pair of lace gloves. And it is these items that tell the story of the person Ava admires most of all: Granny – cold and lonely in strange London, having come over from Trinidad on The Empire Windrush, she made the best of things to create a new life and possessed the courage to stay; to continue.

Let’s Chase Stars Together: Poems to Lose Yourself in by Matt Goodfellow (Bloomsbury, September 2022)

One-time aspiring rock-star who realised that this wasn't perhaps the creative path he should be on, Matt Goodfellow became a primary teacher, repurposing band lyrics into poetic ditties for his pupils. From this, his poetry writing blossomed and now he poets full-time. A national poetry day ambassador for the Forward Arts Foundation and having worked with the National Literacy Trust, he really knows the sort of thing that might be needed by young people to support their mind’s growth and their ponderings about the world. There is a rawness in so many of these moving poems that tackle subjects such as tween, teen and adult mental-health; children in the care system; death; growing up whilst yearning for the carefree, unburdened feeling of being little once more; careers, fears and hopes. But there is comfort within the words: the poems will help children explore their own feelings as well as feeling ‘seen’.

So, what are we getting excited about that is due to publish in early 2023? Well for starters, in January there’s The Wildstorm Curse by Eve Wersocki Morris centres around Kallie who is determined to become a playwright, in spite of the challenge that her dyslexia poses when it comes to writing. Set over one week at a writing camp, the rehearsal of an old play appears to awaken forces of evil…

February will see the publication of Polari Prize-winner Ian Eagleton’s novel, Glitter Boy.  James’ teacher is marrying his boyfriend and some of the children – James included – are, as a surprise, to perform at the wedding. But James’ dad doesn't seem comfortable with this…A book which promises to be rich in theme around identity, love, and the burden that a secret can bring. Oh, and there’s also a comically portrayed dog, who we cannot wait to ‘meet’!

Award-winning author of Pax – a moving and evocative novel that we reviewed back in 2016 – Sara Pennypacker has a new novel releasing in March, titled Leeva at Last. And in contrast to the dark edges and emotion of Pax, this is billed as being ‘an absurdist tale’ that has its roots in curiosity and Leeva’s desire to find an answer for the existential question, What are people for?

And finally, in April, the stunning visual story-teller and Caldecott Honour-winning Aaron Becker will bring us The Tree and the River which explores our impact on the world over time through what we imagine will be the most intricate of illustrations.