These Are the Words: Fearless Verse to Find Your Voice

A lyrical and empowering collection for older readers – pre-teens and teenagers will find particular resonance in Gill’s compelling voice. The poems are arranged according to such themes as sisterhood, family, protest and healing, and although some difficult topics are addressed, a line of hope shines through. Much of the verse is written in second person, thereby speaking directly to the reader with love, support, and reassurance – the peritext, too, holds the readers emotions with care, opening with a content note and closing with a list of related charities. This is a book that serves as a friend or confidante to the reader, saying “here is a space just for you”.

Shortlisted for the CLiPPA 2023.