Literacy Library Presents ...Social Activism in Children’s Literature

We are delighted to have the company of award winning authors Onjali Q. Raúf and Smriti Halls for this very special Literacy Library Presents event. Onjali’s debut novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class has ignited a spark in young readers in the UK and abroad, inspiring a chain of acts of kindness, activism and advocacy in support of refugees far and wide. Smriti’s picturebook The Little Island which has been shortlisted for the Little Rebel Award is a parable of our times and a fantastic stimulus for discussing the values of co-existence and community. CLPE’s very own Jonathan Rodgers will introduce the session, sharing insights into the transformative power of literature based on our work with schools and in particular the ways in which books can help children make sense of the world around them, reflect on their place in the world and inspire empathy and action. And along with Onjali and Smriti, we will discuss and reflect on the ways in which children’s literature can be a force for good and help us to grapple with the ills of our world and imagine a better place.