Here I Stand: Stories that Speak for Freedom
Age 12+
Short Stories
A varied and thought-provoking collection of short stories and poems for teens with a conscience, with striking cover illustrations by award-winning children’s laureate Chris Riddell
With contributions from Frances Hardinge, Sarah Crossan, Matt Haig, Neil Gaiman and many more.
Did you know that ... government spies can turn on your phone and use the microphone to listen to your conversations? ... that lesbian and gay relationships are illegal in 78 countries and can be punished by death? ... that Amnesty recently recorded the highest number of executions globally for more than 25 years?
Through short stories and poetry, twenty-five leading authors and illustrators explore the top human rights issues facing young people today.
Now is the time to take a stand and make a difference.
Full list of contributors: Tony Birch, John Boyne, Sita Brahmachari, Kevin Brooks, Kate Charlesworth, Sarah Crossan, Neil Gaiman, Jack Gantos, Ryan Gattis, Matt Haig, Frances Hardinge, Jackie Kay, AL Kennedy, Liz Kessler, Elizabeth Laird, Amy Leon, Sabrina Mahfouz, Chelsea Manning, Chibundu Onuzo, Bali Rai, Chris Riddell, Mary and Bryan Talbot, Christie Watson and Tim Wynne-Jones.
Creators
Amnesty International UK is a movement of ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights. It aims to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied, and encourages others to join the fight. Amnesty has a network of active youth groups across the UK and promotes its work in secondary schools and other organizations. For more info see www.amnesty.org.uk
Reviews
A thought-provoking collection of short stories and poems, celebrating freedoms or quietly mourning their loss… It has the force of several one-inch punches, delivered without pause.
Guardian
“This is an amazing book. It sends out a real message that we all deserve freedom and the right to choice. I loved how each story was different. […] It highlights the power of books to change lives.”
Teen Titles, reader review
What I liked about this book is that the intention is to provoke thought and introspection. Despite the dark and harsh realities of many situations, these stories largely focus on the possibility for change and the creation of a safer, more just world.
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