We Are Family
Age 7+
Poetry
A rough, tough, but happy childhood is brought to life in this ground-breaking verse narrative.
From the third of six children brought up by a single Dad in a poverty-stricken household, living on national assistance, dressed from the charity shops, relying on free school dinners, a sort of misery memoir might be expected. But not so: "Not only was Dad a fighting man, Us kids were fighters too." In this poetic memoir of his childhood, full of energy and exuberant humour, Oliver depicts his family and their way of life. Boxing is their sport and the ring helps hold them together: "In every boxing workout, I pour out all my pain, And at the end I feel like a Champion once again."
We Are Family is an outstanding achievement. It shows how a family living on the margin in every way can keep its own life positive and (mostly) happy. Children will relish this true tale in verse that sometimes hits quite hard but is always refreshingly direct.
Creators
Oliver Sykes grew up on a council estate in Derbyshire. A former amateur boxer and qualified boxing coach, since 2015 he has worked with Manchester-based Stories of Care, where he is now Lead Artist and Producer. His debut story, Alfie's First Fight, illustrated by Ian Morris, is winner of the 'Illustrated Young Reader' category at the 2023 Children's Literature Festivals Book Awards. A theatre adaptation went on a national tour of England in 2022. Oliver lives in Manchester.
Ian Morris has a Master's degree in Illustration from Manchester School of Art. In 2017 he was one of 'Top 10 Upcoming Image Makers' recognised by the Association of Illustrators. He has been nominated for the Carnegie Illustration Medal 2023 and longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2022 for The Library Book (author Gabby Dawnay). Ian is enthusiastic about encouraging reading and drawing in young children and is a Literacy Champion with the National Literacy Trust for Manchester Central Library. He lives in Manchester.
