We Are All Born Free
Books for young readers
These books are all endorsed by Amnesty International as contributing to a basic understanding of human rights and the values that underpin them.
How to Heal a Broken Wing
When Will helps an injured bird, he learns that a little kindness can go a long way.
FREE?
To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Walker Books and Amnesty International have joined together to create a short-story collection for young adults, celebrating what it means to be free.
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The unison of 10 award-winning authors all writing stories in aid to Amnesty International makes this book an unpredictable novel of wonders, surprises, mysteries and human relations.
Sold
Patricia McCormick
Sold is the powerful narrative of Lakshmi, a thirteen-year-old Nepalese girl, whose life turns from bad to worse when her step-father sends her to work as a maid to support her family. Lakshmi embarks on a horrific and heart-breaking journey. Will her rare experiences of friendship and kindness give her enough hope to risk everything and reclaim her life? Ages 14+
Under the Persimmon Tree
Suzanne Fisher Staples An outstanding novel exploring the relationship between a young American woman and an Afghani girl in a refugee camp in Pakistan. For ages 14+
One son is enough
Peggy Woodford
An adventure story of twin brothers struggling to reunite against the background of child slavery in 19th century Turkey. For ages 12+
Under the same stars
Suzanne Fisher Staples
A moving tale of a young Pakistani woman and her dilemma between family duties and dangerous love. This book is a breath-taking journey in a world of strict tradition, where remarkable people have to make difficult decisions. From the author of Daughter of the Wind and Under The Persimmon Tree. For ages 12+
No Shame, No Fear
Anne Turnbull A Powerful story of teenage love and religious persecution in 17th century England. Susanna and Will's developing relationship and commitment to Quakerism means they endure prejudice, imprisonment and abuse. Shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year 2004
Voices of Silence
Bel Mooney Voices of silence is the gripping and exciting story of a young girl's transforming world in the Romanian revolution. This 2007 re-edition of Bel Mooney's widely acclaimed book is a chance to discover anew her thought-provoking story of family, friendship, and the strength of a child's mind when everything falls apart. Ages 9+
Dare to be Different
Various
This gorgeous book for children celebrates the diversity of life.
Secrets in the Fire
Henning Mankell A moving and beautifully-told story, based on the true story of a young girl caught up in a landmine disaster in Mozambique. Sofia faces her future with heart-warming courage. Winner 2004: International Reading Association's Notable Books for Global Society award. Selected 2004: for the New York Public Library's Teen Age list
Daughter of the Wind
Suzanne Fisher Staples
A powerful story about a young girl's struggle within the constraints of her nomadic society. Shabanu lives with her nomadic, camel-herding family in Pakistan's Cholistan Desert. At 12, she is already bethrothed, while her 13-year-old sister is about to be married. Shabanu must choose between dreams of freedom and obligations to family and culture.
Riding Icarus
Lily Hyde
Suffering terrible hardship and separation from her mother, Masha's world is a mix of horror and imaginary creations of hope. Icarus, the disused trolleybus she lives in, takes her on a thrilling adventure through an enchanted world. This captivating modern fairytale is the first novel of the British freelance writer and journalist, Lily Hyde. Ages 9+
Loveykins
Quentin Blake This picture book by former Children's Laureate Quentin Blake is a delight. One bright spring morning, after a night of gales in the great woods, Angela Bowling discovers a small helpless bird who has fallen from his nest. She scoops him up and bears him home to lavish care and attention upon the bemused bird. All is well, until one night when Loveykins discovers the joys of freedom.
Petar's Song
Pratima Mitchell, illustrated by Caroline Binch Petar loves music, and his violin keeps the whole village dancing. But when war breaks out, Petar, his mother and his brother have to flee. For ages 5+
Tusk Tusk
Classic story for under-5s about prejudice and conflict.
