Here are some great books for younger teens that portray different identities and cover difficult themes such as islamophobia, racism, mental health, asylum seekers and war in an acessible way.
These books can be used by teachers within the classroom to stimulate discussion and empathy amongst students.
We reccommend parents to read together with their children and discuss the issues portrayed as due to the themes covered they can be hard hitting and difficult to digest.
As part of the Resilient Me programme we will be providing a book box and resources to participating schools which will include books covering from Muslim authors that represent Muslim identities and books that include themes around mental health and identity.
If you are a parent, professional or young person who has read/used any of these books let us know your thoughts!
Please also comment below with your own reccomendations for 9 to 12 year olds!
| Planet Omar Books 1-4 Zanib Mian 9-12 years | A graphic chapter book in the style of the Tom Gates or Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Planet Omar takes in all sorts of issues, from dealing with school bullies and prejudice, especially against Omar’s Muslim family, to forming new friendships and adjusting to change. Humorous, with a light touch., The Guardian Recommended by the ‘Reading Well for children’ programme. This provides quality-assured information, stories and advice to support children’s mental health and wellbeing. Books have been chosen and recommended by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families, The Reading Agency Bullying, identity, faith |
| New Kid – Jerry Craft Graphic Novel 8-12 yrs | New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft. Diversity, identity, |
| No Ballet Shoes in Syria 9-12 | Aya is eleven years old and has just arrived in Britain with her mum and baby brother, seeking asylum from war in Syria. When Aya stumbles across a local ballet class, the formidable dance teacher spots her exceptional talent and believes that Aya has the potential to earn a prestigious ballet scholarship. But at the same time, Aya and her family must fight to be allowed to remain in the country, to make a home for themselves and to find Aya’s father Refugees, faith, discrimination, family separation |
