{"title":"Books by Benjamin Zephaniah","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781408368169","title":"People Need People","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinner of The Queen's Knickers Award 2024\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo walk to\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo talk to\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo cry and rely on,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeople will always need people . . .\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the creators of \u003ci\u003eNature Trail \u003c\/i\u003ecomes an uplifting picture book about the power of people, and the importance of connecting with others. This timely poem reminds us all to be kind to one another.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWritten by legendary poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, one of \u003ci\u003eThe Times' \u003c\/i\u003etop 50 British post-war writers. 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Why not look a little closer and see what you find?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis uplifting celebration of nature reminds us all to take a closer look at the world around us, and enjoy the wonder of nature wherever we find it. Packed with animals and minibeasts galore, this imaginative rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43128722292914,"sku":"9781408369661","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781408369661.jpg?v=1786019388"},{"product_id":"9780702302725","title":"Windrush Child","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Windrush generation are named after one of the first      ships that arrived in the UK from Jamaica in 1948.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e      \u003cp\u003eIn this \u003cstrong\u003eheart-stopping adventure\u003c\/strong\u003e based on real      historical events, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like      being a child of the Windrush generation, an important and intriguing      time in Britain that’s sure to fascinate young readers.\u003c\/p\u003e            \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT THE SERIES: VOICES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e      \u003cul\u003e      \u003cli\u003eA thrilling series showcasing some of the UK’s finest writers      for young people.\u003c\/li\u003e      \u003cli\u003eVoices reflects the \u003cstrong\u003eauthentic, unsung stories\u003c\/strong\u003e      of our past.\u003c\/li\u003e      \u003cli\u003eEach shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad of      people have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves      – from Roman times to the present day.\u003c\/li\u003e      \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for teaching children about inclusivity and diversity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e      \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43204040556722,"sku":"9780702302725","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780702302725_3484490f-3ad1-4bda-866f-f612afbf175a.jpg?v=1786015138"},{"product_id":"9781408894996","title":"Refugee Boy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSelected for The Pleasure List 2026 - Hay Festival's crowd-sourced list of the 39 most unputdownable books ever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Playful, obstinate and courageously humorous ... hilarious and later heartbreaking' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eGuardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Sweet, funny, highly inventive' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eYorkshire Post\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe poignant but funny tale of a young refugee now marking its 25th anniversary with a \u003cb\u003enew foreword by Joseph Coelho, former Children's Laureate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAcclaimed performance poet and novelist Benjamin Zephaniah's honest, wry and poignant story of a young refugee left in London is of even more power and pertinence today than when it was first published.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLife is not safe for Alem. His father is Ethopian, his mother Eritrean. Their countries are at war, and Alem is welcome in neither place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo Alem is excited to spend a holiday in London with his father – until he wakes up to find him gone. 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By legendary poet and performer Benjamin Zephaniah, one of \u003ci\u003eThe Times' \u003c\/i\u003e top 50 British post-war writers, and beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Nila Aye. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the bottom of my garden, there's a hedgehog and a frog,\u003cbr\u003eAnd a lot of creepy-crawlies living underneath a log . . .\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll around us, from parks to gardens and flowerpots to pavements, there's a world of wonder just waiting to be discovered. Why not look a little closer and see what you find?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis joyful celebration of nature reminds us all to take a closer look at the world around us, and enjoy the wonder of nature wherever we find it. 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He's cool, funny, and he's the undisputed leader of the Gang of Three, who roam their East London estate during the holidays looking for fun. But one night after the Gang leave a late night rap club, Martin accepts a ride from Pete, a Raider's Posse gang member. 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Benjamin Zephaniah draws on his own experiences with school and the music business to create a novel that speaks with passion and immediacy about the rap scene.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRay has trouble at home, and he has trouble at school – until he’s permanently excluded and ends up sleeping on the floor of a record shop. What happens to a boy like Ray? If he’s lucky, maybe he gets a chance to shine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe story of three boys who aren’t easy. They don’t fit in. They seem to attract trouble. But they know what they want, and they’ve got the talent to back it up ...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrilliantly written and with a real ear for dialogue, fans of Angie Thomas and Malorie Blackman will love Benjamin Zephaniah's novels for young adult readers: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eRefugee Boy\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eFace\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eGangsta Rap\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eTeacher's Dead\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43204359913650,"sku":"9781408895009","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781408895009.jpg?v=1786019534"},{"product_id":"9781471168956","title":"The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah","description":"\u003cb\u003e*A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week*\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Benjamin Zephaniah, who travelled the world for his art and his humanitarianism, tells the one story that encompasses it all: the story of his life.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In the early 1980s when punks and Rastas were on the streets protesting about unemployment, homelessness and the National Front, Benjamin’s poetry could be heard at demonstrations, outside police stations and on the dance floor. His mission was to take poetry everywhere, and to popularise it by reaching people who didn’t read books.\u003cb\u003e His poetry was political, musical, radical and relevant\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e By the early 1990s, Benjamin had performed on every continent in the world (a feat which he achieved in only one year) and he hasn’t stopped performing and touring since. Nelson Mandela, after hearing Benjamin’s tribute to him while he was in prison, requested an introduction to the poet that grew into a lifelong relationship, inspiring Benjamin’s work with children in South Africa. Benjamin would also go on to be the first artist to record with The Wailers after the death of Bob Marley in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah\u003c\/i\u003e is a truly extraordinary life story which celebrates the power of poetry and the importance of pushing boundaries with the arts. \u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43204438491314,"sku":"9781471168956","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781471168956_baa97b21-731f-478a-8917-a4b7883f86e7.jpg?v=1786020511"},{"product_id":"9781915569202","title":"Leave the Trees, Please - Highly Commended, 2025 Wainwright Prize","description":"Winner of the Margaret Mallett Award 2026Follow a little boy's friendship and journey with one tree, in this powerful and beautiful love letter to nature.   From master wordsmith, Benjamin Zephaniah, comes a breathtaking new poem and story showing how trees offer us the perspective and connection to nature we crave in our daily lives. The final scene is an honest representation of the devastating effects of deforestation and urban development, encouraging all of us, everywhere, to 'leave the trees, please'.   With resplendent illustrations from bestselling Melissa Castrillón, this book is both magnificent and timely. Also available in hardback.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":57697032601973,"sku":"9781917366823","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":55206035980661,"sku":"9781915569202","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781917366823.jpg?v=1793083515"},{"product_id":"9780007336456","title":"Benjamin Zephaniah: My Story","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuild your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelFind out what it's like to be a famous poet, author and performer in this autobiography by Benjamin Zephaniah.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLearn what it was like growing up in a house of seven children, meeting Nelson Mandela and how he sets about writing poetry, all told through his own voice and accompanied by artwork from Kate Greenaway winning illustrator Victor Ambrus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiamond\/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn autobiographyA timeline on pages 54 and 55 presents the key events in Benjamin Zephaniah's life chronologically, allowing plenty of recapping and further discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCurriculum Links: Citizenship: Living in a diverse worldThis book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56220247490933,"sku":"9780007336456","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780007336456_2a7e2b2a-2ca5-4268-87c6-ef7cbf309a9e.jpg?v=1785658960"},{"product_id":"9780141362960","title":"Talking Turkeys","description":"\u003cp\u003eA reissue of TALKING TURKEYS by street poet Benjamin Zephaniah. \u003ci\u003eTalking Turkeys \u003c\/i\u003eis an unconventional collection of straight-talking poems about heroes, revolutions, racism, love and animal rights, among other subjects, that will entice many new readers to poetry. It is his very first ground-breaking children's poetry collection - playful, clever and provocative - this is performance poetry on the page at its very best.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBenjamin Zephaniah was born in Birmingham and then spent some of his early years in Jamaica. He came to London when he was 22 and his first book of poetry for adults was published soon after. He appears regularly on radio and TV including a Desert Island Discs appearance, literary festivals, and has also taken part in plays and films. He is most well-known for his performance poetry with a political edge for both children and adults and gritty teenage fiction. His collections \u003ci\u003eTalking Turkeys,\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eWicked World\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eFunky Chickens\u003c\/i\u003e broke new ground in children's poetry. 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There's plenty of humour as well as poems on racism, pollution and the murder of a cat.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56227894591861,"sku":"9780241354568","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241354568_5a5732ed-be9e-4937-b882-288500d6ca66.jpg?v=1786012718"},{"product_id":"9780435233440","title":"Face: The Play","description":"Benjamin Zephaniah and Richard Conlon deal with issues such as prejudice, drugs and disfigurement in this vibrant, gritty adaptation of Zephaniah's bestselling novel for young people.Everything is going Martin's way. The holidays have started, he's got a gorgeous girlfriend and everyone agrees he's the coolest dancer around. But when his world is turned upside down by a crash in a stolen car, he has to come to terms with more than his facial injuries...This is a powerful, exciting and accessible play. It contains relevant, gritty, contemporary issues and dialogue. It offers stimulating activities in the book and a free scheme of work available to download on publication.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56290145894773,"sku":"9780435233440","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780435233440_2d01b393-e016-498b-9c33-26edc293d96a.jpg?v=1786013732"},{"product_id":"9780702311161","title":"We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me","description":"A powerfully moving and beautiful picture book about      the voyage of HMT Empire Windrush from national treasure,      Benjamin Zephaniah.         The hopes, dreams and bravery of the Windrush generation are expressed      in this vivid story through the real-life experiences of      Trinidadian musician, Mona Baptiste.         Written as a brand-new poem by Benjamin Zephaniah, the book is      beautifully illustrated by the extraordinary artist, Onyinye Iwu.               The arrival of the Windrush in 1948 is celebrated each      year on Windrush Day, 22 June      Benjamin recently won a BAFTA for his Sky Arts show, Life      \u0026amp; Rhymes, a showcase of some of Britain's finest poets      This book is perfect for teaching young children about inclusivity      and diversity      Praise for Windrush Child:            'An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy      adventure and want to learn more about the Windrush generation's      experience. Essential reading' Alex Wheatle","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56295786578293,"sku":"9780702311161","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780702311161_1ea41ee1-23fa-49ee-a9da-a5fbe294fa49.jpg?v=1786014539"},{"product_id":"9781350171916","title":"Refugee Boy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAn eye for an eye. It’s very simple. You choose your homeland like a hyena picking and choosing where he steals his next meal from. Scavenger. Yes you grovel to the feet of Mengistu and when his people spit at you and kick you from the bowl you scuttle across the border. Scavenger.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a violent civil war rages back home in Ethiopia, teenager Alem and his father are in a bed and breakfast in Berkshire. It's his best holiday ever. The next morning his father is gone and has left a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. This strange grey country of England is now his home. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn his own, and in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council, Alem lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear something from his father. Then he meets car-obsessed Mustapha, the lovely 'out-of-your-league' Ruth and dangerous Sweeney – three unexpected allies who spur him on in his fight to be seen as more than just the Refugee Boy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Lemn Sissay's remarkable stage adaptation of Benjamin Zephaniah's bestselling novel is published here in the Methuen Drama Student Edition series, featuring commentary \u0026amp; notes by Professor Lynette Goddard (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK) that help the student unpack the play's themes, language, structure and production history to date.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56298040787317,"sku":"9781350171916","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781350171916_c9226eee-a107-4fbe-8510-193d65c06e47.jpg?v=1786033987"},{"product_id":"9781408895016","title":"Teacher's Dead","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe playful, obstinate and courageously humorous tone of Zephaniah's writing shines through ... hilarious and later heartbreaking'\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eGuardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA teacher is dead, murdered by two of his students in front of the whole school.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRight in front of Jackson Jones.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut Mr Joseph was a good man – people liked him, respected him. 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A shocking, moving and timely novel about the choices that shape us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRico knows trouble. He knows the look of it and the sound of it. He also knows to stay away from it as best he can. Because if there's one thing his Romany background has taught him, it's that he will always be a suspect. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite his efforts to stay on the right side of the law, Rico is angry and frustrated at the injustices he sees happening at home and around the world. He wants to do something - but what? When he is approached by Speech, a mysterious man who shares Rico's hacktivist interests, Rico is given the perfect opportunity to speak out. After all, what harm can a peaceful cyber protest do...?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom the bestselling author of REFUGEE BOY comes a powerful novel about justice, trust and idealism gone wrong that will make you look again at your definition of a terrorist.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301032997237,"sku":"9781471417634","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781471417634_b8f30aa0-fed2-4a7e-8f75-c23db1fe29ce.jpg?v=1786020579"},{"product_id":"9781780377414","title":"Dis Poetry","description":"Benjamin Zephaniah (1958-2023) was a writer and performer of extraordinary range: an oral poet, novelist, playwright, children’s writer, reggae artist, actor, television personality and political activist. Born and raised in Birmingham, he was sent to an approved school for being uncontrollable, rebellious and ‘a born failure’, ending up in jail for burglary and affray. After prison he turned from crime to music and poetry. He was later nominated for Oxford Professor of Poetry, and voted Britain’s third favourite poet of all time (after T.S. Eliot and John Donne) in a BBC poll.   Benjamin was a poet who wouldn't stay silent, who didn't pull any punches, who wrote out of a sense of urgency and a commitment to social justice. Known for his performance poetry with a political edge for adults as well as his poetry with attitude for children, he had his own rap\/reggae band. He was the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley, in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela, which Mandela heard while in prison on Robben Island.   Dis Poetry brings together all the poems from Benjamin’s three Bloodaxe collections, City Psalms (1992), Propa Propaganda (1996) and Too Black, Too Strong (2001), as well as some from The Dread Affair (1985), along with previously unpublished work and lyrics from various recordings.   The book includes a QR code giving access to Pamela Robertson-Pearce's feature film To Do Wid Me originally released as a DVD-book in 2015 – enabling you to see and hear Benjamin performing in full over 20 of the poems in Dis Poetry on your phone while reading the book.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303291728245,"sku":"9781780377414","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781780377414_0b07b306-aa35-4965-af36-c47057284d6b.jpg?v=1786025390"},{"product_id":"9781852243722","title":"Propa Propaganda","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePropa Propaganda\u003c\/em\u003e was Benjamin Zephaniah's second collection from Bloodaxe. It includes some of his best-known poems, including 'I Have a Scheme', 'The Death of Joy Gardner', 'White Comedy' and 'The Angry Black Poet'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest known for his performance poetry with a political edge for adults - and his poetry with attitude for children - Zephaniah had his own rap\/reggae band. He produced numerous recordings, including \u003cem\u003eDub Ranting\u003c\/em\u003e (1982), \u003cem\u003eRasta\u003c\/em\u003e (1983), \u003cem\u003eUs and Dem\u003c\/em\u003e (1990), \u003cem\u003eBack to Roots\u003c\/em\u003e (1995), \u003cem\u003eBelly of de Beast\u003c\/em\u003e (1996) and \u003cem\u003eNaked\u003c\/em\u003e (2004). He was the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley, in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela, which Mandela heard while in prison on Robben Island. Their later meetings led to Zephaniah working with children in South African townships and hosting the President's Two Nations Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis first book of poems, \u003cem\u003ePen Rhythm\u003c\/em\u003e, was produced in 1980 by a small East London publishing cooperative, Page One Books. His second collection, \u003cem\u003eThe Dread Affair\u003c\/em\u003e, was published by Hutchinson's short-lived Arena imprint in 1985. 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It includes some of his best-known poems, including 'Dis Poetry', 'Money' and 'Us and Dem'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest known for his performance poetry with a political edge for adults - and his poetry with attitude for children - Zephaniah has his own rap\/reggae band. He has produced numerous recordings, including \u003cem\u003eDub Ranting\u003c\/em\u003e (1982), \u003cem\u003eRasta\u003c\/em\u003e (1983), \u003cem\u003eUs and Dem\u003c\/em\u003e (1990), \u003cem\u003eBack to Roots\u003c\/em\u003e (1995), \u003cem\u003eBelly of de Beast\u003c\/em\u003e (1996) and \u003cem\u003eNaked\u003c\/em\u003e (2004). He was the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley, in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela, which Mandela heard while in prison on Robben Island. Their later meetings led to Zephaniah working with children in South African townships and hosting the President's Two Nations Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis first book of poems, \u003cem\u003ePen Rhythm\u003c\/em\u003e, was produced in 1980 by a small East London publishing cooperative, Page One Books. His second collection, \u003cem\u003eThe Dread Affair\u003c\/em\u003e, was published by Hutchinson's short-lived Arena imprint in 1985. 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It addresses the struggles of black Britain more forcefully than all his previous books. With poems like 'Chant of a Homesick Nigga' and 'Kill Them Before Ramadan', he showed he was a poet who wouldn't stay silent, who didn't pull any punches, writing out of a sense of urgency and a commitment to social justice. He opened this hard-hitting and blackly funny book of poems with an outspoken comment on where he came from, setting his poetry against the political landscape of Britain. The book includes poems written while he was working with Michael Mansfield QC and other Tooks barristers on the Stephen Lawrence case.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest known for his performance poetry with a political edge for adults - and his poetry with attitude for children - Zephaniah had his own rap\/reggae band. He produced numerous recordings, including \u003cem\u003eDub Ranting\u003c\/em\u003e (1982), \u003cem\u003eRasta\u003c\/em\u003e (1983), \u003cem\u003eUs and Dem\u003c\/em\u003e (1990), \u003cem\u003eBack to Roots\u003c\/em\u003e (1995), \u003cem\u003eBelly of de Beast\u003c\/em\u003e (1996) and \u003cem\u003eNaked\u003c\/em\u003e (2004). He was the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley, in a musical tribute to Nelson Mandela, which Mandela heard while in prison on Robben Island. Their later meetings led to Zephaniah working with children in South African townships and hosting the President's Two Nations Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1996.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis first book of poems, \u003cem\u003ePen Rhythm\u003c\/em\u003e, was produced in 1980 by a small East London publishing cooperative, Page One Books. His second collection, \u003cem\u003eThe Dread Affair\u003c\/em\u003e, was published by Hutchinson's short-lived Arena imprint in 1985. 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You'll find loads of cool people who make up our world in this rapping, happening hip-hop collection. From the South Pole to Mongolia and the Himalayas, this is a real world tour of poems about people and places, cultures and nationalities across our planet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncludes poems about Inuits, Celts, the history of Britain, Maories, the Dalai Lama, the North and South Poles, and much more - a rhyming round-the-world trip.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePoems that bounce up from the page and demand to be read, rapped, sung and hip-hopped aloud - \u003ci\u003eIndependent on Sunday\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56311571087733,"sku":"9780141306834","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141306834_623b796e-3f2f-4243-9e2f-d6292206060d.jpg?v=1786011101"},{"product_id":"9780241789704","title":"Let Dem Know","description":"A playful, funny and thought-provoking collection from the iconic Benjamin Zephaniah. Poems packed with wisdom and laughter, poems that cherish and challenge our world, poems that delight in our differences and similarities.   ‘Dere’s a SonnetUnder me bonnetDere’s a EpicIn me ear‘Dere’s a NovelIn me navelDere’s a ClassicHere somewhere’From veggies and vocabulary to pollution and revolution, this new anthology brings together Benjamin Zephaniah’s greatest rhymes, along with a previously unpublished poem and a brand-new foreword by George the Poet.   Timeless and essential, Let Dem Know is the perfect introduction to a true original – and inspiration for the young writers, speakers and thinkers of the future.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56367903113589,"sku":"9780241789704","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241789704_e1933ee2-dace-451d-97b1-178b9974479e.jpg?v=1786033280"},{"product_id":"9780702344497","title":"Windrush Child: Graphic Novel","description":"In this heart-stopping story, Benjamin Zephaniah shows      us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation.         Leonard is shocked when he arrives to the cold, grey shores of      England from warm Jamaica and struggles to adjust to his new life.         His parents say they moved to Great Britain in order to make a      better life, so he does his best not to complain, even when the      food tastes different, he struggles to make friends, and even when      people hurt him with their words.         How does a 10-year-old boy so far from home learn to adapt      to his new life despite moving away from his grandma and everything      he loves?      Now adapted into graphic novel form and illustrated by      Markia Jenai, this powerful story about being a child of the Windrush      generation is guaranteed to make an impact.         ***      'An invaluable story for any      young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about      the Windrush generation's experience. Essential reading'      – Alex Wheatle      'Zephaniah pulls no punches      in his depictions of the racism that Leonard suffers both at school      and in the streets in a powerful, moving account of family and      fitting in' – iNews            Based on real historical events      of Windrush, Benjamin Zephaniah shows readers an important      time in Britain       Perfect for teaching children about      inclusivity and diversity      With dynamic illustrations      that bring Benjamin Zephaniah's characters to life.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56368134160757,"sku":"9780702344497","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780702344497_97c7b44b-2069-4833-bec0-d363ca654046.jpg?v=1786033272"},{"product_id":"9781408368183","title":"A Poem in the Sky","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA joyful picture book that \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003ecelebrates the magic of poetry,\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e from the award-winning makers of \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eNature Trail\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e and \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePeople Need People.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere's a poem on your face\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere's a poem in the sky\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere's a poem in outta space\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere are poems passing by\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePoems are EVERYWHERE - in your dreams, on your fingers and in your teeth! 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This anthology brings together poetry from poet laureates such as Jackie Kay, prize-winning poets such as Fred D'Aguiar, internationally renowned poets such as Linton Kwesi Johnson, leaders and activists such as Marcus Garvey, John La Rose and Una Marson; there are also a significant number of poets in the community whose stories of everyday struggle have until now remained unpublished and unheard.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56368837984629,"sku":"9781408773284","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781408773284_a23ec2e5-06ea-4c5d-b066-4a05845e3157.jpg?v=1786034410"},{"product_id":"9781444981094","title":"Benjamin Zephaniah's What Stephen Lawrence Has Taught Us","description":"\u003cp\u003eA ground-breaking poem on the legacy of Stephen Lawrence from national treasure Benjamin Zephaniah.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\"The death of Stephen Lawrence\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eHas taught us to love each other...\"\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith extra information provided alongside Benjamin's powerful words and Joelle Avelino's striking illustration, this book is an indispensable tool for helping children aged 9+ to understand identity, diversity, justice, respect and racism.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56368859513205,"sku":"9781444981094","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781444981094_ce121433-4846-4c0b-9e1b-f44eef97386e.jpg?v=1786020484"},{"product_id":"big-cat-progress-being-cool","title":"Being Cool","description":"Written by award-winning author, poet and performer Benjamin Zephaniah, this modern story follows Jaden’s first few weeks at his new secondary school. 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Yes you grovel to the feet of Mengistu and when his people spit at you and kick you from the bowl you scuttle across the border. Scavenger.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a violent civil war rages back home, teenager Alem and his father are in a B\u0026amp;B in Berkshire. It's his best holiday ever. The next morning his father is gone and has left a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. This strange grey country of England is now his home. On his own, and in the hands of the social services and the Refugee Council, he lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear something from his father. 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