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Benjamin Zephaniah
Benjamin Zephaniah is a twin (he has a sister). He was born in
Birmingham but spent much of his childhood in Jamaica. He can't
remember a time when he wasn't creating poetry. He never enjoyed
school - partly because nobody at the time recognised that he is
dyslexic.
Benjamin writes poems which are funny but which have a
serious message as well. He is a passionate vegan and many of his
poems are about animal rights. He is also concerned about racial
and social issues, and is a pacifist.
Audiences so loved Benjamin's performances that his
poems began to be published in anthologies. Collections such as
Funky Chickens and Talking Turkeys broke through cultural, social
and racial barriers and established Benjamin as one of the foremost
poets of his day.
More recently, Benjamin has begun to write novels that
explore new subjects in simple and refreshingly different
ways.
He now does a lot of work with charities, including
the Hackney Empire Theatre and the Umoja Housing Co-operative. He
is often on tour and broadcasts frequently on radio and TV.
Wicked World
Perfect to read aloud, this collection of rap poems has an international theme and celebrates the differences between people, places and cultures. (8+)
Published in Puffin Books
Funky Chickens
With its hip hop rhythms and joyful language, this vibrant collection was described as “poetry with attitude”. (9+)
Published in Puffin Books
Talking Turkeys
A collection of straight-talking poems on every subject under the sun: animal rights, revolutions, and racism, to name but a few. Benjamin Zephaniah makes poetry fun. (10+)
Published in Puffin Books
Refugee boy
Alem is lonely, confused and homesick, left behind in England by his father who has hopes of a better way of life for him. When he is taken into a foster home, he gradually comes to terms with what has happened to him, but lives in dread that he will never see his parents again. An eye-opening story about the true plight of refugees. (11+)
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Face
After the crash, Martin wakes up in hospital with terrible burns. The worst damage is to his face. Months of reconstruction work follow and Martin learns to live with the new face and, more importantly, to deal with the hostility and prejudice of looking 'different'. (12+)
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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