Introduced by newsreader, presenter, and Barnardo's president Natasha Kaplinsky, Letters From Lockdown features 100+ letters from celebrity names, COVID heroes, and a diverse range of members of the public, all answering the question - 'What was lockdown like for you?'

Contributors include: Paul McCartney · Joe Wicks · Malala Yousafzai · Helen Mirren · Cressida Cowell · Mary Berry · Richard Branson · Peppa Pig · Andy Murray · Helena Bonham Carter · Lenny Henry · Bruno Tonioli · Romesh Ranganathan · The family of Captain Tom · Bear Grylls · Charly Cox · Dr Alex George · Jacqueline Wilson · Matt Lucas · Monica Galetti · Kelly Holmes · Bill Gates· Sir Mo Farah and many more.

The publisher will donate all profits, which will be a minimum of £1.50 for each copy of the book sold, to Barnardo's (registered charity in England and Wales no. 216250), who do important work to protect and support the UK's most vulnerable children, more in need now than ever.

The letter writers include doctors and nurses, care home staff and vaccinators, train drivers and hairdressers, teachers and environmentalists - people who have been on the frontline in tackling the pandemic, or in trying to get the world back on its feet. Other letters document the unforgettable lighter moments of the past year: interviews crashed by children, TikTok triumphs and disasters, and Goats joining Zoom meetings. Each offers their unique perspective on the year everything changed.

Other contributors include: Al Gore; Alexandra Shulman, Davina McCall, Toby Regbo, Trevor McDonald, Jo Malone, Keir Starmer, Boris Johnson, Mark Ronson, Maro Itoje, Nicola Adams, Raymond Blanc, Richard Curtis and Emma Freud, Chris Van Dusen, Sita Brahmachari, Sophie Gonzales, Hayden Kays, Tim Peake, Sean Fitzpatrick, and Joan Collins.

The idea for the book came from Natasha Kaplinsky's children, Arlo and Kika. They wrote an open letter, wanting to understand other people's experiences of lockdown. Their question, 'What was lockdown like for you?' is the prompt; the collection of letters in response form the book. As we keep our fingers crossed that this summer will bring a safe end to restrictions, this mixture of funny, sad, heart-warming, surprising, heroic and honest experiences will mark the start of a period of reflection.

A mesmerising story about a young Black girl growing up in America, finding a home and discovering her voice - a multi-award winning New York Times bestseller and President Obama's 'O' Book Club pick. Brown Girl Dreaming is the unforgettable story of Jacqueline Woodson's childhood, sharing what it was like to grow up as an African-American in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, and discovering the first sparks of an incredible, lifelong gift for writing. It's packed with wonderful reflections on family and on place, in a way that will appeal to readers from 11 to adult. Emotionally charged and touching, each line tells the tale of one girl's search to find her voice, her identity and her place in the world. This book has been a bestseller in the US for almost a decade, winning every accolade and prize including the prestigious Newbery Honor Award, and is now made available to readers in the UK for the first time.

Explore the lives of the Windrush generation in this full-colour anthology. With a foreword from Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE. This book presents 12 moving tales of sacrifice and bravery, inspired by first-hand accounts of the Windrush generation. "Home ain't jus' where you live. Home is your heart an' yer history." Each inspiring story helps to bring the real experience of Black British people into focus. Produced in partnership with Black Cultural Archives to honour the Windrush generation. Includes ten photo-packed fact sections. The contributors: K. N. Chimbiri, Kevin George, Salena Godden, Judy Hepburn, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Kirsty Latoya, Katy Massey, E. L. Norry, Quincy the Comedian, Jermain Jackman. With cover art by Joelle Avelino. Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of Black people in Britain. 50p from every copy sold goes to BCA.

Stories oor die pyn en vreugdes van verlief wees. Stories oor die waagmoed, twyfel en uitdagings van jonk wees. Stories wat jou sal laat glimlag of ’n traan laat wegvee. Stories wat wéét hoe dit voel om sestien te wees.

Bekende skrywers soos Christine Barkhuizen le Roux, Christo Davids, Carina Diedericks-Hugo, Nelia Engelbrecht, Jaco Fouché, HemelBesem, Jaco Jacobs, Eldridge Jason, Anzil Kulsen, Christien Neser, Nathan Trantraal, Jan van Tonder, Jan Vermeulen, Elizabeth Wasserman en Fanie Viljoen span saam met ’n klompie opwindende nuwe stemme in hierdie fantastiese nuwe bloemlesing wat op ouer tieners gemik is.

Marieta Nel en Adinda Vermaak het as samestellers reeds twee topverkoper-kortverhaalbundels die lig laat sien: Sweef (2009) en Skreeu (2010). Albei bloemlesings het wyd lof ingeoes en is landwyd deur skole voorgeskryf. Hul nuutste bloemlesing bevat 28 splinternuwe stories deur van die mees gerekende skrywers in Afrikaans. Dit is gemik op lesers in graad 10 en 11 en is net so vars, vernuwend en toeganklik soos sy voorgangers.

Buddy the Orangutan lives happily in the tangle of tall trees when he suddenly encounters the diggers destroying his magnificent rainforest home. Brave Buddy gets more than he bargained for and needs help from his rescuers to ensure a happy ending. Buddy's Rainforest Rescue is based on true events and it is this powerful message which invites children and adults alike to question the impact of palm oil and deforestation on our environment. With ideas and activities which reinforce the story this is a book which will inspire children to make changes to the world around them. There is a huge growing national and international consciousness about the dangers of palm oil and deforestation and it is important to teach children about this devastating global issue without overwhelming them or shocking them. The Wild Tribe Heroes series of books guides young readers through the issues in a gentle and friendly way together with further information to inspire children to make changes to their own and their families lives. Sold over 30,000 books in the series in just 2 years ; No 1 bestselling books ; Personal letters of congratulations from Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles ; All books are based on true stories which means that children are more connected to the issue. ; Featured in national media - BBC, ITV, Guardian, Huffington Post and Mail on Sunday ; Sold by WH Smiths, Waterstones, National Trust, RNLI, Surfers Against Sewage, #2MinuteBeachClean. ; Stocked by over 250 museums, national libraries, bookshops and gift shops, zero waste and farm shops and major tourist attractions such as The Eden Project and London & Chester Zoos ; Reached over a million children worldwide in schools ; Translated into 15 different languages so far

This inspirational and dazzlin' story of Dolly Parton-noted singer, songwriter, and humanitarian-follows her rise to fame, from her beginnings in East Tennessee to performing to thousands at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Dolly is a little girl with a BIG voice. Music fills Dolly's heart so plumb full she has to let it out! She'll even sing to her cornhusk dolls or a pen full of pigs. She makes her own drum from a pot and her own guitar from a broken mandolin. But what Dolly dreams of is performing for a real audience-people who would hear her sing, and applaud! And when she gets her big break at age ten, the soul-singin' and big-dreamin' Dolly discovers she's scared to sing on stage in front of all those people. Will she summon up all of her courage and make it to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville? Young readers will learn about Dolly's early history, her endless creativity, and her plucky perseverance in this entertaining picture book that's perfect for fans of all ages.

On the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, discover the inspirational biography of Anne Frank - the girl who refused to give up hope, even in the darkest of times. In 1942, Anne Frank was given the gift of a red-and-white checked diary for her thirteenth birthday. Nearly one month later Anne and her family went into hiding to escape the persecution of the Nazis, and so the diary of her life in hiding began. In this book, children can learn what life was like in the Secret Annex set to the background of tense radio news reports and constant fear of the ongoing war, as well as reading about Anne's thoughts, hopes and dreams of a better future. Packaged in a beautiful slipcase and featuring a red-and-white checked folder of additional content to personalise, including maps, recipes, drawings, letters to the future, story prompts, and much more. Readers can discover more about Anne, the Holocaust, and be inspired to keep their own diary.

The festive standalone from James and Bob, the stars of the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob. Now a major motion picture starring Luke Treadaway as James and Bob himself. STREET CAT BOB and James, stars of the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob and The World According to Bob that touched millions of hearts around the world, return in a festive standalone special as they spend a cold and challenging December on the streets of London together in a new adventure. From the day James rescued a street cat abandoned in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, they began a friendship which has transformed both their lives and, through the bestselling books A Street Cat Named Bob and The World According to Bob, touched millions around the world. In this new story of their journey together, James looks back at the last Christmas they spent scraping a living on the streets and how Bob helped him through one of his toughest times - providing strength, friendship and inspiration but also teaching him important lessons about the true meaning of Christmas along the way. Now a major motion picture starring Luke Treadaway as James and Bob himself, coming November 6.

Inspired by true events, this story of strength, family, and culture shares the awe-inspiring resilience of Elder Betty Ross. Abandoned as a young child, Betsy is adopted into a loving family. A few short years later, at the age of 8, everything changes. Betsy is taken away to a residential school. There she is forced to endure abuse and indignity, but Betsy recalls the words her father spoke to her at Sugar Falls--words that give her the resilience, strength, and determination to survive. Sugar Falls is based on the true story of Betty Ross, Elder from Cross Lake First Nation. We wish to acknowledge, with the utmost gratitude, Betty's generosity in sharing her story. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Sugar Falls goes to support the bursary program for The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation. This 10th-anniversary edition brings David A. Robertson's national bestseller to life in full colour, with a foreword by The Hon. Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and a touching afterword from Elder Betty Ross herself.

You've likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? As one of twelve children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly was determined to be seen and heard. From her front porch to her church choir, every stage was an opportunity to perform and share her many talents. While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen. With lilting language and vibrant artwork, this childhood story captures the unique gifts of Dolly Parton, while also honoring the measures of her success: resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.

Pirates are an enduring popular subject, depicted often in songs, stories, and Halloween costumes. Yet the truth about pirate women—who they were, why they went to sea, and what their lives were really like—is seldom a part of the conversation. In this Seven Seas history of the world’s female buccaneers, A Pirate's Life for She tells the story of 16 women who through the ages who sailed alongside—and sometimes in command of—their male counterparts. These women came from all walks of life but had one thing in common: a desire for freedom. History has largely ignored these female swashbucklers, until now. Here are their stories, from ancient Norse princess Alfhild to Sayyida al-Hurra of the Barbary corsairs; from Grace O’Malley, who terrorized shipping operations around the British Isles during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; to Cheng I Sao, who commanded a fleet of 1,400 ships off China in the early 19th century. Author Laura Sook Duncombe takes an honest look at these women, acknowledging that they are not easy heroines: they are lawbreakers. A Pirate's Life for She tells their full stories, focusing on the reasons they became pirates. It is possible to admire the courage, determination, and skills these women possessed without endorsing her actions. These are the remarkable stories of women who took control of their own destinies in a world where the odds were against them, empowering young women to reach for their own dreams.

Follow the fearless highs and dangerous lows of the Wright brothers in their quest to take to the skies in this courageous - and true - story of the pioneers of flight. The Wright brothers dared to dream of being the first men in the world to fly... but would they ever see their dreams take flight? The golden age of aviation is brought vividly to life in this story of determination, ingenuity, and courage from Adam Hancher.

No fiction can match the excitement of this real-life tale of suspense and survival. Eva Bromberg and Rysio Sokal had the misfortune of coming into adolescence just as the Germans invaded their homeland in 1939. We Who Lived is a personal memoir, authentic and true in fact and feeling. It is a tale of fear, danger, courage, resilience, and hope. Eva (later Hava) evaded the Germans and was never caught and never sent to a concentration camp. She survived entirely on her own, in total isolation from anyone she knew and could trust. Never hidden, she lived in the midst of Polish population, always on guard, aware of the danger of being discovered and betrayed. Rysio (later Ephraim) seventeen at the outbreak of World War II grew up in the bosom of a prosperous and loving family. His idyllic youth was, however, embedded in the atmosphere of raising Polish nationalism and anti-Semitism. Following the Soviet occupation of his home town in eastern Poland, he and his family were deported to Siberia by the Soviet authorities as prisoners and "enemies of the people." A tragedy at the time, this deportation ultimately saved their lives. Liberated from Siberia by the German attack on the Soviet Union in 1941 and the resulting change in political alliances, he fought the Germans within the Polish Navy and the British armed forces. Reaching Palestine he joined the Israel Defense Forces, was wounded in battle to defend the fledgling State of Israel. With War's end, both Hava and Ephraim faced new realities and challenges, survival in a world they were hardly prepared for, and the need for education, profession, new goals and loyalties. They met in 1947, both young, and hopeful. Written in the first person, unique in its authenticity, simplicity and sincerity. We Who Lived is not just a lesson in history, but a terrific reading adventure. It is a glorious story of spirits triumphant over some of the worst human savagery our world has endured.

A gripping graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001, in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad's best friend at the fire department where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas's parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan. The next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It's a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle's firehouse, everything changes - and nothing will ever be the same again. Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in bold graphic novels. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series These graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages Includes a non-fiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.

A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords. When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn't at all what Floella had expected. Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella's experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy. This is a true story with a powerful message: that courage and determination can always overcome adversity.

Hope in a Ballet Shoe tells the story of Michaela DePrince. Growing up in war-torn Sierra Leone, she witnessed atrocities that no child ever should. Her father was killed by rebels and her mother died of famine. Sent to an orphanage, Michaela was mistreated and saw the brutal murder of her favourite teacher. Then Michaela and her best friend are adopted by an American couple, and Michaela begins to take dance lessons. But life in the States isn't without difficulties. Unfortunately, tragedy can find its way to Michaela in America, too, and her past can feel like it's haunting her. The world of ballet is a racist one, and Michaela has to fight for a place amongst the ballet elite, hearing the words 'America's not ready for a black girl ballerina.' And yet . . . Today, Michaela DePrince is an international ballet star, dancing for The Dutch National Ballet at the age of nineteen. This is a heart-breaking, inspiring autobiography by a teenager who shows us that, beyond everything, there is always hope for a better future.

Or Danger Man Divyanshu Ganatra, who lost his sight as a teenager before he became India's first solo paraglider. Or Turtle Doctor Supraja Dharini, who has helped over 18 lakh baby turtles return safely to the wild. These lionhearts faced their fears and achieved their dreams to prove that you can too!

From best friends James Bowen and street cat Bob, stars of the number one bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob, comes a special edition of The World According to Bob for children aged 11 and above. Best friends James Bowen and street cat Bob have been on a remarkable journey together. In the years since their story ended in BOB: NO ORDINARY CAT James, with Bob's help, has begun to find his way in the world. Along with the adventures and the fun there have been tough times too, but through moments of real danger and sometimes illness Bob has always been there as James' protector and guardian angel. FOR THE LOVE OF BOB is the is the incredible story of James and Bob's life-saving friendship, and the lessons James has learnt from his street-wise cat.

The story of a boy, a dog, and the storm of the century is brought vividly to life in this graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005, with text adapted by Georgia Ball. Barry's family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when his little sister gets terribly sick, they're forced to stay home and wait out the storm. At first, Katrina doesn't seem to be as bad as predicted. But overnight the levees break, and Barry's world is literally torn apart. He's swept off by the floodwaters, away from his family. Can he survive the storm of the century alone? Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.

Celebrate 25 amazing women throughout history with Mudpuppy's Little Feminist Picture Book. With easy to process words by Yelena Moroz Alpert and colorful illustrations by Lydia Ortiz and Patrick Rafanan, this book is the perfect way to introduce young children to these inspiring women. Features artists, scientists, politicians, athletes and much more! - 52 pages - Book Trim: 9.25 x 9.25 - Hardcover with soft-touch finish"

A New York Times bestseller

The wolf star, brightest of all in the summer sky, shines over my home ground. I know every hidden lake and rocky ridge, but if my pack is not in the mountains, then it is no home to me. I feel a howl deep inside, but dare not let it out.

Swift lives with his pack in the mountains, until one day his home and family are lost. Alone and starving, Swift must make a choice: stay and try to eke out a desperate life on the borders of his old hunting grounds, or strike out and find a new place to call home. The journey Swift must go on is long and full of peril for a lone wolf, and he'll need to take every chance he can. Will he find the courage to survive all by himself?

Inspired by a true story, A Wolf Called Wander is about family, courage and survival. With beautiful illustrations from artist Mónica Armiño and an extra factual section about wolves and their environment, this book is perfect for animal lovers.

Lyrical, inspiring, and affecting text paired with bright, appealing illustrations make Ready to Fly perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere who are ready to leap and to spread their wings! Ready to Fly is the true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl who falls in love with ballet after seeing Swan Lake on TV. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom. Although there aren't many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet. Soon Sylvia learns how to fly-how to dance-and how to dare to dream. Includes a foreword from Sylvia Townsend, a brief history of the bookmobile, an author's note, and a further reading list.

Björk, Dr Seuss, Whoopi Goldberg, Andy Warhol, Ellen MacArthur, Greta Gerwig, Andrea Bocelli, Hua Mulan ... these are men and women who all dared to be different.

Boys will be boys and girls will be girls - or so the meaningless saying goes. Because what if you're a girl and you like cage fighting? Or you're a boy and you love ballet? And what if you've always dreamed of being a scientist but you can't see anyone who looks or sounds like you, and who has left a legacy - in the form of microscopes and Bunsen burners - for you to follow?

This is the book for children who want to know about the lives of those heroes who have led the way, changing the world for the better as they go.

Following the runaway success of Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, parents asked for a celebration of role models of both genders for boys and girls within the same book. Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different is the answer. These are the extraordinary stories of 100 famous and not-so-famous men and women, every single one of them an inspiring pioneer and creative genius in their own way, who broke the mould and made their dreams come true.

Like Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, this is a beautifully illustrated, evocative and inspirational book of amazing stories of amazing people, that will delight sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, and give them the courage to be themselves.