This is the story of love, commitment and the flowering of the human spirit against the background of South Africa's apartheid. Frightened that their baby sister Dineo will die, thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother Tiro run away from their grandmother to Johannesburg to find their mother, who works there as a maid. Their journey illustrates at every turn the grim realities of apartheid - the pass laws, bantustans, racism, the breakdown of family life.The opulence of the white "Madam's" house contrasts starkly with the reality that Naledi and Tiro face - that their baby sister is suffering from starvation, not an incurable disease. This edition of Beverley Naidoo's classic story includes a special "Why You'll Love This Book" introduction by Michael Rosen, the Children's Laureate.

Op haar agtiende verjaarsdag loop Marné weg van die huis af. Weg van Die Sending waar sy grootgemaak is tussen groen valleie. Weg van die kultus met hulle tienduisend reëls wat haar hele lewe beheer.

Sy begin ’n nuwe lewe by haar tannie in Klerksdorp en probeer leer hoe om ’n doodnormale meisie te wees tussendeur die uitdagings van matriek in ’n nuwe skool. Sy maak nuwe vriende, en dan is daar die kitaarspeler met die mooi groen oë …

Maar na jare van breinspoeling en manipulasie is dit nie so maklik om weg te breek van die sendingdogtertjie wat sy eens was nie. En haar ouers en Die Sending sal nie ophou om haar te probeer opspoor nie. ’n Aangrypende grootwordverhaal oor die soeke na self, die soeke na God en die soeke na waarheid.

Hierdie treffende debuut is gebaseer op ware gebeure by die KwaSizabantu Sendingstasie in KwaZulu-Natal, waarvan die skrywer deel was.

Thlalefo’s family is constantly moving, and she doesn’t often get to establish friendships.

At a new school yet again, she strikes up a friendship with the beautiful Boitumelo and shares the story of her secret crush on Lethabo, whom she falls for when she sees him in her taxi.

As it turns out, Boitumelo is a “mean girl” – she steals Lethabo’s attention while pretending to stay friendly with Thlalefo, leaving Thlalefo to learn a hard lesson.

Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a 'Fresh New Start'. Five years ago his sister's twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn't cried in all that time.

To him Rose is just a distant memory. Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago.

When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all.

Let's get one thing straight: this is a love story.

Said Hossain hates Tiwa Olatunji. And Tiwa would happily never see Said again in her life. Growing up, the two were inseparable, but they have barely spoken since the incident many Eids ago and both of them would like to keep it that way. But when Said comes home for a funeral and the town's Islamic Centre burns down on the same day, they have to face each other again and sparks fly.

Both of them want to see the Islamic Centre rebuilt. For Tiwa, it represents the community that she loves and a way to keep her fractured family together. For Said, it's an opportunity to build his portfolio for his secret application to art school, where he hopes that he'll be able to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist, rather than a doctor.

Working with your sworn enemy is never easy, and this could be the hardest thing that Said and Tiwa have ever done. But in trying to save the Islamic Centre and Eid, could these enemies become something else...?

Ek en jy lyk dalk verskillend,
ons klink verskillend,
ons bly op verskillende plekke
en ons eet verskillende kos,
maar wanneer ek in jou oë kyk,
sien ek myself.
 
’n Warm, vertroostende boek oor vriendskap en ubuntu wat beide ons ooreenkomste en verskille vier.

Die boek is ook beskikbaar in Isizulu en Engels.

Based on historical fact, it tells the poignant story of a little girl and her Ouma who experience removal from their suburb when it is proclaimed 'white' under apartheid's Group Areas Act.

Although narrated with the voice of innocence, this novella is hugely perceptive of injustice.

There’s power in a book… They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened. Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who knows she’s going to go home and marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who. Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid…and it’s usually paid in blood. In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group delivers another searing, completely original novel and further cements his status as a “horror master” (NPR).

Kalk Bay has secrets and surprises.

James explores the beach and harbour, with its whales and fishing boats, the village clinging to the hillside, and the best revelation of all: meeting the grandmother he never knew he had. But hidden from view are the abalone poachers, to whom everyone turns a blind eye . . .

Yet, no secret is as hefty as the one James carries with him: the hideous birthmark that has kept him from the water all his life. Will he find the courage to overcome his fears?

Welcome to the page-turning, twisty, gasp-inducing world of the Debutantes - an addictive YA mystery duology from the author of #1 bestselling, TikTok sensation INHERITANCE GAMES series.

Reluctant debutante Sawyer Taft joined Southern high society for one reason and one reason alone: to identify and locate her biological father. But the answers Sawyer found during her debutante year only left her with more questions and one potentially life-ruining secret.

When her cousin Lily ropes her into joining a mysterious and elite secret society called the White Gloves, Sawyer soon discovers that someone in the group's ranks may have the answers she's looking for. Things are looking up . . . until Sawyer and the White Gloves make a disturbing discovery near the family's summer home - and uncover a twisted secret, decades in the making.

Shocking twists, family secrets, a fish-out-of water protagonist and a page-turning mystery combine in Little White Lies and Deadly Little Scandals (The Debutantes Duology) - perfect for fans coming from THE INHERITANCE GAMES series looking for their next addictive read from the Master of YA Mysteries, Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Recommended by Malala Yousafzai, The Breadwinner is the first book in Deborah Ellis's bestselling series set in Afghanistan. This award-winning novel explores loyalty, survival, family and friendship under extraordinary circumstances.

Parvana's father is arrested and taken away by Taliban soldiers. Under Taliban law, women and girls are not allowed to leave the house on their own. Parvana, her mother, and sisters are prisoners in their own home. With no man to go out to buy food, they face starvation. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner to save her family.

It is a dangerous plan, but their only chance.

In fear, she goes out, and witnesses the horror of landmines, the brutality of the Taliban, and the desperation of a country trying to survive. But even in despair lies hope . . .

Be prepared to be scared again in the nail-biting sequel to HappyHead.

FRIENDS, WELCOME TO ELMHALLOW. YOU ARE THE CHOSEN TEN.

By some miracle, Seb has survived the HappyHead programme, only to find himself stranded on a remote island under the guidance of a freakishly beautiful couple.

Far from home, Seb reluctantly teams up with Eleanor again and the pair are forced to compete in a series of ever stranger trials to prove their connection. All the while, he can’t stop thinking about Finn. Determined to find him, Seb’s search uncovers an even darker reality.

Can he escape the island and expose the sinister truth behind HappyHead?

A young monkey finds himself in an unexpected situation when he stumbles into the home of a family who love to take walks outside, read books and eat chapati.

The family take the young monkey in and care for him, showing him a new way of life that he never knew of before.

This is a tale of acceptance, compassion and great love, a story of the warmth and comfort of a forever family.

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to show children that happiness can found wherever and with whoever, as long as you are willing to accept their love.

Goue reeks is een van die heel bekendste en gewildste inheemse leesreekse met beproefde sukses oor dekades. Derduisende onderwysers en ouers het self daarmee leer lees – en dit werk steeds! Op publieke aanvraag is die volledige reeks nou weer beskikbaar. Dit volg ’n basiese benadering tot leesonderrig deur klank- en woordbouvaardighede en is gebaseer op herhaling, herkenning en inoefening. Goue reeks se hersiene uitgawe (2009) bied alles wat nodig is om jong leerders te ontwikkel in jong lesers.

This book brings to light an important message about courage, and how to stand for justice by practicing values, virtues, and love.

Justice stands up to a bully and befriends her, showing the importance of love and empathy. Inspired by the many world heroes who have stood up for justice – like Nelson Mandela, Malala, and many others.

This is the perfect story to teach children about standing up for what’s right and helping others.

A brilliant new highly-illustrated chapter book series for 5+ readers. Destiny uses her creativity to overcomes her worries. Perfect for readers moving on from Tom Percival's BIG BRIGHT FEELINGS picture books and fans of JOJO & GRAN GRAN. Destiny can't wait to go for her first ever sleepover at her best friend's house. But she also can't help feeling a little worried ... they're going to camp outside in the garden - in a tent - but also in the dark! Destiny uses her trusty sketchbook to doodle her ideas and work through her worries. She even draws some monsters but that makes her feel a bit scared again, so she makes a tent in her room to practice in. When she goes to bed, she hears some noises from the tent and finds a monster inside! But the monster isn't frightening. He's come for a sleepover but he's not sure he's ready. Can Destiny help him? After they try midnight snacks, dressing up and telling stories under the stars, Destiny realises there's nothing to be worried about after all! The next morning, the monster has disappeared, but Destiny is more ready for a sleepover than ever! "A warm and humorous book and is a perfect next stage for children aged five and over. They will love the illustrations, the relationship that Destiny has with her dad and how she doodles in her special sketchbook. I can't wait to read the next Destiny Ink book." - Laura Henry-Allain MBE, the creator of JoJo and Gran Gran

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it's not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers - like those of an artichoke - around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her. An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture - and life. Winner of the 2011 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize.

Velile, bullied at school because of being much older than the other children in his grade, hates school. Instead, he goes to the forest to hunt for birds and other animals. After his mother dies, her sister takes him in, but Emihle, his cousin, remains unaccepting of him.

Velile becomes one of the top students in their district, but unfortunately bad choices and friends involving him in illegal mining and gambling result in suspension from high school. After being spat on by a snake (meant to make him successful and wealthy) Velile is hospitalised, where he bumps into one of his old friends, now a priest. He convinces Velile to return to school and attend ABET classes.

When he meets ex-classmate Lawukazi, who had gone to Cuba to study medicine, Velile is inspired to change his ways.

Translated as "The Ghost's Treasure", this is the story of Sgegede who, with the help of a witchdoctor, digs up his late grandfather's buried treasure of Kruger rands.

He underhandedly converts them to cash with the help of some clever IT friends, but his family's sudden wealth raises eyebrows in the community, and Sgedede is consumed by a guilty conscience. His luck runs out when it emerges his grandfather might be involved in the murder of his new girlfriend's father.

Meanwhile some old "friends" turn up, also in search of the coins...

Uncle Kelly is a drag performer who lives with his nephew Eli. Eli is about to start school and he has a birthmark on his face that he is afraid he will be bullied about. Uncle Kelly helps Eli find his confidence and encourages him to love himself as he is.

Eli finds a creative way of owning his insecurity and with his new confidence makes friends and inspires other children to accept their peers, and to even express their own creativity.

A book that encourages love and acceptance and embraces otherness, What’s Wrong With Glitter is a rhyming book that is filled with bright illustrations.

Life can change in an instant. When you're wrongfully accused of a crime. When a virus shuts everything down. When the girl you love moves on. Andre Jackson is determined to claim his identity. But returning from juvie doesn't feel like coming home. His Portland, Oregon neighbourhood is rapidly gentrifying, and COVID-19 shuts down school before he can return. And Andre's suspicions about his arrest for a crime he didn't commit even taint his friendships. It's as if his whoile life has been erased. The one thing Andre is counting on is his relationship with the Whitaker kids - especially his longtime crush, Sierra. But Sierra's brother, Eric, is missing and the facts don't add up as their adoptive parents fight to keep up the act that their racially diverse family is picture-perfect. If Andre can find Eric, he just might uncover the truth about his own arrest. But in a world where power is held by a few and Andre is nearly invisible, searching for the truth is a dangerous game. Critically acclaimed author Kim Johnson delivers another social justice thriller that shines a light on being young and black in America.

Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it’s his birthday, and asks her for a “birthday hug.” He’s just being friendly, isn’t he? And how can she say no? But Callum’s hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels…weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?

But the boys don’t leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice—the one place Mila could always escape.

It doesn’t feel like flirting—so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others—and herself.

From the author of Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice.

Sometimes it only takes a stranger in a dark place... to say we have the right to be here, to make us warm in the coldest season.

In 2019, Neil Gaiman asked his Twitter followers: "What reminds you of warmth?" Over 1,000 responses later, Neil began to weave replies from across the world into a poem in aid of the UNHCR's winter appeal. It revealed our shared desire to feel safe, welcome and warm in a world that can often feel frightening and lonely.

Now publishing in hardback and illustrated by a group of artists from around the world, What You Need to Be Warm is an exploration of displacement and flight from conflict through the objects and memories that represent warmth. It is about our right to feel safe, whoever we are and wherever we are from. It is about holding out a hand to welcome those who find themselves far from home.

Featuring new, original illustrations from Chris Riddell, Benji Davies, Yuliya Gwilym, Nadine Kaadan, Daniel Egnéus, Pam Smy, Petr Horácek, Beth Suzanna, Bagram Ibatoulline, Marie-Alice Harel, Majid Adin and Richard Jones, with a thought-provoking cover from Oliver Jeffers.

Sales of every copy of this book will help support the work of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which helps forcibly displaced communities and stateless people across the world.

Cover2Cover Books is delighted to announce the publication of an anthology of short stories written in isiXhosa, Akusayi Kuphind, by emerging author Sonwabiso Ngcowa.

The stories in Akusayi Kuphind are written in language that comes straight from the daily lives of young people from urban and rural communities all over South Africa. The characters respond to the kinds of challenges faced by many South African youth.

These include families where one of the parents had to work far from home; poverty; being a single parent; abuse of women and girls; bullying in schools and loss of self-esteem; arranged marriages; HIV and AIDS; as well as same sex relationships and the way they are looked at in the communities.

Grace Mendes a.k.a. Cinderhella is a fierce competitor in the PFF, a pillow fight federation that’s part roller derby, part professional wrestling. But in this fresh, coming-of-age YA graphic novel, Grace needs to learn to overcome her biggest enemy: herself. For fans of Check, Please and Bloom.

When college freshman Grace Mendes reluctantly attends her first pillow fight match, she falls in love with the surprisingly gritty sport.

Despite her usually shy, introverted, and reserved nature, Grace decides to try out for the Pillow Fight Federation (PFF), a locally famous league of fighters with larger-than-life personas like Pain Eyre, Miss Fortune, and champion Kat Atonic. They may battle with pillows, but there is nothing soft about these fighters. The first and only rule to pillow fighting is that the pillow needs to be the first point of contact; after that, everything else goes.

Grace struggles with deep-seated body image issues, so she is especially shocked when she makes the competitive league and is welcomed into the fold of close knit, confident fighters. As her first official fight performing as newly crafted alter-ego/ring persona Cinderhella looms on the horizon, the real battle taking place is between Grace and her growing insecurities. What if people laugh or make fun of her? Why did she think she could pillow fight in the first place when she doesn’t look like your “typical” athlete?

Turns out, no one is laughing when Cinderhella dominates her first match in the ring. And as her alter-ego rises through the ranks of the PFF, gaining traction and online fame (and online trolls), can Grace use the spotlight to become an icon for not just others, but most importantly, for herself?

Pillow Talk is an inclusive, high-octane, outrageously fun graphic novel that aims a punch at the impossibly high standards set for women in sports (and otherwise) and champions the power of finding a team that will, quite literally, fight for you. A knock-out!