Growing up poor and on the move, Benjamin Zephaniah didn't tap into his true potential until he had sunk into the depths of despair. His way with words, his mother's love and his strong sense of community helped him to overcome the obstacles in his path. The moving story of a man who informs and amuses people all over the world with his love of life and his rapping rhythms. Includes excerpt of Benjamin's poetry.
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Full marks to Tamarind for their excellent biography of Benjamin Zephaniah. Children, especially boys, need positive role models and this, precisely, is what the series will provide. The text is thoroughly absorbing, perfectly pitched to its young readership and interspersed with quality illustrations and smatterings of the poet's own work. Highly recommended for children aged 9 upwards. - Junior Education
Benjamin Zephaniah is a useful and inspiring book written in language suitable for children aged 9-12, and for young people with literacy difficulties. Benjamin's story is charismatic; it drives hope into the hearts of those children who struggle with language difficulties.
The book is written in simple style and includes extracts from Benjamin's work. It is unsentimental but moving. Some of my 13 year old students from a variety of cultural backgrounds found the language unchallenging, although a large number with some literacy difficulties actually squabbled over the right to read the book.
However, as a teacher engaged in the personal and social education of young people, it seems to me that if anything speaks the success of this book, it is the daily pestering of one of my young talented black students, a boy similar to Benjamin and one who often feels alienated and unappreciated: 'Miss, the book - can I have the book?' - The Magazine of the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries
Young readers are implicitly advised to follow their dreams and have confidence in themselves; and there are explicit warnings not to be bound by your own or other people's low expectations. These messages would have relevance to any child coming from a disadvantaged background or lacking self-esteem. - Books for Keeps
About the Author
Verna Wilkins is the author of 30 picture books and biographies for young people. Her books have featured on National Curriculum and BBC children's television, and been chosen among the Children's Books of the Year. She was born in Greneda and lives in London.
