Diversity and inclusion

Maya is a budding influencer and plans to use her French exchange trip to Paris as a treasure trove of content for her page. However, her trip does not get off to a great start when she finds out she is paired with grumpy Levi. They have nothing in common; he doesn’t even have social media! Well, they do have one similarity. They both have a physical disability: Levi is a wheelchair user, while Maya is an amputee and wears a prosthetic leg. This book allows for two very important conversations to unfold – the issue of social media addiction and the stereotypes surrounding disability.

Theo’s cousin Rama comes to visit, but this time it’s different. Rama has lost her mother. While Theo tries to find ways to connect with his grief-stricken cousin, he also shares with the reader what he misses about his Auntie; how she danced with them, taught them how to cook, and the sound of her bangles.

Otto lives in a village beyond which lies only darkness. Rarely does anyone brave the treacherous trail that leads there. However, one day Otto is awakened by the rumble of vast beasts drawing wagons belonging to the Circus of Dreams. Boasting performances to delight and thrill, the circus’s crowning glory promises to unveil a Monster of Dreams. Intrigued, everyone rushes to see it.

Everyone talks differently. And everyone who does, wants to be understood. But in the loud chatter created by social media and strident news, it is easy to believe that it is only the person who shouts the loudest who stands a chance of being heard. What we know of course, is that in a room full of loud voices, nobody can be heard. Meaningful dialogue gets lost and feelings can get hurt.

In their most ambitious project yet, Rebel Girls delivers Girls Like Me, a vibrant, cross-continental journey that amplifies the voices of over 70 young girls from 46 different nations. The collection utilises first-person interviews to offer an authentic glimpse into the daily lives, cherished traditions, and unique hobbies of girls worldwide.

Mariam is on a pilgrimage in the city of Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, with her mother and father to celebrate Hajj. Hajj is a Muslim pilgrimage, one that every Muslim must make at least once in their life. Mariam is caught up in the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Here she learns that Hajj is a time for sharing and showing gratitude. She also learns about the ancient well containing the blessed water Zamzam. Mariam fills her drinking bottle with sacred water, and throughout her day, she meets many pilgrims with whom to share her Zamzam.

When Corith Fraine finds herself propelled into a new role as Floodmouth for the prestigious House Shearwater, she struggles to keep her head above water. As she begins to unravel the mysteries of the island and the family that inhabit it, she must learn to control the tides and her strength to uncover the secrets behind her best friend Zennia’s death.

Kiki Dime has a very busy brain. Every hour of the day it buzzes with thoughts, imaginings, ideas and so much more. She is passionate, clever and creative, whizzing around with excitement. Unfortunately, though, there are times when the busyness tires her out. She sometimes finds finishing tasks difficult, and she’s often told to pay attention by her teacher at school. How can Kiki communicate everything that she is feeling and experiencing inside her own body? How can she make others understand?

Award-winning Brian Conaghan is well known for his gritty, heartfelt teen fiction, and Stealing Happy is a very welcome addition to his work.