2019 Authors and Illustrators
Our fabulous authors and illustrators
from our 2019 Read for Empathy book collections
‘Reading allows us to view the world – and ourselves - through another’s eyes and to walk in their shoes for a while, developing understanding. This is the very essence of connecting and communicating effectively with others.
Reading is such a wonderful way to bring people together in a world that increasingly seeks to build walls and barriers between us.’
Malorie Blackman, author – 'Noughts and Crosses'
'I really think empathy is something we should all learn when we are young... In Peace and Me, every Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Jean Henry Dunant to Malala Yousafzai has shown empathy towards those who suffered. They involved themselves in others’ struggles even though it would have been easier to follow the crowd. That’s the thing with empathy: it’s not easy. It's a good reason for us to keep training ourselves in empathy - and reading is one of the best ways to do this!
Mickael El Fathi, illustrator - 'Peace and Me'
'In today's turbulent times when empathy and compassion seem to be in such short supply, it is vital to remind both ourselves and the coming generations of the endless gifts true empathy can yield.
I am so touched and honoured that as part of the 2019 Read for Empathy Collection, The Boy at the Back of the Class will be taking an active role in forging both questions and answers regarding the notion of what it means to be able to step into another human being's story.
For this story to be used as a tool for enhancing the understanding of another's humanity, is a dream come true.'
Onjali Q Rauf, author - 'The Boy at the Back of the Class'
'In Ruby’s Worry I wanted to communicate the idea that anybody, at any point can fall prey to worry or anxiety, and that the first step in dealing with these problems is to talk them through with someone else. Being as awareness of other people’s situations and emotions (and then behaving accordingly!) is the cornerstone of empathy, I’m delighted that Ruby’s Worry is included in the 2019 Read for Empathy Guide. In recent years the main driving force behind my writing has been to help children understand different perspectives, and to encourage them to treat themselves and other people, as kindly as they possibly can. After all, everyone could use a bit more kindness, right?'
Tom Percival, author and illustrator - 'Ruby's Worry'
'Writing is itself a form of empathy, as writers and illustrators we put ourselves into the shoes of our characters hoping to share something fundamental about human nature and the inevitability of our togetherness.
"If All The World Were…” , a story that I wrote to let anyone who misses someone know that they are not alone and that through sharing our feelings and experiences we can all feel better'.
Joseph Coehlo, author - 'If All The World Were...'
'Empathy is a beacon of light in a world full of people not listening to each other. Books can switch on that light, and I'm very moved that my book is going to be part of this.
Jo Cotterill, author - 'Jelly'
'I’m really proud to be part of this year’s programme, there is no greater message for young readers to hear than one of understanding, tolerance and empathy'.
Tom McLaughlin, author and illustrator - 'Along Came a Different'
'Reading a story allows us to temporarily look at the world from it’s protagonist's point of view. Not only does this teach us about other people, it can also help us become better acquainted with ourselves.
The main character in Odd Dog Out only learns who she truly is once she's seen herself through somebody else’s eyes.
I’m thrilled that she has been included in this collection.'
Rob Biddulph, author and illustrator - 'Odd Dog Out'
'I'm honoured to be in this collection. The need for empathy is so important because it keeps us in touch with our humanity.
Reading helps us find that empathy and step into the shoes of others and see the world through different eyes, so people like Rosie can be heard, and so that we can learn to be the best person we can possibly be.'
Mel Darbon, author - 'Rosie Loves Jack'
'Very often in real life people choose friends who are just like themselves, with the same backgrounds, similar stories, and enough in common to make conversation easy.
Books with diverse characters, whose stories are very different to the readers’ own, help children build the empathy necessary to understand the lives of others, and to make new friends despite initial differences'.
Victoria Williamson, author - 'The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle'
Throughout her life Siobhan displayed a remarkable ability to share the feelings of other people and this is reflected in 'The Pavee and the Buffer Girl'.
The empathy for Traveller children sings loud and clear in this book as Jim embraces the joy of reading.
Siobhan was passionate about the power of books and how they could tell stories and help understanding of our complex society today.
Siobhan Dowd, author - 'The Pavee and the Buffer Girl'
'There are still not many representations of Irish Travellers in literature and the media, and even fewer positive stories, so I am really pleased to see The Pavee & the Buffer Girl on this list.
Siobhan Dowd created characters who give you an insight into the traveller life without being archetypal.
The love and loyalty Jim and his family express towards one another, and the ideas of belonging are universal.
With my illustrations, I wanted there to be details specific to the place and time in which the story is set but also, what I found could be better shown through illustration, was the subtle interactions between characters. A sidelong glance or a hand held'.
Emma Shoard, illustrator - 'The Pavee and the Buffer Girl'
'Experiencing empathy through reading has never been more vital. We seem to be living in increasingly fissured times in which public discourse is so often cruelly combative.
At the same time we have a crisis in mental health among young people. Where do young people find the space to explore and reflect on mirrors of themselves or windows onto wider worlds?
Reading is the greatest indicator of social mobility. Young people who have access to stories that engage them are handed the opportunity to navigate worlds they may never otherwise have travelled to and meet a wide variety of characters and their stories that will help them navigate their own worlds with greater empathy and compassion... and have the confidence to dream and aspire to travel wide beyond perceived limitations, expanding their own imaginations and lives!
The imaginative, varied and diverse Read for Empathy collection offers readers a place to explore who we are, how we live, our differences and what we have in common.
The cathartic act of deep involvement in another's story can impact a change within... and often results in a change in communities too.
Reading for empathy is reading for a kinder future'.
Sita Brahmachari, author - 'Car Wash Wish'
'I love the power of story to place you in someone else’s shoes. It helps to peel away the filter of news headlines or whatever’s trending, and delivers you to the most amazing place of all – inside someone else’s head.
Before writing 'Boy 87', I’d seen many news stories about ‘boat-loads’ of refugees. What I rarely heard about was who was on those boats, and why – the human side of the tragedy. Boy 87 is the story of one refugee, and the epic journey he experiences before stepping into a smuggler’s boat – about his family, his friends, his life.
I’m so very proud that 'Boy 87' has been chosen for the 2019 Read for Empathy Collection; a list to help children better understand and engage with the people around them'.
Ele Fountain, author - 'Boy 87'
‘I’m delighted 'Indigo Donut' has been selected as part of the 2019 Read For Empathy Collection. I wanted to write a story about a funny, angry, loyal young woman who is losing her ability to love and be loved.
I hope my book encourages discussions about how it feels to live away from your biological family, the enduring pain of bereavement and the joy of finding the people who truly care for you.'
Patrice Lawrence, author - 'Indigo Donut'
'Anybody can look at you. It's quite rare to find someone who sees the same world you see'. ― from 'Turtles All the Way Down' John Green
'It's so exciting that Rising Stars is part of the Read For Empathy campaign.
When I first saw the finished anthology, with all of my fellow poets’ voices included, I was blown away by it, and the range and depth of emotion and experience within it.
It's nice to see the collection recognised in such a way, as I know we all wanted to create something that really formed empathy within its readers'.
Jay Hulme, author/performer - Rising Stars: New Young Voices in Poetry
‘I am honoured that EmpathyLab has included 'Beyond the Bright Sea' in its 2019 Read for Empathy Collection. My primary goal as a novelist is to create characters who ignite deep and genuine responses in readers. Of the bridges I work to build, empathy is the most critical.
Without it, the power of the work is diluted. Without it, true community is impossible.’
Lauren Wolk, author - 'Beyond the Bright Sea'
‘I am honoured to be part of this project. Thank you for the wonderful news.
Empathy is surely one of the most important messages in The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree!’
Paola Peretti, author - 'The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree'.
Right or wrong, black or white – the truth is often something in between. How are we to help our children navigate the mine field of our divided world?
What the world needs now is EMPATHY and this years vibrant Read for Empathy Collection will show young readers how to see their world from the point of view of another. I
I'm so proud that my first picture book with illustrator Francesca Chessa – IS IT A MERMAID – has been selected for this Collection. Empathy lies at the heart of the quirky story and glorious pictures – yes, even a grey, rather round creature like a sea cow can dream of becoming a mermaid'.
Candy Gourlay, author - Is it a Mermaid?'