Born in Bangladesh, raised in Newcastle and currently residing in the outskirts of Manchester, Burhana Islam is a storyteller who is passionate about exploring themes of heritage, belonging, identity and faith in her work. She studied English Literature at Newcastle University before deciding to become a secondary school teacher, sharing her love for stories with […]
Kelly Yang’s family immigrated from China when she was a young girl, and she grew up in California, in circumstances very similar to those of Mia Tang – helping her parents manage several motels. Her only sanctuary was the library, where she could immerse herself in the world of a book, and where the librarians
Gabrielle grew up in the 1980’s riding her bike into trouble, drawing castles and dragons, reading comics, and playing games on her best friend’s Atari Recently, her experience of childhood in the eighties came together with her love of writing and videogames when she was asked to write a series of novels based on the
Jason Reynolds is a critically acclaimed writer and poet and the winner of more than 25 US and International Awards, including the 2018 Edgar Award, LA Times Book Prize, Newbery Honor, Printz Honor and twice winner of the Walter Dean Myers Award.
Samantha Baines is an award-winning comedian and actress trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. Samantha’s acting credits include The Crown, Silent Witness, Call the Midwife and several BBC Comedies. Samantha is also an ambassador for the British Tinnitus Association and Action on Hearing Loss.
Mark Maciver, aka SliderCuts, has been cutting hair professionally for over fifteen years. During that time, he has nurtured a superlative client list, which runs the gamut from basketball player Lebron James to world heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua. His razor-sharp skills makes him an expert figure in his field, and his vast knowledge and
Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time.
Elle is a Scottish and Neurodivergent writer, happily living in London. She graduated with a f Elle is a Scottish and Neurodivergent writer. After completing her Masters dissertation on the lack of Own Voices representation for Neurodivergent children, she grew tired of the lack of inclusivity in the industry, and wrote a book herself. Her
