Benjamin Zaphaniah - fabulous!

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My dd (13) picked up Refugee Boy at waterstones yesterday and has spent the last 2 days totally wrapped up in it. She missed eastenders and how to look good naked.

A moment ago sha just came out in tears to read me a really moving part and has gone off to the mini lounge (we have 2 teeny lounges) and is still reading quietly.

I just did a search and recognise him as a poet, didnt realise he wrote novels too.

I also watched Blood Diamond with my dd a few weeks ago and she was horrified at that and I think there seems to be a theme running here.

She has a real interest in a girl that is going to Africa as a volunteer to build schools.

If you have a teenager that is looking for something to read, it seems this is pretty fab. Has anyone read anything else by him?

Yep he is fab! He came to my school many years ago when I was a teenager and read his poetry - it was amazing. As a teacher, I have used loads of his stuff over the years.

I recommend the book 'Face' to your daughter - it's really good.

I've just stopped teaching and have a copy of one of his poetry books with an audio tape with it - I'd be happy to send it your daughter (for free as I am pleased she is so keen!). Would you be interested?

I would be very very interested. Thanks SO much - what a kind lasy you are.

Ummm....how does this CAT thing work?

I have no idea! But my email is [email protected]

Can you recommend any other good books for her age. I did ask her English teacher on parents evening but still no list.

My dd is reading A LOT (a book a week) so I was wondering if it would be a good idea to start on the classics?

I have emailed you!

I've replied

Hope you get this - Ive not had an email from you.

just an update, DD has just finished book and she is in floods of tears, absolutely sobbing, but finished on a good note -

Oh dear my email must be floating around somewhere!
I've posted off a parcel to her today.
I was thinking about what to recommend. Floella Benjamin (who did Playschool many years ago) wrote a book about her experiences coming to England as a child. I can't remember what it is called. It is a good book, but a very easy read and not challenging. Has she read Anne Frank's diary?
It's a coincidence because I used to live in Orp. I grew up there and we moved up to Yorkshire last summer. Where does she go to school? Maybe it's my old school!

Wow - its a small world. Although I doubt you went to the same school, she goes to the very new C of E church on Bromley Common. Newstead would have been nice but was not to be. There is little point asking why you moved to Yorkshire - I have been there several times and know where I would rather be

Thanks for posting, its really sweet of you. I have just nipped into the local Waterstones and bought Face for her (she is already knee deep) but Anne Franks Diary is the perfect suggestion!

I went to Newstead

I know where you mean - I applied for a job at the new school but there were a lot of applicants and I didn't even get an interview! I had only been teaching a couple of years then.

Yeah it is nice up here. We were driven up here by house prices mainly, even though we are still renting. We now rent a nice 3 bed house for less than we paid for a 1 bed flat back home. Crazy!

Oh please come back!!! I have ishhooooos with the school, am really disappointed. She was offered a place at Darrick but I was inspired by the BJ head. (I now feel like I have been sold time share by a con man }.

Im very hopeful for my son to get a place at St Olaves but its so hard isnt it? Mind you, his teacher seems to think he is a good candidate.

I just play tennis at Newstead! Thicko that I am

Darrick is a good school. It offers a lot of opportunities for all students, regardless of ability. I haven't heard a lot about the new school - it was meant to be very good when it was planned initially.

What year is your son in? I tutored a few boys in the past who went there.

Is your daughter year 8 or 9?

My son is at Farnborough at the moment - year 4. My dd is year 8. She has always found school quite hard, but she is a grafter, whereas my son just finds it all so easy.

I think Darrick is just a bit too big and I really liked the modern ethical/environmental approach that BJ has (had).

I'm a great believer though that if a child wants to do well, then they will, no matter which school they go to, and it sounds like your daughter has the right sort of attitude.

If Olave's wasn't an option, would you send your son to BJ as well?

Have emailed you. But first - thanks" You are lovely and my dd sends a big kiss.

Im not sure about ds. he is very different to dd. he is very very sporty, popular and naturally bright (god, I sound like I am bragging) so think he would probably do better at darrick Wood. I have not looked at Ravenswood yet. I have at the nery least another year to see how BJ does. They seem to have a few amazing wonderful teachers and a lot that dont even seem to want to be there.

My brother went to Ravenswood. It is a well-regarded school, I believe.

But I would avoid Coopers to be honest

My DS (9) loves Benjamin Z's poetry, and I've also used it in rehabilitative workshops. He is fab, I love that he is so political yet so accessible and funny.

Talking Turkeys is great in his own voice.