Rise Up
Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award 2020
On World Book Day, 5 March 2020, it was announced that Rise Up had won the Blue Peter award for ‘Best Book with Facts’. I was invited to appear live on the show to receive a lovely trophy, which I will treasure forever. (See my blog for more about my BBC visit.)
Rise Up was chosen by young viewers from schools around the UK. To know that children have loved reading one of my books is a fantastic feeling and makes me feel incredibly lucky to do this job.
Rise Up is all about ordinary kids who’ve done something extraordinary in their lives. If someone ordinary like me can win this amazing award, it just goes to show that anyone can!
About Rise Up
29 stories of young people who have overcome huge challenges in their lives and achieved amazing things - from incredible journeys and survival against the odds to overcoming bullying and depression.
With lots of advice and ideas about how to do extraordinary
things in your own life.
Each exciting story is combined with visually stunning
illustrations by Amy Blackwell.
Ellie Simmonds
At the age of 13, Ellie was the youngest competitor in the British Paralympic Team at the 2008 Games. After all the years of hard work and training, she got what she richly deserved - a gold medal for swimming the 100 metres freestyle race!
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg is famous now, but when she started her Fridays for Future campaign she was just an ordinary schoolgirl, who decided that she wasn't going to wait any longer for adults to take action. She would do it herself!
William Kamkwamba
In Malawi, William Kamkwamba used his inventive skills and creative mind to make a machine that generated electricity for his family - all from everyday junk!
Reviews
“An inspirational book telling the tales of 29 amazing children. Children who have triumphed, overcome and persevered. Children who would put most grown ups to shame!”
Konnie Huq
"Rise Up is an enthralling springboard for ambitious children, a confidence-booster for more
nervous youngsters, and a powerful reminder that no matter who you are, you can rise to the
challenge."
The Lancashire Post
"Stands out for readability and range. Punchy biographies are interspersed with how-to-tips, from knot-tying to leadership skills, encouraging young readers to have a go themselves"
Imogen Russell Williams - The Guardian
