Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Generation Next - Empowering Voices
This year’s series of events for young adults takes a fearless and unflinching look at the issues affecting young people today.
About Edinburgh International Book Festival Themes: Generation Next - Empowering Voices
Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses series turns 20 this year, and her sharp reflection on the dangerous, fragile and arbitrary prejudices which underpin society can be felt in the actions and activism of the young people who grew up with her books: a generation which continues to hold society, businesses, politicians and people of influence to account for their past and present misdeeds and biases. This year’s series of events for young adults takes a fearless and unflinching look at the issues affecting young people today. From tackling racism, and class and gender stereotypes, to celebrating diversity in all its forms, and empowering people to make their voices heard, these events offer exciting and challenging perspectives for anyone wanting to learn how to make a difference in an ever-changing world.
Malorie Blackman: Noughts & Crosses, 20 Years On
AGE 12+
Saturday 14 August 14:30 - 15:30
BSL Interpreted, Captioned
Join the former Children’s Laureate as she reflects on the series and its effects with tv and radio presenter Gemma Cairney, then get a sneaky peak of her eagerly awaited next novel.
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé: Play the Cards You're Dealt
AGE 14+
Sunday 15 August 17:15 - 18:15
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is the instant New York Times and IndieBound bestselling author of Ace of Spades. Join the Aberdeen-based debut writer, avid tea drinker and collector of strange mugs to hear about her phenomenal debut, an utterly compelling novel that deals with issues of class, race and sexuality, whilst remaining at its heart a nail-biting thriller. Chaired by award-winning journalist, book editor and podcast host Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff.
Steve Antony, Maureen Phillip & Alexandra Strick: Just Be Yourself
ALL AGES (LD FRIENDLY)
Monday 16 August 10:00 - 10:30
Captioned, Learning disability friendly
A powerful and uplifting event suitable for everyone including those with disabilities. Many thanks to PAMIS for their help and support in creating this event.
Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk & Nicola Yoon: Blackout
AGE 14+
Monday 16 August 19:00 - 20:00
Come along to hear from these authors in conversation with young adult novelist Katherine Webber to talk about the collection of stories and how the project came about, give insights into their work and share their own experiences of love and joy.
Sarah Ardizzone, Marianne Dubuc & Greet Pauwelijn: Translation Adventures
AGE 12+
Tuesday 17 August 13:00 - 14:00
What happens when a book gets translated? How do words and pictures travel from one language into another and who’s involved? This event is your chance to follow the journey every step of the way, from the very beginning when the idea was born in the artist's imagination, right through to the translated book hitting the shelves of a UK children's bookshop.
What's the T? with Juno Dawson & Special Guests
AGE 14+
Monday 23 August 10:15 - 11:00
BSL Interpreted, Captioned
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Stonewall ambassador, bestselling author and former PSHE teacher Juno Dawson as she talks about her new book What’s the T? along with special guests including award-winning writer, model and contributor Jamie Windust, and the book’s amazing illustrator, Soofiya.
Liz Kessler & Alex Wheatle: Whose Side of History Are You On?
AGE 12+
Tuesday 24 August 10:15 - 11:00
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Stonewall ambassador, bestselling author and former PSHE teacher Juno Dawson as she talks about her new book What’s the T? along with special guests including award-winning writer, model and contributor Jamie Windust, and the book’s amazing illustrator, Soofiya.
Flash Forward with Femi Fadugba, Ben Oliver & Jonathan Stroud
AGE 14+
Wednesday 25 August 10:15 - 11:00
Fictionalising the future can be a brilliant way to help us reflect on and process uncomfortable issues in the present day, and in this event you get to meet three authors who help you to do just that.
Inside Your Head with Brian Conaghan & Patrice Lawrence
AGE 11+
Thursday 26 August 10:15 - 11:00
BSL Interpreted
Join two award-winning writers to hear about their new novels, Rat and Cardboard Cowboys, which both explore the community around us and how we all make judgements about others, sometimes without even realising it. Covering topics of empathy, homelessness and loneliness, these authors show how stories can help us see people differently and understand what we can do to look after others and show we care.
Happy Here with Dean Atta, Patrice Lawrence & Yomi Sode
AGE 11+
Friday 27 August 10:00 - 10:45
Join us for the launch of Happy Here, a brilliant new anthology of stories from Black British authors and illustrators. On the panel we welcome three of the writers who have contributed their heartfelt stories, for an event exploring the themes of joy, home and family that are woven through the collection. Get ready to be inspired to write short stories too!
Forces of Nature: Youth Voices of Climate Change
Friday 27 August 19:15 - 20:15
Captioned
According to research by the London School of Economics, the views of young activists are often dismissed as ‘generalised and generationalised’. But there is a growing coalition of young women around the world who are proving their detractors wrong. Join 24 year old Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate, founder of Intersectional Environmentalist Leah Thomas, and UK ornithologist and author Mya-Rose Craig, as they talk about fighting for a future that’s worth living for with The New York Times’s Elizabeth Paton.
Be the Change with Gina Martin
AGE 12+
Monday 30 August 10:15 - 11:00
BSL Interpreted, Captioned
Writer and activist Gina Martin, who rose to prominence when she successfully campaigned to make upskirting illegal, wants to empower you with the tools and courage to challenge injustice and fight for change, whether it’s in your school, workplace or community – or even on a global scale. Hear more about what activism really is and why it’s so important, how to pick a cause you truly care about, and how to do the hardest thing of all: get started. Gina Martin is an energetic and hugely engaging speaker: join her for this online event, and you'll be fired up in no time!
Wellbeing and Resilience: Imagining a Better Future
Monday 30 August 16:00 - 17:00
In this timely and vital event, lead researcher Stella Chan, Charlie Waller Professor of Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment at the University of Reading, leads a conversation with some of the citizen scientists involved. Together they reflect on the many challenges faced by young people in 2021 and discuss the best ways to support the development of greater resilience, crucial for the wellbeing of individuals and, in turn, society at large. This event is part of Citizen, Edinburgh International Book Festival’s long-term creative programme working in partnership with organisations across Edinburgh and Musselburgh, offering local people a platform to explore identity, connection and place.
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