We met at Keat’s House with Benjamin Zephaniah and Prodeepta Das for the launch of their new book, ‘When I Grow Up’.
It’s a book about breaking down stereotypes and about opening up the world of opportunity.
Benjamin Zephaniah talked about his childhood and the stereotypes which meant he could either have been a gangster or a painter and decorator. But he wanted to be a poet. It was not expected that black people should go to university. After some time in different jobs he decided to follow his dream and has indeed become a famous and brilliant poet.
The book shows all kinds of different jobs, from the Sikh lollipop man to the black woman space scientist,the mathematical clown and the forest keeper. The photos are great and the poems fantastic. A real joy to read and a book to keep looking at.
On the journey back from the launch on the tube, other passengers were leaning over to read the poems.
Published by Frances Lincoln it is part of their programme of books valuing diversity and difference. See more books by Benjamin Zephaniah here.
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