Here I Stand: Stories that Speak for Freedom

A varied and thought-provoking collection of short stories and poems for teens with a conscience, with striking cover illustrations by award-winning children’s laureate Chris Riddell

With contributions from Frances Hardinge, Sarah Crossan, Matt Haig, Neil Gaiman and many more.

Did you know that ... government spies can turn on your phone and use the microphone to listen to your conversations? ... that lesbian and gay relationships are illegal in 78 countries and can be punished by death? ... that Amnesty recently recorded the highest number of executions globally for more than 25 years?

Through short stories and poetry, twenty-five leading authors and illustrators explore the top human rights issues facing young people today.

Now is the time to take a stand and make a difference.

Full list of contributors: Tony Birch, John Boyne, Sita Brahmachari, Kevin Brooks, Kate Charlesworth, Sarah Crossan, Neil Gaiman, Jack Gantos, Ryan Gattis, Matt Haig, Frances Hardinge, Jackie Kay, AL Kennedy, Liz Kessler, Elizabeth Laird, Amy Leon, Sabrina Mahfouz, Chelsea Manning, Chibundu Onuzo, Bali Rai, Chris Riddell, Mary and Bryan Talbot, Christie Watson and Tim Wynne-Jones.

A thought-provoking collection of short stories and poems, celebrating freedoms or quietly mourning their loss... It has the force of several one-inch punches, delivered without pause. Guardian
“This is an amazing book. It sends out a real message that we all deserve freedom and the right to choice. I loved how each story was different. […] It highlights the power of books to change lives.” Teen Titles, reader review
“A valuable message is forcefully conveyed. No doubt a useful source book for stressing the value of civil rights and personal freedom and the importance of safeguarding them.” SLA
This book is certainly and important and timely contribution to the field of young adult literature and as I finished reading the last piece, I immediately felt that I would return to the collection as a resource for planning informative and politically relevant lessons for Key Stage Three pupils. The Use of English, The English Association Journal for Teachers of English
Here I Stand is a compelling collection of stories, poems and graphic narratives commissioned by Amnesty to explore different aspects of our human rights. […] each contribution presents a human rights issue in a thought-provoking and original way. Amnesty.org.uk
“There’s a lot to love about this pained, poised collection of short stories and much of that comes from its careful and classy curation.” didyoueverstoptothink.wordpress.com
“An inspirational collection” WRD
“[…] good for the reader who wants hard-hitting Realism.” The Guardian

Amnesty International UK is a movement of ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights. It aims to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied, and encourages others to join the fight. Amnesty has a network of active youth groups across the UK and promotes its work in secondary schools and other organizations. For more info see

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