Our Author of the Month is Benjamin Zephaniah who died just before Christmas aged 65. Benjamin was one of the
leading poets, novelist and playwrights of the modern age and he also acted in some TV dramas such as The Bill.

Zephaniah shot to fame as a young black poet who challenged traditional poetry conventions by writing phonetically and he liked to
perform his poetry rather than just read it. What is most amazing about this author is that he initially left school without any qualifications due to being dyslexic and not having the support of his teachers. As an adult, Zephaniah raised awareness of Dyslexia and he was also an activist regarding racism. He contributed a lot to society in his lifetime, both as an author and as a person.

Please check out the display of Benjamin Zephaniah’s books which is in the library; it includes two of his novels, some poetry books, a play and there is also an autobiography about him.

Celia, Lower IV (Reading Champion)