The book is timely with Coronation Street next week tacking the issue of teenage knife crime…
Published on 31sy January, Stories from the Seven finds author, English teacher and founder of Rap Therapy, Bhishma Asare drawing from his own experiences to bring readers five non-fiction stories tackling real-world challenges faced by today’s teenagers.
With his storytelling – which is aimed at youngsters aged from 12 and 17 – supported by comic-style illustrations bursting with relatable characters, this innovative and resonating book makes an ideal resource for use in PSHE lessons or pastoral care sessions, and English Lessons.
However, what really sets this book apart is how each story is accompanied by a reflective “A Message forthe Young Readers,” in which the author shares key lessons learned in hindsight. With its actionable insights helping youngsters to navigate similar situations in their own lives, Stories from the Seven is a book that will become a literary ‘friend’ to many.
Stories from the Seven, covers themes which are relevant to young people in today’s society, including Knife crime, Gang violence, Trusting teachers, Friendships that appear to be true, but are really deceiving, Interactions with police officers and racism, Being aware of your surroundings and Peer pressure.
All of the stories are non-fiction, which talk about Bhishma Asare’s life between the ages of 12 years old and 17. These messages highlight how they can learn through the lens of an older Bhishma Asare, now 33, what he would have done differently; giving them an insight into how they can tackle similar situations, that they may find themselves in.
Bhishma Asare is an English teacher with an MA in English Education and founder of Rap Therapy, an innovative platform using rap music to engage young people. His authentic voice and lived experiences make Stories from the Seven a standout resource for educators and a source of inspiration for teenagers.
Published by Risky Publishing on 31st January, Stories from the Seven (ISBN No:9781068699221) is available to purchase (priced £8.99) directly from the publishers at www.riskypublishing.co.uk
On Monday on ITV1 and STV Coronation Street will bring shocking scenes to air showing Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) fighting for his life after being viciously attacked by his brothers with a zombie knife. The dramatic sequence of events will see Mason in a critical condition after being stabbed by his brothers, Matty (Harry Lowbridge) and Logan (Seamus McGoff).
Luca Toolan:
“I truly am honoured to be a part of this storyline. I’ve always enjoyed Coronation Street as a viewer, but I completely underestimated the power that it has on its audience until I was involved in the bullying storyline. Fingers crossed this storyline will be received the way we are hoping it will be and ultimately, if one person drops a knife and someone is saved, that would definitely make it all worth it.”
When the altercation breaks out in the children’s play area, Dylan (Liam McCheyne) manages to make his escape. Abi (Sally Carmen) is first at the scene to find Mason bleeding and does her best to stop the flow of blood before the ambulance shows up.
As news of the stabbing spreads around the street, the whole community is left shocked and horrified, with the tragedy affecting each resident. As will all the social issue topics ITV have sought expert advice and Coronation Street have been working closely with The Ben Kinsella Trust to ensure the storyline will be told as accurately and sensitively as possible.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1, STV, STV Player and ITVX. First look episodes are released at 7am on the streaming services.
