Andersen Press are collaborating once again with Amnesty International on a new empowering guide to children’s rights aimed at children aged 8+, These Rights are Your Rights. Written by Nicky Parker at Amnesty International, with illustrations throughout by Sue Cheung, the new book includes comic illustrations, fun facts and inspiring stories, plus contributions from refugee activist and journalist Zahra Joya, and Angelina Jolie.
Every child has special human rights, from the moment they’re born until they grow up, including the rights to education, a safe home and a clean environment, as well as equality and protection from harm. Children even have the right to play! Packed with comic illustrations by Sue Cheung, fun facts and inspiring stories, plus useful resources and top tips, this book is a friendly, one-stop guide to all your rights.
This is the second in a two-book deal between Andersen Press and Amnesty International, brokered by agent Isobel Gahan of Curtis Brown. Andersen Press have world rights for both projects. The previous title, Know Your Rights and Claim Them, has sold in 12 territories worldwide, plus audio, in collaboration with local Amnesty offices.
These Rights Are Your Rights includes a foreword by journalist Zahra Joya, who as a child in her native Afghanistan, disguised herself as a boy to be able to go to school, before fleeing the country in 2021 as a refugee due to the return of the Taliban.
Chloe Sackur, Senior Commissioning Editor at Andersen Press, has said of the book, ‘We are so delighted to work with Amnesty International to produce this vital, empowering book, which explains all about children’s human rights. Nicky Parker at Amnesty has written a captivating and accessible factual book, made with the help of experts and young people, to spread the message that all children are equal and deserve to thrive. Sue Cheung’s illustrations bring humour and warmth to truly make this message sing. We’re also proud to have Angelina Jolie and Zahra Joya as our inspirational contributors.’
Augusta Quiney, Head of Global Arts & Cultural Partnerships for Amnesty International, adds, ‘At Amnesty International, we take great inspiration from child activists around the world who are making a tangible difference in their communities and on the global stage.
Children are leaders in their own right. It’s time to empower children not only with knowledge about their fundamental rights, but also with the confidence and tools they need to advocate for themselves. By showcasing real-life stories of children who have successfully defended their rights, and providing practical tips for staying safe and well, we aim to inspire young readers to recognise their own immense potential to shape the world around them, no matter what challenges they may face.’
Illustrator Sue Cheung also says of the project, ‘It meant a lot to illustrate this book. It’s one I really wish I’d had as a kid, because some of the messages would have 100% helped my situation. Instead, I turned to drawing and reading funny stuff like comics to get me through, which I guess is why there’s so much humour in my work today. Every kid deserves to be treated well and live happily, but not all of them know that. That’s why I was honoured to be chosen as artist on this project, because it meant I could help Amnesty spread the word.’
These Rights Are Your Rights: An Empowering Guide for Children Everywhere
Written by Nicky Parker at Amnesty International
Illustrated by Sue Cheung
Preface by Angelina Jolie
Foreword by Zahra Joya, journalist and refugee from Afghanistan
Publication 5 September 2024, £7.99, paperback
Ages 8-11
ISBN: 9781839132155
For more information please contact Paul Black, PR and Brand Director at Andersen Press: pblack@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
