Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Writing the story of a child killer

 Press Release

Identity, reform and retribution: writing the story of a child killer:  free discussion event: 11 March


A fascinating discussion on identity, punishment and prison reform will mark the tenth anniversary of the publication of seminal young adults’ thriller Looking for JJ, together with the release of its long-awaited sequel, Finding Jennifer Jones.

Joining award-winning author Anne Cassidy at a free event in central London on 11 March jointly hosted by independent charity The Reading Agency, her publishers Hot Key Books and children’s book distributors/publishersScholastic UK to debate in front of an audience will be:

·        *  teen literature expert Wendy Cooling MBA
·         * Juliet Lyon OBE who is director of the Prison Reform Trust
·         * David Kendall, who manages The Reading Agency’s Six Book Challenge adult literacy work in prisons.

Published in 2004, winning the Booktrust Teenage Prize and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Book Award, Looking for JJ explores the circumstances and motives behind the shocking murder of a child ... by a child. Finding Jennifer Jones powerfully follows the now-adult murderer as she tries to pursue an ordinary life before her past catches up with her. It is a tense, emotional thriller about guilt, running away and wondering if you can ever truly know yourself, and both books proved ideal starting points for exploring how books and reading can be powerful teaching tools about key humanitarian issues.

This free event will run from 7pm to 9pm on 11 March and will be held at the Free Word Centre, home of The Reading Agency, at 60 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3GA.
This event  is part of The Reading Agency‘s work with its partners from the publishing world to create successful and exciting events and activities for readers of all ages. 

The debate will be followed bya  book signing by Anne Cassidy, and a drinks reception. To book a ticket please email jenny.warner@readingagency.org.uk or call 0207 324 2544



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