John Boyne tells authors: don’t be afraid of writing for children

 
Meet the author: John Boyne reads his latest book with pupils at Jubilee Primary School
Sian Boyle15 October 2013

The author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has urged other writers not to be “frightened” when writing for children because they “can handle a lot more than we give them credit for”.

Speaking at a school in the Evening Standard’s Get London Reading campaign, award-winning author John Boyne said: “Some people are frightened of writing for children, but the only difference is that the novel has a child at the centre of it. The themes or story don’t necessarily have to change.”

Boyne’s bestseller, which tells the story of life in Auschwitz through the eyes of two eight-year-old boys, was made into a blockbuster film in 2008.

His latest children’s book, Stay Where You Are And Then Leave, explores shell-shock and conscientious objection during the First World War.

Launched in 2011, the Standard’s Get London Reading Campaign raised £1 million for four years funding for our partner Beanstalk, a charity which provides reading volunteers in schools. At the Jubilee Primary School and Children’s Centre in Tulse Hill, 42-year-old Boyne met Beanstalk volunteers and year six pupils who are studying The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

Head teacher Joanna Eade said children chosen for the scheme “have a barrier to reading in some way, whether that’s home life or learning difficulties. They love reading with the Beanstalk volunteers.” Boyne, whose books have been published in 46 languages, said: “Learning about the world and the things people do is crucial to our development from childhood to adulthood. The campaign directly helps this.”

Beanstalk aims to sign up 1,000 reading volunteers next year. To find out more, visit beanstalkcharity.org.uk

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