We will launch our children's book by Ken Wilson-Max on Facebook on 25 October at 7pm

October 20, 2021
We are delighted to announce the online launch film of our new book for children
 Dream to Change the World: The Story of John La Rose
 Written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
 Ages 5 to 8
The film will be shown on Facebook Premiere on Monday 25 October at 7pm (available to those on and off Facebook). Link here.
Cover of Dream to Change the World

A young boy dreams of travelling to see the world, but doesn’t want to be too far from his family, the music, or the island where he lives. So he decides to keep his memories safe in his suitcase until he needs them. Little does he know how much his infectious curiosity will change the world.

This is the story of the childhood of John La Rose, the late Trinidadian-born activist, trade unionist and writer committed to the struggle for racial equality and social justice in Britain and beyond. Inspired by the archives of John La Rose, which are held at the George Padmore Institute (GPI), the archive he co-founded, Ken Wilson-Max has created a magical and engrossing book for children aged five to eight. As well as John's childhood dreams, readers can learn about John's life through a fascinating timeline at the end of the book.

Watch our online film launch where Ken Wilson-Max will be joined by award-winning young adult author Catherine Johnson and the GPI's archivist Sarah Garrod, who talk to GPI Trustee Sharmilla Beezmohun about the book, the importance of Black British history, how archives play a key role for authors and much more. You can also hear Ken read Dream to Change the World for the first time.

Pre-order the book now!

This wonderful children’s book for 5- to 8-year-olds will be available from 16 November for £5.50 including post and packaging.

Pre-order the book via our Shop on the Discover Page on our website.

If you are a library and would like a free copy for the price of post and packaging (£1.75), please email with your details to info@georgepadmoreinstitute.org

Part of the Reaching New Generations project funded by Arts Council England

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