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Spycops: Secrets and Disclosure in the Undercover Policing Inquiry
by Raphael SchlembachThe ‘spycops’ scandal has laid bare the existence of secretive police units that sent undercover police officers to infiltrate and undermine hundreds of political campaigns and activist groups. This is the first academic analysis of the activists’ experiences and their attempts to find answers and accountability in the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Written from the perspective of the ‘policed’, the author draws on extensive fieldwork and his first-hand experience of police infiltration through his participation in climate campaigns.
Uncomfortably Off: Why Addressing Inequality Matters, Even for High Earners
by Marcos González Hernando Gerry MitchellIn highly unequal societies such as the UK, where the top 10% take a higher share of disposable income than in most other European countries, many feel resentment towards high earners. On paper, they are doing well, but inequality isn’t even working for them. Uncomfortably Off reveals that those generally considered to be the most affluent feel anxious about the future and struggle to keep up, or even to stay put. They are starting to doubt their common sense ideas about hard work and meritocracy as work pays less and less and life is becoming more uncomfortable. This book makes two crucial arguments. First, reducing income inequality will benefit everyone, even those quite near the top. Second, we need to understand the anxieties of high earners to understand their politics. As leading managers and professionals they have disproportionate influence on the institutions that rule over our public life. Their interests are ultimately not that dissimilar from those of the median earner: being able to afford a good quality of life in an ever more expensive and uncertain world. The hope of this book is to prompt high earners to question accepted truths and long-held beliefs that affect how they see themselves and judge others. In doing so, it seeks to help us all understand why dismissing the concerns of this group will not help in the fight to solve inequality.
Slow Planning?: Timescapes, Power and Democracy
by Mark Dobson Gavin ParkerA deep exploration on how questions of time and its organisation affect planning practice, this book questions ‘project speed’: where time to think, deliberate and plan has been squeezed. The authors demonstrate the many benefits of slow planning for the key participants, multiple interests and planning system overall.
Street-Level Bureaucracy in Weak State Institutions
by Rik Peeters, Gabriela Lotta, and Fernando Nieto-MoralesIn this book, street-level bureaucracy scholars from South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America analyse the conditions that shape frontline work and citizens´ everyday experience of the state. Institutional factors such as political clientelism, resource scarcity, social inequality, job insecurity, and systemic corruption affect the way street-level bureaucrats enforce rules and implement policies. Inadvertently, they end up implementing inequities in citizens’ access to rights and services — despite efforts to repair organisational deficiencies and broker relations between vulnerable citizens and a distant state. This book illuminates these realities and challenges and provides unique insights into critical themes such as resource scarcities, bureaucratic corruption, control practices, and the complexities of dealing with vulnerable population groups.
Biographical Research and New Social Architectures: Challenges and Opportunities for Creative Applications across Europe (Advances in Biographical Research)
by Tamsin Barber Ciara Bradley Andre Epp Jakub Gałęziowski Sónia Bernardo Correia Magda Nico Anabela Pereira Ana Caetano Lynsey Kavanagh Kateřina Sidiropulu-Janků Jerzy Stachowiak Fabienne Seifert Oksana Žabko Diana YehThis volume focuses on the place of biographical research in shaping social futures and its creative applications in the new unprecedented societal circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Written by experienced and early career biographical researchers, it demonstrates how biographical research responds to the new ‘social architecture’: theoretically, empirically and analytically.
Strategic Management of the Transition to Public Sector Co-Creation
by Jacob Torfing, Ewan Ferlie, Tina Jukić and Edoardo OngaroAs the practices of public governance are rapidly changing, so must the theoretical frameworks for understanding the creation of efficient, effective and democratic governance solutions. First published as a special issue of Policy & Politics journal, this book explores the role of strategic management, digitalisation and generative platforms in encouraging the co-creation of innovative public value outcomes. It considers why we must transform the public sector to drive co-creation and the importance of integrating different theoretical strands when studying processes, barriers and outcomes. This book lays out important stepping-stones for the development of new research into the ongoing transition to co-creation as a mode of governance.
Photovoice Reimagined (Creative Research Methods in Practice)
by Nicole BrownOver the past decades, ‘photovoice’ has emerged as a participatory and creative research method in which participants capture and discuss their reality through photographs. This indispensable ‘how-to’ book with exercises and visual aids takes novice and veteran researchers through the practicalities and ethics of applying this approach. Written by experienced teacher Nicole Brown, the book: - outlines the conceptual foundations and historical development of the approach; - redefines photovoice as a research method and as a framework; - explores how photovoice can be used in all stages of research from data collection to dissemination; - provides guidance and food for thought to get researchers started on their project. Each chapter ends with exercises that focus readers' learning and understanding by practically engaging them in the work presented throughout. The examples and visual aids will help them recognise all the details presented and represented in a photograph. For researchers who would like to try their hand at photovoice as a method or as a framework to foster a more participatory approach, this is the ultimate guide to kickstart their project.
Educational Collateral Damage: Disadvantaged Students, Exclusion and Social Justice
by Anton McLeanWhy do disadvantaged students continue to get a poor deal as they progress through England’s education system? Challenging orthodox thinking about school exclusion, this book powerfully advocates for a fairer education system for disadvantaged students. It argues that the current conceptualisation of ‘exclusion’ – physically removing the student from the school – is insufficient. This approach fails to recognise the layers of exclusion that these students encounter. Students can be excluded within their schools (inner exclusion), not just from school (outer exclusion). Drawing on student experiences of exclusion and the perspectives of senior leaders, including the author who is a Head of School, this book demonstrates how we can create a fairer education system for disadvantaged students.
My Now or Never Diary (Kelly Ann's Diary #2)
by Liz RettigKelly Ann has only just come to her senses and realised that G, the boy she's fancied all year, is a total nerd and Chris, the boy next door who's been in love with her all year, is actually the man for her. But does that mean she'll live happily ever after with Chris, discovering the joys of sex and smugly advising her friends in the ways of true love? Of course not. With the help of her faithful friends Liz and Steph, Kelly Ann manages to muck it all up and finds that the path of true love never runs smoothly! Can her relationship with Chris survive being found by his parents semiclothed in their living room on the day of his surprise birthday party? Or her wild girls' holiday to the domain of the holiday rep, Faliraki? Can Kelly Ann get through all these crises and manage to singlehandedly look after her sister's baby and the fake baby school have given her as a project too? A hilarious riot of teenage fumblings, terrible teachers and skincare made from porridge.
Inside The Worm
by Robert SwindellsThe worm was close now. So close Fliss could smell the putrid stench of its breath. Its slavering jaws gaped to engulf her...Everyone in Elsworth knows the local legend about the monstrous worm - or dragon - that once terrorised the village. But it never really happened. Or did it? For when Fliss and her friends are chosen to re-enact the legend for the village Festival, the four who are to play the part of the worm dance as one across the ground. They are the worm. And Fliss begins to feel real fear. Somehow the worm itself is returning - with a thousand-year hunger in its belly, and a burning desire for vengeance...
Jacqueline Hyde
by Robert SwindellsWhen Jacqueline Hyde finds the little glass bottle in Grandma's attic her life suddenly changes. Goodbye clean, good Jacqueline. Hello cheeky, loud Jacqueline Bad.It's fun at first. Exciting. But then Jacqueline Bad gets into serious trouble. And although she keeps trying to be her old self, the bad side just won't let go...A darkly addictive fable, truly absorbing.
Nightmare Stairs
by Robert SwindellsI'm falling - falling down steep, narrow stairs - if I hit the bottom asleep, I know I'll never wake. Every night Kirsty wakes up screaming. Every night she has the same terrible nightmare - of falling downstairs. But does she fall? Or is she pushed? Then Kirsty discovers that her grandma died falling downstairs and she begins to wonder: is the dream hinting at a dark secret in her family? She has to know the truth. But tracking a murderer is a dangerous game, and as she delves into the past, Kirsty uncovers a secret more terrible than anything she can imagine.A terrifying read from one of today's master storytellers. WINNER OF THE SHEFFIELD CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD FOR BEST SHORTER NOVEL'Cleverly put together - funny as well as gripping' The Sunday Times
Ruby Tanya
by Robert SwindellsThis is a contemporary tale about two friends - one of whom, Asra, is an asylum seeker from an unnamed Eastern European country. The other, Ruby Tanya, is the daughter of a local man who is campaigning against the presence of asylum seekers in his community. During a dramatic explosion at the girls' school, a young teacher is killed. The asylum seekers at the local camp are blamed, and local people begin to argue that they should be deported. A branch of the National Front gets involved and demos are planned. Asra and her parents are due to be deported, but Asra runs away at the last minute so her parents have to return without her. She hides in a nearby derelict building and is helped by Ruby Tanya.
The Last Taboo
by Bali RaiSimran likes Tyrone from the moment she spots him in the crowd. He's gorgeous and he won't take no for an answer. There's just one problem. . . Tyrone is black and Simran's not sure how her family will react. Even though her parents were a 'love match' and married each other against the wishes of their families, Simran doesn't think they will approve of her having a black boyfriend, and her nightmare uncles and aunts certainly won't. Like her cousin Ruby says, it's the last taboo.But Simran likes Tyrone too much to walk away, so they face the problems their relationship causes together. But it becomes harder than either of them predicted and when the hatred they encounter escalates into violence, with families and friends turning against each other, Simran and Tyrone are forced to question whether they are strong enough to fight for what they believe in.
The Monster Crisp-Guzzler
by Malorie BlackmanAt her new school, Mira discovers she has a very unusual teacher - a teacher who turns into a real-life dragon when she eats crisps! This comes in very handy when the class run into trouble on a school trip to the seaside...
The Ghost Teacher
by Tony BradmanLook...there by the dustbins, what do you see? A shimmering and a glimmering, and a figure forming in the darkness. It is the Ghost Teacher...Class 3 are the worst class ever. They do lots of crashing and bashing, nose-picking and flicking, fighting and fidgeting. No teacher can control Class 3. Until Miss Shade - the Ghost Teacher - pays them a visit...
Invisible Vinnie
by Jenny Millward'Zack's not scared of anything. But everyone's scared of him.'Rose wishes Zack wasn't such a big bully. He's always teasing her at school. Luckily for Rose, her Uncle Vinnie has a wizard trick or two up his sleeve - maybe he can conjure up a magic solution to her problem?Soon, with a little help from Uncle Vinnie and the classroom pet rat, Rose is ready to teach Zack a lesson he'll never forget . . . A comical and thought-provoking story by an award-winning author.Illustrated by Sue Heap, winner of the Smarties Prize Gold Award.
Pets in Need
by Marc AbrahamMarc Abraham, the UK's favourite vet, introduces a cast of loveable characters in this story of his life as an emergency vet. From the bouncy retriever puppy with a sore tummy to the tiny gerbil pregnant with triplets, every poorly pet is cared for in Marc's busy surgery. Featuring real-life insight into life as a practicing vet, as well as hints and tips on caring for your own pets, this is a perfect book for animal lovers everywhere.Abridged from the adult edition, Vet on Call.
The Empty Hand
by Catherine FisherA creature moves down out of the uttermost North. It's a sending summoned by Gudrun to cause destruction in the kingdom of Wulfgar, and as it travels down towards the Jarlshold it leaves a trail of devastation in its wake. Kari Ragnarrson tells his friends of old that he knows why the creature is coming: it has been sent by Gudrun as a test for him, a test of the powers which he has inherited from her. Ultimately, Kari must come to terms with the full strength of his powers in order to win his struggle and defeat the curse of Gudrun. It is a battle of the spirit which Kari knows he must win.
Cloud Busting
by Malorie BlackmanDavey is the new boy in class and Sam can't stand him. He thinks Davey is a Grade A moron. But when the two are thrown together Sam discovers that Davey's eccentric way of looking at the world makes life a lot more fun. Until the day something terrible happens...A funny and sad story, told completely in verse.
Princess Poppy: Ballet Dreams (Princess Poppy Fiction #7)
by Janey Louise JonesPoppy and Honey are thrilled when Madam Angelwing starts advanced ballet classes. At first, Poppy loves the extra lessons, but soon gives them up when she begins to feel that ballet is taking over her life. Honey decides to stick with the classes as Madam has told her she's good enough to be a professional ballerina when she grows up.Now, when Honey isn't at dance class she's either practicing ballet or reading about it - she just doesn't have any time for Poppy anymore. Will Honey's ballet dreams come true? And will things ever be the same between Poppy and Honey?
Space Race
by Malorie BlackmanFive...four...three...two...one. Lift-off!What can Lizzie do when big-headed Jake challenges her to a race in space? She's GOT to beat him. But Jake has a super-duper, deluxe new spaceship that runs on special fuel...Zoom to Pluto and back with this super space story from award-winning author, Malorie Blackman.
A Witch In The Classroom!
by Ghillian Potts"You're a frog, Ryan James, you're a frog. Slimy and jumpy, bug-eyed and lumpy . . ."Abigail is thrilled when she discovers that she's a witch - at last she can get her own back on her bullying classmate, Ryan.With help from her pet rat, Gnasher, Abigain turns Ryan into a frog, but that's when disaster strikes - she can't change him back! And suddenly Abigail discovers that she's not the ONLY witch in the classroom . . .
Diary Days
by Ghillian PottsYasmin has a problem. Her cat's just had six kittens and Mum says Yasmin can't keep them. If she doesn't find homes for them they'll have to go to the Cat Protection home! Mr Williams has asked the class to write a diary so Yasmin writes down all her worries. Will Yasmin be able to find the courage to stand up in front of the class to ask for help with the kittens before it's too late
It's Not Funny!
by Jan Page"WE'VE ALL HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR CLOWNING ABOUT...IT'S NOT FUNNY!"Every morning, before school, Bill dresses in baggy trousers, a silly blue wig and a red plastic nose, as... the Great Bilbo! But clowns belong in the Big Top, not in the classroom, and everyone is getting really fed up with Bill's clowning! Then Mum takes Bill to a real circus, and the Great Bilbo discovers that being funny is a serious business...All the fun of the circus in this hilarious story from the author of DOG ON A BROOMSTICK and DOGNAPPED!