Benjamin Zephaniah Collection 4 Books Set (Gangsta Rap, Face, Teacher's Dead and Refugee Boy)

Benjamin Zephaniah Collection brings together four novels that draw on contemporary life, with stories shaped by school, music, friendship and the pressures of fitting in. Written by acclaimed performance poet and novelist Benjamin Zephaniah, this set includes narratives rooted in the rap scene and in the realities faced by young people in London and beyond.

Across the collection, the books follow boys who attract trouble, face difficult choices and try to make sense of what happens around them. From exclusion at school and unstable home life, to the consequences of a single night out, to witnessing a shocking act of violence, each story focuses on how young people respond when their world shifts and they are forced to find their own way.

Included titles

• Gangsta Rap
• Face
• Teacher's Dead
• Refugee Boy

Key details

• Four-book collection by Benjamin Zephaniah
• Includes Gangsta Rap, Face, Teacher's Dead and Refugee Boy
• Stories set around school life, music and life in London
• Refugee Boy follows a young refugee left in London

Synopses

Gangsta Rap

Benjamin Zephaniah draws on his own experiences with school and the music business to write about the rap scene. Ray has trouble at home and at school, and after being permanently excluded he ends up sleeping on the floor of a record shop. The story follows three boys who do not fit in, seem to attract trouble, and are determined to use their talent.

Face

Martin appears to have everything: he is cool, funny and the leader of the Gang of Three on an East London estate. After leaving a late-night rap club, he accepts a lift from Pete, a member of the Raider's Posse. He realises too late the car is stolen and the police are after them, and what follows changes his life and looks while testing strength, courage, discrimination and friendship.

Teacher's Dead

Jackson Jones witnesses the death of Mr Joseph, a man who was liked and respected. Struggling to process what he has seen, Jackson begins his own investigation. Although everyone knows who did it, he becomes convinced that people also need to understand why.

Refugee Boy

Described as an honest, wry and poignant story, this novel follows Alem, whose father is Ethiopian and mother is Eritrean, with their countries at war. Alem is excited to spend a holiday in London with his father, but wakes to find him gone. Left alone in a strange country, he must forge his own path.