The author Banji Alexander visited us during the afternoon of the 2nd February 2023. He spoke to all of our children about his book and also his journey towards becoming an author. Firstly he held two assemblies. One with our Key Stage 1 children and another with our Key Stage 2 children. Following each assembly he held a Q&A session where the children had the chance to ask him questions about what inspired and motivated him to write his book. Finally he held a book signing session where children had another chance to talk with him.
Banji was inspired to write “Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party”, as a result of the effect of the pandemic.
Inspiration
When he was struggling with the loss of his uncle, he saw that children were similarly struggling with bereavements of their own.
Parents were juggling working from home, helping their children with their homeschooling, chaos at supermarkets, not to mention food shortages. Lockdown was unexpected and when it came no-one was prepared for it.
As well as an author, Banji is also a teacher at an inner-city South London school. He said: “I didn’t have a book that I could use to walk my learners through the Covid-19 pandemic and the strange new world around us: masks, social distancing, homeschooling, vaccinations, bereavements etc. With all the laws and social distancing rules which were in place, several children had to be kept away from family members for prolonged periods.”
Buy his book
Following his visit, “Lockdown Looms: Reggie’s Birthday Party” will be available to buy from our Reception for £10. Please visit the front desk if you would like to purchase a copy.
Banji hopes that the book’s read around the country by many schools. He has already received supportive messages about the book from headteachers and librarians. They have praised the impact it has had on learners.
You can visit Banji’s website by going to https://banjialexander.com/
