Alex Wheatle
Born in 1963 to Jamaican parents, Wheatle grew up in Brixton, South London. At 16 he was a founder member of the Crucial Rocker sound system; his DJ name was Yardman Irie. He wrote lyrics about everyday Brixton life. By 1980 Wheatle was living in a social services hostel in Brixton, South London, and he participated in the 1981 Brixton riots and aftermath. While serving his resulting sentence he read authors such as Chester Himes, Richard Wright, C. L. R. James and John Steinbeck. He claims that a Rastafarian was his cellmate, and he was the one who encouraged Wheatle to start reading books and care about his education.
He received the London Arts Board New Writers Award in 1999 for his debut novel Brixton Rock, which was later adapted for the stage and performed at the Young Vic in July 2010. Wheatle turned to writing for teenagers in 2015 with Liccle Bit the first of his South Crongton series of books.
Books
Cane Warriors
Author: Alex Wheatle
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 13-16
Reading age: 12+
This story is inspired by a real life rebellion in British-owned slave plantations in Jamaica in 1760. Moa has spent his entire life on the slave plantation in horrific conditions - but a charismatic leader offers the chance to seize freedom.
Crongton Knights
Author: Alex Wheatle
Publisher: Atom
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+
McKay's life on the South Crongton Estate is rough. His Mum has died, his Dad works all hours of the day to keep away the Bailiffs, and his brother is always out looking for trouble.
Kemosha of the Caribbean
Author: Alex Wheatle
Publisher: Andersen
Interest age: 14-16
Reading age: 14+
In the 1600s, 14 year old Kemosha escapes a life of slavery at the hands of the cruel Mr Powell and finds herself aboard the pirate ship The Satisfaction - armed with a sword and determined to save her family.
Kerb-Stain Boys: The Crongton Broadway Robbery
Author: Alex Wheatle
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 12-16
Reading age: 12+
Briggsy, his best friend Terror and the love of Terror’s life, Caldonia, are 14 year olds living on the wrong side of the tracks. Soon, their vague fantasy of robbing a post office descends into farce. A hilarious, thrilling and uplifting read that's a breath of fresh air.
Liccle Bit
Author: Alex Wheatle
Publisher: Atom
Interest age: 13+
Reading age: 12+
At school Lemar, also known as Liccle Bit due to his height, is like any teenage boy. He's in love with a girl who barely notices him, he mucks about with his best mates and he spends a lot of time doodling in his work books. However, at home...