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Are you learning to read? Do you find many books for learner readers a bit dull? If so, read on.
On these pages we are printing extracts from two very short easy-to-read books by women prisoners. These books are written by and aimed at people who are new to reading (and writing).
The titles are put out by New Leaf, who publish books written by and for adult learners, including prisoners. The stories published by New Leaf are grown-up and gripping, not like some of the babyish books aimed at learner readers.
Both of the authors featured here write about their struggles with drugs and separation from daughters while inside. Other New Leaf books cover being a single mum and coping when your grandma dies, as well as more light-hearted topics like wanting a pet.
My Choice by Lisa Hayes
That week I was in court for nine shoplifting charges. I wanted to go to prison. Crazy but true!
How could I be a good mother or person when all I was and all people saw, was heroin?
I knew I’d made my life changing choice. I wanted to be drug free, but there was no support for me in the community.
Devil on My Shoulder By Jenna Hanley
Thirty seconds ago I felt so ill, eight hours into withdrawal.
Now nothing matters.
I try to get off the bed, but my body is numb.
I shouldn’t be doing this.
It’s like a devil on my shoulder; no matter where I go or what I do.
Find Out More
New Leaf books are in all prison libraries, so you should be able to find them.
If you are interested in writing for New Leaf, do contact them with your ideas. “We’d absolutely love to hear from writers in prison and would be delighted to receive stories to consider for publication,” says New Leaf. New Leaf stories are short, around 300 words. |
