The Beekeeper of Aleppo

by Christy Lefteri

I have had my own losses and my own difficulties, but I couldn’t get my head around what was happening in the world, how these children and families were bearing the brunt of wars they did not ask for. I could go back to London, I could watch some of this on television, I could read articles, but nothing is the same as hearing a little girl say, “I love you.”

Author volunteer reflection

I urged my students to have the courage to get out there themselves, to see what was happening in the world, and to tell their stories, whatever those stories were. Because putting ourselves out there helps us to develop real empathy and understanding, and having the ability to structure and tell a story helps us to reveal truths and emotions to our readers.