Growing up in the 21st century presents many hazards for children and young adults who are faced with inevitable situations of potential risk. Not only are there the usual trials of adolescence: sexual development, hormonal upheaval and peer pressure to deal with, but also issues brought about by changes in social attitudes, each fraught with its own dangers: bullying, drug abuse, internet "friendships" and sometimes even lack of "parenting".

In an ever-developing and accessible world, full of technological and social changes shaping our attitudes, there is a crucial need for knowledge to arm today's young people against whatever the world might throw in their direction. Modern living can be stressful enough, but consider the added strain if you are a child or young adult who is disabled in some way, whose skin is a different colour to the rest of the class, who can't speak the language properly, or who's dyslexic. FAX 4 U is a series of simple, accessible pocket-sized books which make use of material written by renowned children's performance poet Gez Walsh, intended to stimulate teacher-pupil discussion in the classroom, and also provide material for health workers, parents and those in the advice or counselling environment as a first introduction to each subject.

The objective of FAX 4 U is to be non-judgemental, offering informed choices. Each book takes a topic and explores it in a way that children can relate to, presenting information in an off-beat, humorous way that engages attention. In the end, the reader is left to make up his or her own mind, or take the discussion further.

FAX 4 U A6 pocket-size (148 x 105 mm) 48pp illustrated paperback £2.99

An accomplished and acclaimed children's performance poet, Gez takes his unique brand of comic verse to schools, libraries, festivals, literacy schemes and summer schools country-wide in his drive to promote reading through humour. He also offers workshops at teaching conferences during which he demonstrates methods and strategies employed to engage reluctant readers.

Working with children in Education Action Zones and special schools has earned Gez a growing reputation for inspiring difficult-to-reach pupils. Achieving success with his literacy input in education settings has led to Gez's involvement in various projects where his material has been used to stimulate interest and provide a first introduction to subjects as diverse as bullying, relationships, drug misuse and puberty.

Following collaboration with teachers and health professionals in a variety of settings, Gez is currently working in both primary and secondary education tackling topics addressed in his new series of A6 pocket books, Fax 4 U. Taking a similar approach to that used with literacy, Gez's skilful use of humour, in both his dynamic performances and written material, drags awkward subjects out of the closet and up for discussion. Discover the difference he can make with your children!