Alex Wheatle is the author of Brenton Brown, Brixton Rock & East Of Acre Lane
January 2023
The books of my life
Alex Wheatle: ‘I was introduced to James Baldwin’s novels in prison’
The YA novelist on Dickens, Shackleton and Malorie Blackman’s leading light
December 2021
How I returned from rock bottom
I felt so alone and rejected – until my prison cellmate taught me about belonging
Abandoned and neglected, I was close to a breakdown when I entered Wormwood Scrubs. Then Simeon introduced me to the black literature that inspired me to write
April 2017
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas review – racism and police brutality
An outstanding debut stages the debates convulsing America in the story of a teenager who testifies after a shooting
April 2016
Children's books
Can reading children's books help tackle knife crime?
Alex Wheatle
After the murder of teenager Myron Yarde on Sunday, teen author Alex Wheatle on how reading the right books can encourage the empathy and respect for life that might prevent tragic and pointless fatalities
August 2011
Tottenham 2011 and Brixton 1981 – different ideals, similar lessons
Alex Wheatle
Alex Wheatle: There is no more faith in police than when I fought in the Brixton riots. Now we must demand answers in non-violent ways
