Have you ever seen or heard about the Issues series?  It’s be around since 1990 and this year publishes its 80th title.

As the series title suggests, Issues tackles, well, issues that teenagers are likely to encounter.  Keeping things as up to date as possible is important to the publishers who reissue titles in the series with ever current information so teens aren’t left reading about circumstances or technology or world events that are behind the times!

The most recent selection of titles includes: Protecting Our Privacy, Anti-Bullying, Sexual Health & STIs, Cost of Living Crisis, Challenging Racism, Body Image & Self-Esteem and just published in November.

The team at Independence Educational Publishing have very kindly written about the series for us and introduced the newest titles…

The Issues book series is a carefully curated educational resource designed for 11 to 18-year-olds, offering in-depth exploration of a wide array of contemporary social issues. Each title in the Issues collection delves into a specific topic, providing a thorough research guide that includes a diverse selection of articles, facts, expert opinions, and relevant data. This approach ensures that readers gain a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of each subject, empowering them with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate today’s complex world.

The books serve as an essential companion to PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education), and RSE (Relationship, Sex and Health Education) in schools. While there is no specific national curriculum for PSHE, our books are aligned with the RSE guidance, which is a compulsory subject in all schools in the UK. We also follow guidance from the PSHE Association for England, the Curriculum for Excellence for Scotland, and the Curriculum for Wales. This alignment ensures that the content of our books is both relevant and supportive of the educational requirements, helping educators meet essential learning objectives. The books are also suitable for use in other subjects too, such as Humanities, English, Social Studies, Modern Studies, Sociology, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE), and Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ).

We currently have 80 book titles and renew each one every 3-4 years. A lot changes during that time – current events, news, and statistics, public opinion, and government policy all evolve, and our books evolve with them. Once a topic is no longer relevant, we retire it to make space for exploring new and emerging subjects. Our selection process for topics is closely tied to current news and events, school curricula, cultural and societal influences, and the latest trends impacting teenagers today.

By providing resources that complement and enhance classroom learning, the Issues series supports teachers in delivering lessons on a broad range of topics, from physical and mental health, drugs and alcohol, crime and justice, rights and discrimination, to environmental and global issues, as well as citizenship. Recently we have added several new titles to our offering including Artificial Intelligence, Vaping, Plastic Problem, and a new book on so-called Honour-based Abuse, which aligns with the guidance on RSE for schools.

At its core, Issues has always been about equipping young people with the essential tools they need to navigate and make sense of the world around them. In a rapidly changing society, where information is abundant but often overwhelming, our books serve as a reliable resource to help students make sense of contemporary social issues.

“We aim to empower students by providing them with the knowledge and insights they need to form their own informed opinions, promote lifelong learning, and stimulate critical thinking. By exploring the diverse topics covered in the Issues series, students can develop and refine their research skills, allowing them to approach information critically and thoughtfully”.

Beyond individual learning, we also see Issues as a catalyst for meaningful conversations within schools. Many of the subjects we cover can be challenging to discuss, yet they are essential for a well-rounded education. We hope that our books provide teachers and students with the tools they need to approach these topics in an open, thoughtful, and constructive manner. Through these discussions, we aim to empower students to find their voice, express their thoughts, and engage with the topics that truly matter to them and their communities.

The Issues book series has been a trusted resource since 1990, and in 2025, we’ll proudly celebrate our 35th anniversary!

To mark this occasion, we will shortly be launching a writing competition, giving students the chance to have their words featured in one of our publications!

The competition will be open for all schools to enter, with two categories for 11-14 year olds, and 15-18 year olds.

Please head to our website to find out more www.independence.co.uk

Take a look below at the new books in the Issue series and if you would like to see what else is available click here.