Help Support Cork Safety Alerts – Donate the price of a coffee here via Stripe: https://csalert.ie/donate
Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service has announced this year’s selection for the ‘One County, One Book’ initiative: Freya Harte Is Not A Puzzle by Méabh Collins. The initiative, now in its fourth year, encourages literacy and promotes local literature by focusing on one book that sparks dialogue across the community. Supported by Creative Ireland, the initiative targets young readers and encourages the exploration of diverse themes in Irish literature.
Méabh Collins, known for her educational background and contributions to children’s literature, makes a powerful debut with this novel, which dives into the story of Freya, a teenage girl navigating life with a new autism diagnosis. Rather than seeking special treatment, Freya is determined to blend in, yet her journey raises important questions about acceptance, self-identity, and friendship. Freya Harte Is Not A Puzzle offers an insightful perspective on autism, particularly within the school setting, where Freya faces both internal and external challenges.
In speaking about the programme, Cllr. Joe Carroll, Mayor of the County of Cork, expressed his enthusiasm:
“It is hugely important that we support Irish authors and in particular homegrown literature that encourages young people to embrace diversity and build a more inclusive society.”
Students from Secondary Schools and Youthreach are invited to engage directly with Collins at an event in Cork County Hall’s Vertigo next month. This interactive session will allow students to delve deeper into the themes of the book with the author herself. Spaces for this event are limited and can be booked by contacting the Library and Arts Service at [email protected]. Additionally, online events in November will provide further opportunities for students to engage in meaningful discussions about the book.
For those interested, Freya Harte Is Not A Puzzle is available in all Cork County library branches and on Borrowbox as an e-book, ensuring wide accessibility for readers across the county.