A bookstore bringing Russians and Ukrainians together
Some younger Russians opposing the regime of Vladimir Putin and his war have found refuge in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul. There, a young Russian woman and her Ukrainian business partner wanted to create a space for Russians and Ukrainians to meet – and decided to open up a bookstore where they sell books that are banned in Russia, among other things.
Report: Ylenia Gostoli, Istanbul
Book bans have rattled the United States
A school district in Utah, a state in the western region of the United States, caused quite the ruckus when news broke that its school board decided to stop distributing the Bible to younger students. The ban has now been reversed – but this has opened up a wider debate on book bans. According to the American Library Association, the number of attempts to ban or restrict books across the US in 2022 was the highest in 20 years.
Report: Katrin Brand, voiced by Ben Restle
A treasure trove full of books in Morocco's Rabat
From thrillers to guidebooks, schoolbooks to historical and religious texts: Everything can be found inside little bookstores in Rabat. The only question is – where, exactly? Because these books are not neatly displayed on shelves. There's no computer system here either. But the Bookinist – as the bookseller calls himself – still knows how to help you find whatever you're looking for.
Report: Anne Baier, voiced by Jennifer Collins
Poetry, on a stage
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Poetry By Heart is a competition in England where students between the ages of 7 and 18 can take part by choosing a poem, learning it by heart and performing it at school. Staff then choose their favorites and submit entries via video upload. Aimed at changing the way teachers as well as young people perceive poetry, the idea seems to be paying off. This year, a record number of young people took part, with judges watching two thousand videos to select the finalists.
Report: Dany Mitzman, London
This show was produced on July 7, 2023.