What are Issues Books?


The Issues book series is an essential educational resource for teachers and librarians working with 11 to 18-year-olds, designed to help you confidently teach and engage students on a wide range of contemporary social issues. Created to support Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education, and Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSE), these books provide the knowledge and tools to address challenging topics in a structured, thoughtful way that promotes students' emotional development and critical thinking skills.

Each Issues book offers a deep dive into a specific topic, presenting a well-rounded research guide filled with diverse articles, facts, opinions, and up-to-date data. With a balanced approach, these books empower students to explore various perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and form their own informed opinions.

 





Why Choose Issues Books?

·      Confidence to Teach Sensitive Topics

Issues books are designed to give you the confidence to approach complex and often sensitive subjects, such as mental health, identity, and social justice. By presenting clear facts, balanced views, and structured discussion points, these resources help guide conversations that support students' wellbeing and understanding.

·      Tailored for the PSHE & RSE Curriculum

Whether you’re covering health, relationships, environmental responsibility, or citizenship, the Issues series fits seamlessly into your lesson planning. Each book aligns with the PSHE and RSE curriculum, providing comprehensive, up-to-date content that complements your teaching needs.

·      Foster Critical Thinking & Emotional Growth

Issues books present information without bias, encouraging students to think critically about social challenges, form their own informed opinions and engage in meaningful discussions, and debate.  By facilitating open dialogue, these resources help young people develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate complex issues with confidence.



Comprehensive and Timesaving for Teachers and Librarians

With over 80 titles currently available—and 18 new titles released annually in January, May, and September—Issues books cover a broad spectrum of topics, from health and wellbeing, crime and justice, to global issues and environmental responsibility. Each book is updated every 3-4 years to ensure the information remains current and relevant.

Each Issues book provides:

·      Research at Your Fingertips
Save time with expertly curated content, offering diverse perspectives from government reports, newspapers, experts, charities, and organisations.

·      Engaging & Accessible Content
Easy-to-photocopy pages and accessible language make Issues the perfect resource for students, teachers, and librarians alike.

·      Complete Classroom Support
Each volume includes assignments, discussion points, tasks, and research ideas to inspire classroom engagement and foster active learning.

·      Further Reading & Support
With suggestions for further reading, useful websites, glossaries, and helplines, Issues provides comprehensive support for students, ensuring they have access to additional resources beyond the classroom.

 

 

Supporting Your PSHE Lessons & Student Wellbeing

At Independence Educational Publishers, we understand the challenges of teaching PSHE and discussing difficult topics with young people. The Issues series is designed to make those conversations easier, giving you the tools to support students’ emotional development while delivering engaging, meaningful lessons.

Explore our growing collection and discover how Issues books can help you empower confident, thoughtful students who are ready to engage with the world around them.