UK Cypriot Joanna Georgiou has been a primary school teacher for six years now. Over the years, it has been apparent that there has been an increase in children becoming more addicted to social media and technology, and in turn, becoming less active. As a result of this, many children suffer from mental health issues and lack self-esteem.

Realising what a huge impact this had, Joanna was inspired to write her first children’s novel, Life Beyond.

“I aimed to create a book that is fun and engaging for children, but also a book where children could relate and connect to the characters and understand the message behind the story,” said Joanna.

The concept of Life Beyond is to teach children that there is more to life than social media and technology and to realise the significance of showing respect and kindness, working as a team and to be generous – these are the themes that are explored in the book.

Joanna continued, “I never considered writing before, especially after being told from one of my teachers at school that she didn’t think applying for university would be for me as she thought I would struggle and not persevere. I remember feeling deflated as I always knew I wanted to graduate and become a teacher. This motivated me to encourage every single one of my pupils to dream big, and if they show true commitment and determination, then anything is achievable.

“I would love to write more children’s books in the future. I want to follow a theme with my books; to always have a message behind the story that children can relate to and learn something.”

Life Beyond can be purchased from: Amazon, Waterstones, Foyles, Pegasus, BookTopia and Hive.