Non-fiction Books (A-F)

Anthology of Amazing Women

Anthology of Amazing Women

by Sandra Lawrence
illustrated by Nathan Collins

Ref: 15127

There are anthologies and then there are anthologies. A number of books have been inspired by the wonderful Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls- of varying quality! This is, in our view, one of the most inspired. Fifty groundbreaking women are introduced from eight different areas: art, history, politics, science, sports, music/film/tv, literature and business. Of the fifty, nearly half are women of colour. The breadth is international, taking in heroes from Japan, Sri Lanka, Poland, Romania etc. and including some great examples from the UK, such as Mary Anning, Gurinder Chadha, J K Rowling, Mary Wollstonecraft. There are some original and exciting additions to the canon of women achievers including modern shakers such as Robina Muqimyar, Laverne Cox, Beyoncé and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The full colour illustrations are very attractive, the text is presented in nicely digestible chunks and the overall presentation is extremely accessible. A glossary and inspirational introduction and epilogue complete this great feminist package. Age 9+, Paperback 123pp
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Black and British: an Illustrated History

Black and British: an Illustrated History

by David Olusoga
illustrated by Jake Alexander & Melleny Taylor

Ref: 16910

Following on from Olusoga's adult text, there followed a KS2 chapter book, Black and British stocked by us. And now, we have this glossy, large and altogether generous, illustrated version. This pictorial version pulses with the beat of Black British lives across centuries of UK history from the Romans to Tudors to Stuarts to Georgians to Victorians to the World Wars to Windrush and today. Perfectly assembled for encyclopaedia geeks with archive photography and artefacts, glossary, maps, timelines, real and imagined portraits. Learn about the Tudor deep sea diver, Jacques Francis, Georgian poet Phillis Wheatley, abolitionist author Ottobah Cugoano and Black Victorian celebrity, Sarah Forbes Bonetta. But don't take it from us, take it from our 13-year-old reviewer, Maya: 'This book is absolutely amazing because it reverses the typical white ideal of the Romans and Tudors. I think that it should be in every school library and the materials should be incorporated into the curriculum.' 'This book should be in every school library' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'It's just brilliant. Really centres the UK Black experience, making it an essential part of our UK History' (Fen, Letterbox Library staff). Age 9-13, Hardback 78pp
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Black History: African Empires

Black History: African Empires

Ref: 2434

A new, bright and brilliant, jam-packed, Black History series- certainly one of the best we've seen at Letterbox Library. This book looks at the great civilisations of the African continent (including Ta-Seti and ancient Egypt, the empire of Mali and the kingdom of Benin) and the people within these complex societies. Written by a UK teacher and member of the Black and Asian Studies Association. 'Fantastic! It has just the right balance between text, pictures and sources' (Morgan, aged 15, LL reviewer). Age 10-14, Paperback 48pp.
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Black History: Arts and Music

Black History: Arts and Music

Ref: 2436

A new, bright and brilliant, jam-packed, Black History series- certainly one of the best we've seen at Letterbox Library. Full of UK references, very contemporary-looking, with teaching notes, glossaries and timelines. Snapshot biographies of UK figures include, in Arts: Ira Aldridge, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Adelaide Hall and Ben Zephaniah. Written by a UK teacher and member of the Black and Asian Studies Association. 'Fantastic! It has just the right balance between text, pictures and sources' (Morgan, aged 15, LL reviewer). Age 10-14, Paperback 48pp.
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Black History Matters: The Story of Black History from African Kingdoms to Black Lives Matter

Black History Matters: The Story of Black History from African Kingdoms to Black Lives Matter

Ref: 16172

Ambitious in its scope and brilliantly successful in that task- with a clearly targeted British audience. A journey which begins with the African Empires and moves through the histories of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism before ending with the civil rights movements and Black History today. Full of essential Black British material, including UK-based mid-18th century abolitionist campaigns, Black uprisings in UK-colonised countries, the Windrush legacy and the murder of Stephen Lawrence. Detailed glossary, index and timeline; colourful fact box 'splashes' and archive photographs. Flawless non-fiction. By an acclaimed UK Back Historian and educator, also known as the Black History Man. Walker's works include, most famously, When We Ruled (2011; for adult readers), "hailed as the single most advanced historical synthesis on the history of Africa and its people to date" (publisher website). Age 9+, Paperback 60pp
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Black Poppies

Black Poppies

Ref: 17087

A younger reader edition of Bourne's 2014, Black Poppies, described by Bernardine Evaristo as, "A powerful, revelatory counterbalance to the whitewashing of British history". Bourne's memories of his 'adopted' Aunty Esther welcome the reader in to a far ranging and engaging account of the military and civilian lives of the Black community in the UK between 1914 and 1919. Alongside the appearance of better known figures such as Water Tull (first black officer in the British army; professional footballer), Dr Harold Moody (community leader) and Mabel Mercer (Staffordshire-born cabaret performer) are a constant stream of surprises, including Hiawatha and Alice Coleridge-Taylor (children of Samuel C-T) and William Robinson Clarke, the first black pilot to fly for Britain. Perhaps most enriching of all, however, is hearing about the lives of Black and mixed race people whose names we may never know, who worked in factories and hospitals and who served in the army, as soldiers, sailors and pilots. Critically, Bourne details and exposes the anti-black 'race riots' post World War in British seaports as well as major cities throughout 1919, including South Wales, London's East End, Liverpool and Glasgow. He invokes this brutal past as it haunts contemporary Britain: "The tragic events of 1919 have been echoed time and time again in a country that has a reputation for taking pride in free speech and democracy". He goes on to draw a line from 1919 to the present, taking in the anti-Black race riots of 1948 Liverpool, the murder of Stephen Lawrence (1993) and the 2018 'Windrush Scandal'. Bonuses include: superb archive photos- the shot of 'The Coloured Men's Institute outing from London's East End to Reigate', 1926 is a treat (the hats!); a First World War timeline; memorabilia such as music hall posters and medals; newspaper headers; previously unpublished wartime correspondence. Wonderfully collated non-fiction, perfect for the classroom. Age 8-12, Paperback 182pp
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Black Stories Matter: Amazing Artists

Black Stories Matter: Amazing Artists

by J P Miller
illustrated by Chellie Carroll

Ref: 16919

A very recently published collection of biographies and mini-biographies of mostly contemporary icons, with a great gender balance and a good third of Black UK content. So, in amongst accounts of Toni Morrison, Lupita Nyong'o and Sidney Poitier, enjoy the extended bios of Steve McQueen, Malorie Blackman and Chris Ofili, the first black UK artist to win the Turner prize and famous for his elephant dung paintings. And then go on to enjoy, amongst others, the mini-bios of Idris Elba and Stormzy. Clearly laid out pages include fact boxes, quotes from the icons themselves and graphic art style portraits. Bulging with information, it works hard for its price tag! Age 8-12, Paperback 43pp
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Coming to England (PB)

Coming to England (PB)

by Floella Benjamin
illustrated by Diane Ewen

Ref: 16925

"My name is Floella. I lived on the beautiful island of Trinidad with Marmie, Dardie and my brothers and sisters . One day at breakfast, Dardie saw an advert in the newspaper. 'We have been invited to go to England!' he said." Dardie goes ahead with his saxophone and suitcase. Marmie follows a year later. And, finally, all the children make the journey, a 15 day trip by boat. But, despite the invite, London is very cold, very fast and not always very kind. As for Floella's hopes of meeting the queen? They seem impossible... A former famed BBC TV presenter, a Baroness and a Dame, Floella Benjamin now brings her story (previously only told in chapter book format) to a picture book audience. 'I loved this tale. Very similar to my own older siblings' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, Letterbox Library reviewer). ''I enjoyed reading this book...it gave a glimpse of the racism that Floella and many, many others faced. It is an amazing story for children as they can learn a lot. I would recommend this book to many' (Hannah, young Letterbox Library reviewer). p.s.: she does end up meeting the actual Queen, Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp
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Dealing with Feeling...Angry

Dealing with Feeling...Angry

by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Clare Elsom

Ref: 13598

Books in the Dealing with Feeling... series help readers to indentify their emotions, and provide tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them. This book looks at anger, including what anger feels like, safe ways of letting anger out, and how to calm down if you are feeling angry. Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp
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Dealing with Feeling...Happy

Dealing with Feeling...Happy

by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Clare Elsom

Ref: 13597

Books in the Dealing with Feeling... series help readers to indentify their emotions, and provide tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them. This book looks at happiness, including what happiness feels like, how to turn sad feelings into happy ones, and how to make other people feel happy. Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp
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Dealing with Feeling...Proud

Dealing with Feeling...Proud

by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Clare Elsom

Ref: 2475

Books in the Dealing with Feeling... series help readers to indentify their emotions, and provide tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them. This book looks at pride, including how to feel proud, why it is important not to feel TOO proud, and how to help other people feel proud, too. Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp
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Dealing with Feeling...Sad

Dealing with Feeling...Sad

by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Clare Elsom

Ref: 17143

Books in the Dealing with Feeling... series help readers to identify their emotions, and provide tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them. This book looks at sadness: how you can spot if someone is feeling sad, ways to articulate your sadness and how to reach out to others brought down by sadness. Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp
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Dealing with Feeling...Shy

Dealing with Feeling...Shy

by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Clare Elsom

Ref: 17144

Books in the Dealing with Feeling... series help readers to identify their emotions, and provide tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them. This book examines what shyness feels like (a bit scary!), how to manage it (try to smile!), how to talk to new people (ask them questions!) and how to help someone else who is shy (be extra friendly!) 'Useful for giving confidence to shy individuals in groups and also 1 to 1, with good references for extending' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp
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Dealing with Feeling...Worried

Dealing with Feeling...Worried

by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Clare Elsom

Ref: 13599

Books in the Dealing with Feeling... series help readers to indentify their emotions, and provide tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them. This book looks at being worried, including what it feels like to be worried, how to stop feeling worried, and how to help other people who might be feeling worried. Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp
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Equal To Everything: Judge Brenda and the Supreme Court

Equal To Everything: Judge Brenda and the Supreme Court

by Afua Hirsch
illustrated by Henny Beaumont

Ref: 15928

You may well have heard of Judge Brenda in the context of the Supreme Court's ruling back in September 2019 in which Boris Johnson's proroguing of parliament was found to be unlawful. You may also have seen the extensive media coverage of Judge Brenda's... brooches! (most notoriously an exceptionally large arachnid as she read out said ruling). But did you know that Judge Brenda was the first woman to become a Law Commissioner? And the first ever woman to be a judge in the UK's Supreme Court (remaining so until 2017- there are now 3)? And the first woman to be made President of the Supreme Court? If that record isn't grand and inspiring enough for the children in your life, then they might well enjoy hearing about her legislative roles in the fight for equal pay and the pivotal part she played in writing the Children Act 1989 which placed children's safety and happiness at the centre of child welfare decisions. (N.B.: she was also a celebrity judge on MasterChef 2018!) A truly rousing narrative and with a fabulous narrative perspective- the Supreme Court and Judge Hale are introduced through the keen voice of Ama on her trip with Class 3 from Richmond, Yorkshire to London's centre. Perhaps where this book triumphs most is in getting children to imagine themselves as the judges of the future- the final image of 12 members of Class 3 (including children from a range of faiths, ethnicities and a wheelchair user), now all grown up, poised in their judges' regalia, contrasts exquisitely with the earlier portrait of the current Supreme Court: all white; mostly male. As the book's publicity material says: "depicts a positive and aspirational vision of the Supreme Court for the future". There is so much for a classroom to exploit in this book; includes extension notes and archive pics at the back. Rhyming couplets and Beaumont's vibrant splashes of watercolour keep the text super-animated and engaging. Published by the Legal Action Group and written by a former barrister. Favourite illustrations: Judge Brenda in full gown and wig, gloved up in a boxing ring; a Black Rosie Riveter placard blazing out from a sea of women protestors. ['Casual' inclusion of a Black protagonist, multicultural characters and a child who is a wheelchair user]. Age 6-9, Hardback 34pp
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Everybody Feels Happy!

Everybody Feels Happy!

by Moira Butterfield
illustrated by Holly Sterling

Ref: 2588

Ethan has a bubbly fizzy feeling inside- he's off on holiday! Sophie loves her friends very much and wants to pass on her happiness to them...which makes them want to then pass on some of their happiness to her! Part of a lovely new series with fresh and colourful artwork which shows two children's separate stories, describes their emotions and has the two come together to interact over their feelings. Empowering and constructive feelings books with story words/glossary and suggested extension exercises for teachers/carers. Age 4-7, Hardback 21pp
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The Extraordinary Life of: Freddie Mercury

The Extraordinary Life of: Freddie Mercury

by Michael Lee Richardson
with b&w illustrations by Maggie Cole

Ref: 16894

From Zanzibar to Middlesex, UK; from Farrokh Bulsara to Freddie Mercury; from The Hectics to Queen; from shy boarding school music geek to operatic-pop lead vocalist...a biography of the truly mercurial Freddie, the enormous vocal talent behind rock band Queen which dominated the charts from the mid-1970s and throughout the next two decades. An accessible text broken up with, 'Top Hits' stars, glossary boxes, bold quotes, and 'Did You Know?' pauses. The story of a British bisexual icon of colour (and also a refugee). Celebrate Bisexuality Day takes place in September as a tribute to Freddie. He is also recognised for bringing public attention to the AIDS crisis during a climate of heavy prejudice. A useful back section includes a timeline and suggested discussion points, including the development of LGBTQ+ rights. Author Michael Lee Richardson also works in film & TV and, as a youth worker, set up Trans Youth Glasgow. Age 8-12, Paperback 118pp
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Families & their Faiths: Buddhism in Thailand

Families & their Faiths: Buddhism in Thailand

by F. Hawker & S. Phusomsai
photos by Bruce Campbell

Ref: 2737

A Thai man talks proudly about his 8-year-old grandson, Baan, as he learns about the local Buddhist monks and then decides to become a monk himself. Fantastic photos follow Baan as he searches out a lotus leaf, gets his head shaved, dresses in white, attends his initiation ceremony and then spends time learning at the monastery. A chatty, informal text tells Baan's story while extensive back notes on each page fill out the details of this faith's customs and practises so that practitioners can elaborate confidently. Age 5-8, Paperback 28pp
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Families & Their Faiths: Hinduism in Bali

Families & Their Faiths: Hinduism in Bali

by Frances Hawker & Putu Resi
photos by Bruce Campbell

Ref: 16596

A grandmother tells the story of her 7-year-old granddaughter, Yoni and, through her, introduces us to the island of Bali, their everyday life and how this is informed by their faith's rituals and practises. With a focus on special offerings to the Hindu gods and the retelling of Hindu stories through dance, a bright photographic account, full of red and gold hues. Glossary and teacher notes included at the back. Age 4-8, Paperback 29pp
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Families & Their Faiths: Islam in Turkey

Families & Their Faiths: Islam in Turkey

by Frances Hawker & Leyla Aliçavusoglu
photos by Bruce Campbell

Ref: 16599

Fatma introduces the lives of her grandson and granddaughter and, through them, introduces us in turn to their small Turkish village and how they practise Islam with a focus on learning the Qur'an, prayer and the meaning of Ramadan. Glossary and teacher notes included at the back. Age 4-8, Paperback 29pp
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