Black History

Every month should be Black History month! Famous for our Black History selections, this dazzling collection includes both historical and contemporary icons from the anti-slavery, civil rights and anti-racist movements. We strive for a good gender balance in this pack and we work very hard, often against the odds, to include as much Black British History as possible. 25 Books Members Price £149.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

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+, Hardback 123pp

Stunning slice of Black History. A dazzling portrait of self-taught folk artist, Clementine Hunter, whose paintings went from hanging on her clotheslines to hanging in museums. 'I liked this book because it was very colourful' (Christopher, 10, LL reviewer). Age 6-9, American Import Hardback 30pp Themes: Black History

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 impact of the transatlantic slave trade on Africa and on the lives of enslaved Africans. Written by a UK teacher and member of the Black and Asian Studies Association. Age 10-14, Paperback 44pp.

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.

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.

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 Resistance: Katherine Auker, Olaudah Equiano and Elizabeth Heyrick. 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.

A super new series made up of mini biographies of the great and the good including, amongst the campaigners, Mary Seacole, Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X and Oprah Winfrey.Timelines and glossaries; up-to-the-minute and good-looking! Endorsed by the UK Black History Month Website. 'This book is nicely laid our and easy to understand. The information is useful but also fun. I especially liked the page about Oprah Winfrey' (Leannah, aged 13, young LL reviewer). Age 9-12, Paperback 24pp

The long awaited sequel to Sawbones! We couldn't be more excited. Ezra and Loveday are on the move and are taking all possible risks to get prince Mahmoud back to safety. Travelling through late 18th century Paris, in the midst of revolution, they must dodge over-enthusiastic surgeons, a population in turmoil and... guillotines! Heads will surely roll... A fitting and ever-exciting sequel which also works just as well as a stand-alone. Age 10-16, Paperback 234pp

Have you heard of a chef called Edna Lewis? We thought not! We love to introduce children -and you!- to new history makers. This bright, cheery and light picture books, inspired by the life of Edna Lewis (b.1916, Freetown, Virginia), provides perfect entry points for children with its mouth-watering descriptions of where our food comes from and what it might become! Watch a family harvest and gather all of their food locally, through the passing seasons and then see what plates of food end up on the table: wild greens, dark-amber nectar, sun-ripened peaches, sassy tomatoes, ping-ping-ping peaches are all transformed in to crisp salads, honey on hot biscuits, peach ice cream, tangy tomato sandwiches and nut-butter cookies. Drooooling backnotes include recipes for pecan drops, apple crisps and more. Inspired by a rare (and award-winning) black female chef who had a passion for locally sourced food and a loyalty to traditional, fine, comforting, Southern-style cooking. Age 5-8, American Import Paperback 39pp

Read about David Grant, the chart-topping singer and coach for 'Pop Idol' and 'Fame Academy'. His childhood, coming to England from Jamaica, and his love of music. Age 7-10, 40pp Paperback. Themes: Black History

Exciting, pacey biography about someone with a dream and their subsequent breakthrough into world-class athletics. World and Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis. Seriously popular with our primary children reviewers! Age 7-12, Paperback 45pp Themes: Black History

Exciting, pacey biography about someone with a dream and their subsequent breakthrough into top-level motorsports. Seriously popular with our primary children reviewers! Age 7-12, Paperback 41pp Themes: Black History

Another clear, well-written, up tempo, biography in the Dream to Win series. Does this superhero really need any further introduction? A legend, a mammoth of a hero! 'The man of the moment! A simple factual background' (Eileen, Former Primary teacher, LL reviewer).'I liked this book it was very interesting and a good book' (Vuso, aged 8, young LL reviewer). A good little Fact File at the back and a timeline of Bolt's medals. Age 7-12, Paperback 47pp Themes: Black History

Great little first chapter book with large font. Meet the most famous of Black heroes. Old favourites are interspersed with some less familiar faces. Age 7-9, American Import Paperback 42pp

' "Why is it we are the slaves and they are our masters?" I asked. "Are they different from us? Underneath?" Thomas laughed. "They the same. But they tell us-and themselves-a load of stories that we deserve nothing else. But really it's jus' because they hold the ships and the whips and the guns."' Much-loved author and doyenne of middle grade historical fiction, Catherine Johnson, is back! …and she's at her very best, exploiting her historical sources brilliantly and knitting them in to a story full of pace, pulse, excitement and rich characterisations. It's 1783 and 12-year-old Nat's mother and sister have just been forcibly removed from the Jamaican plantation where they're enslaved. When Nat's mistress tells him he'll be accompanying the master to England in order to look after a precious cargo of pineapples, Nat holds on to a tiny shard of hope- he's heard that there are no slaves in England; that you are free the moment you set foot on English soil. But it turns out that his new destination offers nothing even resembling a taste of freedom… An essential and accessible read, layered with historical material. Includes a historical note, a timeline, references to the The Zong massacre (a UK slave ship where the crew murdered 132 men, women and children in 1781) and ensuing judicial hearings as well as a host of characters based on key, real-life figures: Olaudah Equiano (famed abolitionist and author), Granville Sharp (one of the first white UK abolitionist campaigners), Shadrack Furman (one of the first black pensioners), Joseph Johnson (merchant sailor and street entertainer), The Maroons and Frances Sancho -daughter of Ignatius Sancho (the first black Briton to vote). "Wow. A little masterpiece. This book is a story of the horrors of history which must NEVER be forgotten. The historical references are poignant and centre the narrative in a reality that haunts us to this day. Nat is a hero to be proud of! A must for every school" (Sonia, Deputy Head, Letterbox Library reviewer). "I'm left feeling wrecked by (yet more) knowledge of the UK's participation in the slave trade. I'm also left cheering for Nat. It defeats me why this history of enslavement and empire isn't fully compulsory, properly entrenched, within the curriculum- rather than patchy and incomplete and, in some of the crucial detail, entirely optional. If we ignore our active participation and agency in enslavement and the violence exacted, we are not only simply lying to children, but we are giving them an incomplete and therefore an intellectually impoverished history." (Fen, Letterbox Library staff). Age 8-12, Paperback 149pp

"I am Rosa Parks. I'm juts an ordinary person. But I'm also proof that there's no such thing as an ordinary person". This cartoon format is perfect for introducing the Rosa Parks story to a very young audience. A lovely informal colloquial style from Rosa Park's point of view shows her early life, her budding as a young activist and then, finally, her political courage as she refuses to move from a 'white seat' in a public bus. Age 5-8, American Import Hardback 38pp

The early career of a pioneering sculptor and a major figure of the Harlem Renaissance. A compelling portrait of a young woman's determination to carve out her own special place in art history. Age 7-11, American Import Hardback 38pp Themes: Black History

'What an uplifting story- all pupils would love it!'(Schools Improvement Officer, Letterbox reviewer). The exhilarating story of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates and his rise to fame as a tap dancer. A real showstopper. Age 6+. American Import Hardback 29pp Themes: Black History, Disability

A glorious hero from the abolitionist movement. Mary Prince, born into slavery in the Caribbean in 1788 arrives in London in 1828 to create her groundbreaking autobiography-the first account of a Black woman to be published in Britain. Age 9-12, Paperback 32pp Themes: Black History, Anti-Slavery Narratives

Another stunning little bio. in this series, this time focusing on Ella Fitzgerald, from her harsh early life (described in a way which is cleverly pitched to the young reader), to her first steps on the jazz club scene, to her solo career as the First Lady of Song. Discover how she played her voice like an instrument, inventing new words -"Dubi-dubi-dubu-daba"- and singing across genres from pop to blues. As with other titles in the series, the book ends with a fuller biographical note with archive photos. 'Yes, yes, yes!! I want the whole set! It is always powerful to see mighty women represented in books. To have a whole set of diverse women is great.' (Sonia, Deputy Primary Head, Letterbox Library reviewer.), Age 5-8, Hardback 26pp

A highly illustrated biography of one of our greatest writers. From a cruel childhood of displacement, family violence and wider societal racism, we witness Maya Angelou's recovery- literally finding her voice again through reading the works of literary giants- and then her incredible triumph as an award-winning giant of literature herself. A gorgeous biography which felt very satisfying even to this adult reader. Would work for a wide age range; the concepts and ideas are 'mature' and sophisticated enough for ages 7/8+ while the content is made perfectly accessible through spare, yet wonderfully descriptive, text. 'I really enjoyed reading this book about a lady who believed she could do whatever she wanted. I loved reading this and would read it again' (Nicole, aged 11, LL reviewer). 'A great story about an amazing woman. We enjoyed reading this and it brought up lots of discussions about segregation and women's rights' (Polly and her son, aged 6, LL reviewers). Age 5-8, Hardback 26pp

Moving biography of the well-loved writer, 'determined to put black children into books' despite others discouragement and her struggle with sickle cell disorder. Age 9+. Paperback 40pp Themes: Black History

(trans. The Mother of Trees). Subtitled, 'Wangari Maathai and the Tress of Kenya', this is not the first story we have sold about this revolutionary environmentalist- but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. Brought up with the wisdom of trees, as an adult, Wangari Maathai went on to dispense her knowledge by encouraging the planting of different trees which would in turn bring a wealth of materials and nourishment for local Kenyan communities, creating a new self-sufficiency and, ultimately, the reforestation of great swathes of Kenya's landscapes, tree by tree by tree. A lyrical retelling of the greatness of Wangari Maathai: the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace prize, the first female head at a Kenyan university department and the originator of the Green Belt Movement. Illustrated by a much celebrated artist- a backnote has Kadir Nelson describing his use of oil paints and printed fabrics to emulate an Eastern African aesthetic. 'Excellent. Skilful writing and attractive illustrations present an important story. Simply told, but with enough detail to enable it to provide a good foundation on the topic. Very good afterword, glossary etc.' (Elena, Community Librarian, Letterbox reviewer). Age 7-10 Hardback 32pp

The impossibly talented Kadir Nelson turns his hand to a lush, evocative and highly illustrated biography of a truly great leader. Follow Mandela's journey from his life as a barefooted 13-year-old playing on the grassy hills of Qunu to iconic statesman and president of South Africa. Age 6-9, Paperback 37pp

English Assoc. 4-11 Shortlist 2010 The official picture book edition of his bestselling autobiography. Read the amazing story of a true hero who grew up to fight apartheid and became South Africa's first Black president. 'A lovely book about a most remarkable man!' (Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 7-11, Paperback 56pp Themes: Black History

This title has been made with Manchester school children and fills an important gap in available literature on this significant Black British hero. Original, unique and fantastic in every way! Age 6-11, Paperback 24pp

NAACP Image Award Winner A brilliantly illustrated journey through the pioneers of African American and American History, presenting each change-maker as a successor launched by a previous, iconic, figure. It starts out with "our ancestors fought ...so George could invent...", then introduces us to a canon of heroes- including Hattie McDaniel/Jackie Robinson/Ruby Bridges/Thurgood Marshall- ending with Barack Obama and the words, "...so Barack could run. Barack ran...so our children can soar! And higher and faster and stronger they go." A simple message with contributions from 12 artists working in different mediums and with different techniques. With the extension notes offering mini biographies of the pioneers and of the present day artists, this works as a powerful political narrative, a simple introduction to key figures of the civil rights movement and as a stunning art book. 'A great resource with beautiful illustrations' (Nike, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 5-10, Paperback 30pp

A page-turner of a story, commemorating Pinkus Aylee, an unsung Black hero of the civil war. Marvellous. Age 7-10, American Import Paperback 44pp Themes: Black History

The totally incredible but true story of the first American to reach the North Pole- a Black orphan runaway called Matthew Henson. Not only does this account give all due respect to Henson's 'discovery', it also honours his Inuit companions with warmth and passion. An excellent book for prompting discussions about the subjectivity of history, the erasure of BAME and indigenous histories, the impact of colonisation. An excellent book also for those who simply enjoy a spirited, smart-paced, adventure story. Yet again, author Catherine Johnson delivers us gripping, sizzling fiction based on a more accurate history than the one many of us were taught- one which is teeming with the lives of those who have so often been silenced, forgotten, ignored. Age 8-12, Paperback 118pp

The true stroy of Walter Tull, the first black outfield player in professional football and the first ever black officer in the British army. An exciting and well overdue biography of this little known hero. Reading Age 8+ Interest Age 12+ Paperback 58pp Themes: Black History

Read about this well know actor and star of East Enders. Another in the series of these brilliantly executed biographies of contemporary Black UK role models. Superb! Age 9-12, 40pp Paperback. Themes: Black History

The extraordinary life of a dual heritage, super-talented composer and musician, brought to you by a group of inspired schoolchildren. Hiawatha's creator finally joins the canon of UK Black History. Age 7-10, Paperback 26pp Themes: Black History

It's 1792 and Ezra (mixed race) is an apprentice surgeon. When a tattooed body lands on his dissection table, he and the rapier-wielding Loveday unearth a tangled web of intrigue. Described by Malorie Blackman (Children's Laureate) as "Superbly written", our reviewers were absolutely gripped. "What an opening chapter! (School librarian, LL reviewer). Age 10 +, Paperback 233pp

An oral autobiography based on interviews with Norma Miller, famed Harlem Renaissance dancer. Lively spirited text and zappy illustrations perfectly evoke the Jazz Age. Age 9+, American Import Hardback 56pp Themes: Black History

A truly excellent account of the 1948 arrival of hundreds of Caribbean people to London on HMT Empire Windrush. Refreshing for establishing a wider context of British colonisation, World War two and post war recovery. Notable also for stressing the UK's request for and dependence on people from the Caribbean for the recovery and establishment of many of the UK's public services, including the NHS and Transport for London. A significant contribution to a small body of work on Black British history, clearly locating this seminal event on a timeline which recognises also the Black British presences which preceded and followed on from the Windrush. Includes wonderful archive photos, mini biographies of people from the Windrush generation, a glossary and a historical timeline. Rich, interesting and perfect for a primary aged audience. 'This is a story that needs to be more widely known. So pleased to see this easily understandable account of the fate endured by many of the black migrants who were part of the Windrush generation' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). 'The first book [on this subject] I've seen for this age group' (Fiona, School Librarian, LL reviewer). Age 7-12, Hardback 44pp

As we write this review (Sep 2014), Walter Tull is about to be commemorated on a special coin issued by the Royal Mint! A fitting tribute to the first Black outfield player in professional UK football and the first Black officer in the British army. This lovely scrapbook format is written from Tull's perspective and traces his life from attending school in Folkestone to his footballing years at Spurs to his death, aged 29, during the Second Battle of the Somme. With wonderful black and white photography, drawings and archive materials, this is a wonderfully rich historical resource. 'An inspiring, moving account of Tull's life' (Parent, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Paperback 30pp

From the song's roots in America's era of slavery through the civil rights movement of the 1960s to today, "We Shall Overcome" has come to represent the fight for equality and freedom around the world. This important book, lyrically written by Debbie Levy and paired with elegant, collage-style art by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, pays tribute to the heroic spirit of the famous song that encompasses American history. Age 7-11, Hardback 29pp

A fast paced, easily digestible biography of Michelle Obama from her birth on the South Side of Chicago to her years of hard study at Princeton and Harvard, to a meeting with a certain Barack Obama, to her critical role in his rise towards the presidency- right up until Barack's reelection for a second term in 2012. Fine line black and white illustrations provide extra detail such as the bird's eye diagram of the White House and the U.S.A. state maps. And, as with the other titles in the series, there are some excellent fact boxes offering a wider historical context- here, boxes on other First Ladies such as Martha Washington, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolley Madison, Jackie Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. A neat little timeline of key moments in Michelle Obama's life runs parallel to a timeline of key events around the world. Age 8-12, American Import Paperback 107pp

A conversational text and black and white etchings illuminate this biography of Rosa Parks from her childhood days in early twentieth century Alabama through to her extraordinary achievements and bravery within the civil rights movement and, finally, to her death in October 2005. The narrative is broken up by extremely helpful fact boxes to give a wider context -e.g.: Brown Vs. Board of Education ruling, the role of the Black Church, the NACACP- and to introduce other key civil rights activists, including Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and the little known Claudette Colvin who, aged just 15, refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus 9 months earlier. A big hit with our review team; 'Very important account of life and political activity of Rosa Parks. Fascinating. An essential element of black/women's history' (Cariad, Theatre Lecturer, LL reviewer). 'What a brilliant book. A simple account of an ordinary woman who made a major contribution to the civil rights movement. I also liked the fact that this paid credit to others who were important such as the lesser known Claudette Colvin' (Hellan, Senior Adoption Worker, LL reviewer). 'Easily accessible text and well 'chunked' chapters' (Christine, PRU Manager, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, American Import Paperback 104pp

Packed full of facts and illustrated with photographs and artwork, this look at Black women of the 1920s/30s Harlem Renaissance is truly inspiring. 'This book is full of interesting information,. It told me about lots of Black women I didn't know of before' (Leannah, 9, LL reviewer). Age 9-11, American Import Paperback 45pp Themes: Black History

"Our lives matter. This book is a love letter to our ancestors and to the next generation of black change-makers, in the spirit of the [Nina Simone] song, 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black'" (Wilson & Pippins). A truly joyful festival of black icons. An explosion of colourful illustrations, bold page headers, highlighted inspirational quotes and a resplendent photographic Hall of Fame introduce 52 black stars -both past and present- from around the globe. The breadth and scope is stunning: icons who will resonate immediately with young people- Beyoncé, Bolt, Bile; a very fine smattering of UK figure- including Zadie Smith, Steve McQueen, Mo Farah, Nicola Adams; a great gender split; the inclusion of legends who are rarely written in to accounts of black history- Sidney Poitier, Kofi Annan, Toni Morisson. A deeply satisfying tribute and a must-have historical resource for young people everywhere. 'Excellent book. A good balance of contemporary and historical figures. Strongly recommend this!' (Darren, Teacher & Higher Ed. Tutor, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'Allows readers of all backgrounds to learn about black change makers and allows children of colour to see themselves reflected in an array of positive role models. Every school should have a copy!' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 8+, Hardback 61pp