Black History

Since 2003, we have been producing a Black History book pack for our schools. Now on our 26th version, this collection is reviewed regularly to keep it relevant and to ensure it is packed with the most recent books available. This collection includes biographies of both historical and contemporary icons, as well as accounts of the anti-slavery, civil rights and anti-racist movements in the UK, North America and beyond. You'll find a range of formats to suit all types of readers: single title biographies as well as biography anthologies to dip in and out of; longer read historical fiction; hardback resources; picture books; chapter books. We strive for a good gender balance in this pack and we work very, very, hard, often against the odds, to include as much Black British History as possible (the current collection includes accounts of the Windrush; the UK's participation in the slave trade; Black presences/communities in Tudor & Roman Britain as well as historical/contemporary UK Black icons). 20 Books Members Price £142.00 **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+, Paperback 123pp

An anthology of the all-time shakers and movers in black music history; the genre-definers and innovators of Funk, Motown, Reggae, Soul, Discos and beyond. Extremely attractive layout with Masi's flat-page iconographic pop art style stamping its way across 2 page spreads per artist/band. Clear text pulls key facts about each artist into well-spaced, headed-up fact boxes such as 'selected discography', 'cult album', 'activism' and, most intriguingly, 'scandal'. From the 'old' souls of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye through to more contemporary superstars such as Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Drake and Missy Elliott. Some of the biographical content means this anthology is best pitched at ages 10+, Hardback 42pp

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

A special, illustrated, 20th anniversary edition of Benjamin's classic memoir recounting her and her family's journey from Trinidad to London in the 1960s. Arriving on the back of the wave of The Windrush Generation, Benjamin's exposure of the lie of 'The Motherland' is acute and necessary. "Little did that generation of West Indians know...that their descendents would have to go through a gruelling survival course on arrival in Britain, and be made to feel unwelcome and unwanted in the celebrated motherland. I came to England feeling special, like a princess, but was made to feel like a scavenger, begging for a piece of what I thought was mine". A new author foreword and a backnote on the Windrush Generation provide some reflection and contextualising- and the vibrant watercolours and clear text layout make this a perfect 'bridging' chapter book. Age 9-12 Paperback 134pp Themes: Black History

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

A wonderfully thoughtful story about bullying, friendship and the freedom of forgiveness, based on a real episode from Archbishop Tutu's childhood. Set in South Africa. Dreamy illustrations. Age 6-9, Hardback 29pp Themes: Black History / Bullying

Part of a fantastic new historical series which has commissioned much-adored and prestigious UK authors of colour to bring to life fascinating figures from UK history. Diver's Daughter is inspired by the story of Jacques Francis, a black salvage diver, hired to help retrieve goods from the Mary Rose in 1546. Follow Eve and her mum, a highly skilled diver on their perilous journey from Southwark to Southampton with its ship wreck and promise of treasure. A great back note from the award-wining Lawrence on the deletion of people of colour from UK history and the significance of Jacques Francis: "There is also the enduring myth that black people can't swim. What the story of Jacques Francis showed was that sometimes, black people were the only people who could swim! Jacques is also one of the first recorded Africans to give evidence in an English court". Expect more than 'just' history, though... Lawrence's talent for brilliantly-paced mysteries sends out sparks with every plot development. "A really interesting story well told. Once started, it was hard to put down. An engrossing look at a section of Tudor life" (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer- Diver's Daughter). Age 9-14, Paperback 171 pp

A fantastic new historical series which has commissioned much-adored and prestigious UK authors of colour to bring to life fascinating figures from UK history. Now or Never takes as its cue the Royal India Army Service Corps at Dunkirk. Diver’s Daughter is inspired by the story of Jacques Francis, a black salvage diver, hired to help retrieve goods from the Mary Rose in 1546. Both thread their fictional biographies through with substantial historical sources, delivering pacy historical fiction to a wide range of readers. Excellent Author Notes at back too. "It is fabulous and essential to have this history brought to young people" (Fen, Letterbox Library staff and reviewer- Now or Never). "A really interesting story well told. Once started, it was hard to put down. An engrossing look at a section of Tudor life" (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer- Diver’s Daughter). Age 9-14, Paperback 202 & 171 pp Offer price: 2 for £12

A highly readable, snappy, biography about a hugely likeable and impressive athlete. Discover Adams' early days and the many challenges she faced in fulfilling her ambitions, including her parents' break up, her mum's meningitis (meaning Adams was a young carer for a time) and sexism within the world of boxing...all hefty challenges which Adams overcame to become Britain's top amateur champion, the first women's boxing gold medalist in the history of the Olympic games (London, 2012!) and the winner of the first-ever women's boxing Commonwealth gold (Scotland, 2014.) 'Nice challenge all the way through of what girls can and can't do. Really interesting portrayal of her journey and the challenges she faced- money, mum's illness, gender, injury etc.' (Hannah, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Includes a useful Fact File at the back and a timeline of Adams' medals. Age 7-12, Paperback 47pp 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

Part of a fantastic new historical series which has commissioned much-adored and prestigious UK authors of colour to bring to life fascinating figures and events from UK history. Inspired by her early childhood in Libya, Rasheed executes a layered and engrossing story from ancient history, tracing a young Libyan/Roman girl's journey from Leptis Magna/North Africa to Rome and then to Britannia during the dying days of the Empire. The narrative delves into the complex histories of enslavement and expertly examines the wielding of power, including as this was played out across gender politics. Real historical figures appear as key characters, including the Libyan-born emperor, Septimius Severus (who ended his days in York) and the powerful Syrian, Julia Domna. Firmly stamps the multicultural, cross-national characters of the Roman empire. "Really enjoyed reading this. It has an engaging central character as she experiences Roman life with its many different cultural influences- at times, sad and brutal but lovely descriptive passages too" (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer- Diver's Daughter). Age 9-14, Paperback 187pp

"We women are fortunate enough to scan the generations and discover women who dared to be 'sheroes' and role models for girls and young women. Madame Curie, Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Mrs Rosa Parks have brightened our days and influenced our thoughts. Because of their courage and insight, we have come to believe we can be the best and deserve the best" (Maya Angelou). A highly accessible, non-fiction chapter book with a single colour blue palette, a text spread out into accessible blocks, fact boxes, powerful large-font quotes, on-the-page glossary boxes and an 8-page, illustrated timeline. Provides an excellent and refreshingly direct biography of Rosa Parks work. 'A welcome book about the life of Rosa Parks, a wonderful role model for all. It's a very informative look at her life but very easy to read as each page contains a small amount of text' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). Favourite fact: when the Ku Klux Klan offered to help Missouri council fund a new motorway, the council took the cash and then named that part of the motorway the 'Rosa Parks Highway!' Age 8 to 12, Paperback 120pp

WINNER Little Rebels Award 2019 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. "A short, powerful and richly imagined historical novel exposing the UK's often overlooked participation in the slave trade" (Catherine Barter, reviewing for the Little Rebels Award website). 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

Thoroughly engrossing account of the woman who pulled all the stops out to help the Americans' earliest ventures in to space! One of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist, Johnson's calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed spaceflights. A very full biography which is broken up with fantastic fact boxes covering all imaginable geeky space stats alongside key information on the wider historical context in which Johnson lived. Superb backnotes include a mini history of computing, further reading, a glossary, a wonderful playlist of songs to accompany each chapter (from Count Basie to Janelle Monáe's tribute to the 1st US female astronaut, 'Sally Ride') and timelines of Black American History, highlights in the history of aviation and Katherine Johnson's own life. 'I read this book straight off. It mixes the biography of Katherine Johnson with science, the space race, black history, women's rights in an effortless manner. Very informative, very readable. Most definitely a YES!' (Sylvia, Children's Social Work Director, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 9-14, Paperback 239pp

'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

It is no easy task to condense the life of Maya Angelou (1928-2014) into a mini-biography but Jawando has completely pulled that off! A musician, dancer, activist, author, teacher, traveller, Angelou's history is a truly remarkable one and Jawando manages to capture its richness by focusing in on pivotal moments in Angeou's life: her childhood in 1930s segregated Arkansas, the abuse experienced at the hands of her mother's boyfriend (told in an entirely age-appropriate/sensitive way), the subsequent loss of her voice, the soothing balm she discovers in poetry, the subsequent recovery of her voice- now immensely empowered, her teen activism, her job as a professional nightclub dancer (which took her to a part in the famous opera, Porgy and Bess), her first album, the launch of her writing career and so it goes on and on...! Her friendships with Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X are noted while her own autonomous political work in several different countries is appropriately revered. A timeline completes this superbly rendered snapshot odyssey. A brilliant, fact-packed, small hardback early reader for key stage 2. Age 8-12, Hardback 59pp

A hugely successful debut which came about following the author's 2017 Black History Month Instagram posts in which she illustrated a single African-American woman in the guise of 40 icons who determined the course of history. The result is an absolutely gorgeous and award-winning collection of portraits accompanied by brilliantly brief yet full biographies. 40 figures shine through, from the ones you might expect -Sojourner Truth, Ella Fitzgerald, Oprah Winfrey-to more unexpected figures such as Audre Lorde, Julie Dash, Angela Davis. And, while this New York Times bestselling author/illustrator has understandably stayed quite US-focused, there are some UK Stars included in the mix...and some very interesting ones at that: abolitionist/author Mary Prince; British Royal Navy sailor, 'Seaman' William Brown; singer Shirley Bassey; MP Diane Abbott; javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson. A very attractive and fascinating chunk of history which includes a cut-out Little Leaders Bookmark on the cover fold, a glossary, further sources -books, films & songs- and an 'Extra' double page gallery of Little Leaders (with additional UK icons: Fanny Eaton, Zadie Smith, Nicola Adams and Olive Morris). Age 7+, Paperback 90pp

A companion to Harrison's Bold Women, this collection of 35 mini-biographies, while very Un-American-focused, does exactly what the author promises in narrating the "stories of exceptional men you don't often see in the mainstream". Side stepping the usual Greats (Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Barack Obama), Harrison instead zooms in on lesser known figures: James Armistead Lafayette, who spied on the British during the 1780s Revolutionary war; the late 19th century Deputy Marshall, Bass Reeves; the UK Social Reform Lobbyist, Harold Moody; UK activist, Paul Stephenson, famous for organising the 1963 Bristol bus boycott; more contemporary music icons such as Prince and Chuck D. As with Bold Women, the collection is immaculately presented- Harrison's trademark luminescent eyes-closed figures, an extra roll call of Little Leaders as an appendix (includes a nod to Stormzy), further book/films/albums and an illustrator's own guide to drawing your own Little Leader. Age 7+, Hardback 87pp

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

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

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

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

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2014 A slice of historical fiction detailing the remarkable life of Harriet Tubman: her enslavement, her fight for freedom and then her immeasurable bravery freeing others through the Underground Railroad, as a nurse during the civil war and as a suffragette. Age 10-12, Paperback 112pp

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

Winner Caldecott Medal 2020 It is a hard task to add anything more to the very many glowing reviews of The Undefeated which have appeared online and in print. This really is a magical pairing- matching up the multi-award-winning illustrator, Kadir Nelson, whose rich, heady, paintings are exhibited in major institutions and collections with the similarly, award-winning, Kwame Alexander: novelist, educator and a poet who manipulates words into explosions of energy. As Kwame says, this extended poem is a hymn to 'the dreamers and doers', inspired by the inauguration of Barack Obama and his wish to show his young daughter how they had reached that moment in North American history. Sparse and exacting words and sweepingly 'generous' illustrations which feel barely contained by the pages leap across famous figures and events from N. American Black History, culminating in an ode and a triumphant legacy: "This is for the undefeated. This is for you. And you. And you. This is for us". Age 7+, Paperback 36pp

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+, Paperback 61pp