by K. N. Chimbiri
illustrated by Simone Douglas & Jael Umerah Makelemi 
 
From the natural remedies and health care knowledge developed in ancient West African civilisations, right through to the NHS’s call for nurses from the Caribbean, Chimbiri traces the origins and history of Britain’s Black nurses. Along the way are fascinating nuggets and biographies, such as: the free Black/Mixed Race women known as ‘doctresses’ in eighteenth century Jamaica; Asarto Ward, a nurse from Sierra Leone who came over to Tottenham in the 1890s to train at the Prince of Wales’ General Hospital; the British nurses of royal heritage such as Princess Tsahai Selassie (Ethopia) and Princess Adenrele Ademola (Nigeria); the rare example of a male nurse, Eric Ferron, who came over from Jamaica in 1944 and trained as a hospital nurse in the UK. 
 
From the author who brought us The Story of the Windrush, Chimbiri excels again at condensing a breadth of historical research into a crystal-clear overview which also references outwards through glossaries and further reading. The small hardback format adds to this ‘feel’ of a solid history told. The mixed media of illustrations, highlighted quotations, maps and special archive photos lend it a high level of accessibility and keeps the reader engaged. 
 
‘Inspiring and educational for readers. Resilience and appreciation is encouraged… strength and passion is what comes to mind’ (Ann Marie, EY Safeguarding Consultant, Letterbox Library Reviewer). ‘It is so well-researched and is the most detailed I have ever seen on this subject for primary aged children. Mary Seacole is widely studied now in primary schools but still often only in ‘isolation’ alongside Florence Nightingale. This gives an informative and clear picture and chronology of the history of nursing/medicine and the role Black nurses have played. All in all, it’s quite brilliant!’ (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Manager, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 7-12, Hardback 67pp

Themes: Black History