As a judge on the SLA Information book awards for the last five years, I have noted the increase in the number of books which look at the role of Black and Asian people in the history of Britain. The books mentioned here are just a few of the ones that have appeared in the last couple of years and which are useful for the school library, as well as introducing young people to their heritage and role in this country. These may be the tip f the iceberg, but there are many more books which can be found on a variety of booklists, and magazines such as “Pen and inc.”, published by Cilip (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals)
Macmillan, 9781529066203
“Black History for Every Day of the Year” by David, Yinka and Kemi Olusoga looks at events and people over each day of the year. The book covers the whole world and also multiple periods of history. A pot potpourri of black history that can act as a starting point for further enquiry. This should be in every secondary school library and will be invaluable for both the pupils and the staff.
“History through the Black Experience” by Simon Hudson is a two volume book
that also covers the black experience through a daily record. These volumes cover the first and second six months of the year and each day highlights major events through history. It is richly illustrated and highlights the names of historical characters and events. There is a comprehensive index. This is accessible for upper KS2, but probably sits better in a secondary library.
Thames and Hudson, 9780500652923
“Bright Stars of Black British History” by J.T. Williams and Angela Vives is an introduction to the role of the black community in the history of Britain. It covers wide time periods and then looks at specific people who have played a central role in many walks of life. A great read for lower KS2 pupils.
Bloomsbury, 9781526635716
“Brilliant Black British History” by Atinuke and Kingsley Nebechi. This book is aimed at the lower KS2 reader and is about the history of black people and the role they have played in the creation and growth of Great Britain. It is richly illustrated and I particularly like the section about major black figures, who are currently making an impact in our world.
Quarto, 9780711277007
“Young Gifted and Black Too” by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins is the second book about some of the most iconic black figures, both from the past and from the current period. It also covers people across the world, rather than just from Great Britain. It can be read by all KS2 children and although many of the people are well known, there are many that we do not know in this country, so it is good to hear about them and their contributions.
Andersen Press, 9781839133398
“Unspoken” by Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter is a heart breaking picture book, with a poetic text which speaks of the horrors of slavery. It looks at how the subject can be taught in schools and although it has an American setting, we can learn so many lessons in this country. It makes a stunning introduction to the subject and is full of emotion and the need to understand and learn.
Magic Cat, 9781913520946
“Lessons from our Ancestors” by Raksha Dave and Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong is a broad look at the impact of cultures around the world, particularly before they were altered by the appearance of white men and so-called western culture. It show young people that whatever their own cultural heritage, they will have contributed to the knowledge held in the world today. It makes a good starting point when looking at the history of nations around the world.
Quarto, 9780711266933
“Hear Our Voices” by Radhika Natarajan, Chad Tayiana and Alexander Mostov. This book looks at the history of the British Empire, through the lives of 20 figures from across the world. It is about understanding the importance of the people and their contributions to the world, despite being treated as second class by the ruling elites of their times. It covers the period from the expansionism of the 16th century up to the present day.