Top Picks to Celebrate Black History Beyond the Month

Posted on 29 October 2024

Celebrate Black History all year round with our fantastic range of children’s books and learn something new today.

Coming to England

Coming to England by Dame Floella Benjamin and Joelle Avelino

When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn’t at all what Floella had expected.

A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella’s experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy.

Counting on Katherine

Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk

Meet Katherine Johnson, the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible and made sure that Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger. Counting on Katherine is a beautiful, illustrated biography, sure to inspire young readers.

This is the true story of a groundbreaking African-American woman who went above and beyond what was expected of her in the 1960s, saving lives and making enormous contributions to history.

Future Hero: Escape from the Clay City

Future Hero: Escape from the Clay City by Remi Blackwood

The land of Jarell’s ancestors is still not safe, and he must return if he is to stop the sorcerer Ikala from gaining power. Together with the help of Kimisi, and their new ally Bo-de, the trio must journey to a city of clay if they are to find what they need to defeat their enemy. .

A winning blend of future tech gadgets and a fantasy world inspired by the mythology of Africa and its diaspora.

Black and British

Black and British by David Olusoga

When did Africans first come to Britain? Who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings? Why did the American Civil War disrupt the Industrial Revolution? These and many other questions are answered in this essential introduction to 1800 years of the Black British history: from the Roman Africans who guarded Hadrian’s Wall right up to the present day.

The essential starting place for anyone who wants to learn about Black British History. David Olusoga’s thought provoking text charts the forgotten histories of Black people in Britain from Roman times right through to the present day.

Voices #5 Windrush Child

Voices #5: Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah

Leonard is shocked when he arrives with his mother in the port of Southampton. His parents have brought him here to try to make a better life, so Leonard does his best not to complain, to make new friends, to do well at school – even when people hurt him with their words and with their fists. How can a boy so far from home learn to enjoy his new life when so many things count against him?

The Voices series reflects the authentic, unsung stories of our past. Each shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad of people have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves – from Roman times to the present day. Perfect for teaching children about inclusivity and diversity

Stuart Book 2

Growing up Black in Britain by Stuart Lawrence, Ashley Hickson-Lovence and Simone Douglas

What is it like to grow up Black or Black dual heritage in Britain? Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, talks to seven inspirational figures about their childhood experiences, as well as sharing insight into his own. This is a collection of courageous, thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful pieces set to educate and inspire young people.

About the author: Stuart Lawrence is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, the young man who, on 22 April 1993, at the age of just 18, was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack. Stuart is an educator and motivational speaker, dedicated to helping to transform the life chances of young people.

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Starr lives in two worlds: the poor area where she was raised, and her fancy high school out in the suburbs. Sometimes it’s a tough balancing act. But when a police shooting kills her best buddy, Khalil, she finds herself falling with no safety net. Where will she land? Starr was the only witness. Khalil wasn’t armed. Speaking up could destroy her community and get her killed. But she can’t keep silent. What should Starr do?

Angie Thomas is a former teen rapper with a fresh, authentic voice, who writes about incredibly topical themes of racism, prejudice and police violence.

Browse more books for Black History Month:

You can find these books, and even more books on the Scholastic shop here.

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