Bright Stars of Black British History

Bright Stars of Black British History by J T Williams is a wonderfully informative book for children and adults. The book is beautifully presented with a focus on some of the many key influencers on black British history. It starts with a brief history of African presence in Britain from the Roman times, and then begins its first focus on John Blanke, a trumpeter in the Tudor Court. Each chapter focuses on a different person throughout the ages and highlights their struggles and their successes.

The book is packed with interesting information that will enthral all who delve into its pages. Throughout the book there is a clear message of the inner strength and passion of these Bright Stars to make a change, to stand up for what they believe was right, despite the many barriers that were often put in their way. And as we continue our journey through to the final entry of Claudia Jones, Political Campaigner and Carnival Pioneer, we celebrate that her struggle and determination is still heralded each year with the Notting Hill Carnival - Europe's largest celebration of Caribbean Culture.

J T Williams has created an interesting and informative chronology of Black History.  Each one of the people in this book has done something truly amazing to change Black History.  The book's clear layout is well supported with illustrations by Angela Vives. This is truly a must for all schools as an essential and incredibly important guide to changes in history, the struggles and the persecution, and the determination and continued fight felt by many.

Curriculum links: Black History, history focus through people during Roman, Tudor, Elizabethan, Georgian, Victorian and Modern eras, persecution, determination, slavery, hope, love and strength.

160 pages / Reviewed by Donna Burkert, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+