Brilliant Black British History (paperback)

By Author / Illustrator

Atinuke, illus Kingsley Nebechi

Genre

Representation & Inclusion

Age range(s)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Children's Books

ISBN

9781526657404

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

29-08-2024

Synopsis

* THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS: CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER * ENGLISH 4-11 PICTURE BOOK AWARDS: 7-11 NON-FICTION WINNER *

An eye-opening story of Britain, focusing on a part of our past that has mostly been left out of the history books: the brilliant Black history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Did you know that the first Britons were Black? Or that some of the Roman soldiers who invaded and ruled Britain were Black, too? Join this fascinating journey through the ages to meet those first Britons, as well as the Black Tudors, Georgians and Victorians who existed in every walk of life here.

The incredible journey through time is brought to life through Atinuke's fascinating storytelling and illustrated scenes, detailed maps, and timelines created by illustrator Kingsley Nebechi. From science and sport to literature and law, celebrate the brilliant Black people who have helped build Britain. Learn about key and complex historical topics such as the world wars, enslavement, the industrial revolution, Windrush and the Black Lives Matter movement.

This fascinating book will change everything you thought you knew about our green-grey British isles. 'We would recommend this book to any child, adult or teacher' Stop Hate UK. 'This powerful, vividly illustrated book proudly reframes Black British history' The Guardian. '... a brilliant, fascinating history book' The Week Junior, Book of the Week'. 'I started reading and couldn't put it down. It's the kind of book I wish I'd had when I was a kid' Joseph Coelho, Children's Laureate. 'This book is revolutionary' Kelechi Okafor, actor, writer and podcast host.

Download Extract

Reviews

Elen

So you think you know Black British history? Well, this book will definitely make you think again. Brilliant Black British History brings the nuance back to our history that has been lost in today's dividing lines; shining a light on the ways that Black lives have been entwined in British history from the beginning.

If you think that Britain has always been a land of white people, think again - its very first population has been proven to have been blue-eyed, and dark skinned - and throughout Brilliant Black British History, we learn the facts of Black British history that have been lost through time but are now being revived and recounted.

This research is an important step in acknowledging the huge value and culture that Black lives have brought to Britain and Brilliant Black British History is an important book in bringing together these facts, carefully compiled by author Atinuke. The illustrations by Kingsley Nebechi bring to life the rich sections on Black culture, history including the world wars, and movements such as Black Lives Matter. The timelines are fascinating, too, showing how Black history has made its mark on all aspects of today's Britain.

A book that truthfully contemplates the contribution Black history has made to British culture and society, and one that will help to change how Britain's Black history is perceived.

64 pages / Reviewed by Elen Green