Black History Month 2022
October is Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the achievements and contributions of the black community in the UK and around the world.
This list has some fantastic book suggestions for primary and secondary school readers, celebrating courageous and inspiring individuals.
Info Buzz
A first non-fiction series with large photos and simple text, introducing key figures to early readers. Each title is written in conjunction with a literacy consultant and features book band guidance and downloadable activity sheets online.
For age 5+
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Black Stories Matter
Discover inspiring black men and women through history, from artists to inventors, in this beautifully illustrated biography collection.
For age 7+
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Black History
This series brings together a wide range of events and experiences from the past to promote knowledge and understanding of black culture today.
For age 11+
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Black History Matters
A chronicle of thousands of years of black history, from African kingdoms, to slavery, apartheid, the battle for civil rights and much more. Important and inspiring black personalities, from Olaudah Equiano to Oprah Winfrey, are highlighted throughout, while achievements and progress are balanced alongside a look at the issues that many black communities continue to face.
For age 11+
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The History of the African and Caribbean Communities in Britain
A look at the history of African and Caribbean communities in Britain, with information on why people came to Britain, the problems they faced, and the contribution they have made to British society. Includes case studies and some rarely published photographs.
For age 12+
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African Migrations
Newly updated, African Migrations explores the history of migration from Africa, from the forced migrations of slavery and the experiences of life in the Americas to the political and economic migrations of more recent times. Experiences are brought to life with case studies of children from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Essential reading for children aged 11+ and anyone interested in learning about African migrations.
Download African Migrations Discussion Questions
Watch the video from author Professor Hakim Adi
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Civil Rights Stories: Racial Equality
This book explains civil rights and the history of the fight for racial equality in an accessible way for younger readers.
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The Kids’ Guide: Anti-Racism
This sensitively written guide will help children to understand more about racism and how to stop it
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A First Look At: Racism: The Skin I’m In
This book spells out in simple terms why people may feel threatened by racial differences, what it feels like to be bullied because your skin is a different colour and why it hurts everyone to judge people by their skin or culture. It will encourage positive acceptance and openess about differences and suggest ways for children to celebrate their own cultural heritage without belittling someone else’s.
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Children in Our World
A beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book series that sensitively explains crises that dominate the news in an appropriate manner for children.
Children in Our World: Racism and Intolerance
Children in Our World: Culture and Diversity
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Little Guides to Great Lives
A blend of informative and humorous narrative with fun, playful illustrations that immerse children in the subject’s world, exploring key figures from history.
Little Guides to Great Lives: Nelson Mandela
Little Guides to Great Lives: Maya Angelou
For more non-fiction books, download a flyer here
Fiction Reading List
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Ghost Boys
A heartbreaking and powerful story about a black boy killed by a white police officer, drawing connections with real-life history, from award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes.
Download Ghost Boys Discussion Questions
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The Lion Above The Door
From Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, comes an incredible story about missing histories and the concept of a universal family, told with humour and heart.
Download The Lion Above the Door Teaching Resources
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Orangeboy
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS, SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD AND THE YA BOOK PRIZE
A young man has an impossible choice to make, in this powerful urban story that will challenge preconceptions and melt the hardest heart.
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