Posted on: 09/10/2024
Literature, through the act of storytelling, plays a vital role in unravelling history for children. Historical books in all their variety not only present the facts of the past but influence how children view the world, themselves and their hopes for their futures. These texts often tell a compelling story of identity.
Black History Month provides a national opportunity to teach Black history and to present Black and BAME voices and perspectives. The powerful theme of Black History Month 2024 is ‘Reclaiming Narratives.’
Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE writes in her forward to BHM magazine:
This theme is not just about revisiting history; it’s about taking ownership of the stories that define our culture, our contributions, and our very identity. It’s a call to action for Black communities across the UK to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of our heritage. For far too long, our histories have been narrated by others, leading to distorted portrayals that fail to capture the full breadth and depth of our experiences.
With this in mind, we wanted to explore some texts that we have planning resources for – either Writing Roots or Literary Leaves – and how these texts can support your school have meaningful conversations around Black history.
Here are a sample of some of our favourites!
This seminal book is ideal for exploring Black British history in an insightful and methodical way. This text takes us from the African Roman presence in Britain up to the modern systemic failings surrounding the Stephen Lawerence case. This is a great book to support older children in understanding the injustices and sheer inhumanity of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. To accompany this inspiring and comprehensive history, we have this Literary Leaf.
We would also highly recommend the illustrated edition also.
We were so pleased to work with the author J.T. Williams on creating the Literary Leaf for her marvellous book Bright Stars of Black British History which tells the empowering and dignified story of the ‘lives of Black British people in history.’ This text also starts with African Romans in Britain, including a description of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, taking us right up to the modern period and the birth of the Notting Hill Carnival. J.T. Williams’ tone is one of celebration and defiance. She explores the lives of many notables such as Ignatius Sancho, Mary Seacole and Walter Tull amongst others. To accompany this inspiring and comprehensive history, we have this Literary Leaf.
We would also highly recommend her book The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger for which we have this Writing Root.
This is a touching story that highlights the importance of children learning about the past through asking questions of adults and, as a result, finding their place in a larger historical narrative. This story is essential for children to learn about Black British history, particularly the influence of Black historical figures such as Winifred Atwell and Mary Seacole, and the stories of those who emigrated to Britain on the Empire Windrush. Patrice Lawrence MBE, FRSL, is a prolific author and journalist. She has won multiple literature awards such as the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Children, the Jhalak Prize and The Bookseller YA Book Prize. She also writes for older children and teenagers so children will be able to continue to read her work as they grow. To accompany this inspiring and comprehensive history, we have this Writing Root.
Atinuke’s vibrant text explores the continent of Africa, its rich histories and contributions to the modern world. Atinuke is not just an inspirational children’s writer, she is also a traditional oral storyteller and in this book she enthusiastically tells the story of Africa, one page for each country, stretching from the beginnings of humanity to the achievements of Nelson Mandela. Rather than allowing colonisation to dominate the narrative, she celebrates the people, culture and landscapes of everything Africa has to offer – ancient and modern. The vibrant illustrations of Mouni Feddag compliment perfectly the proud story. To accompany this bold history, we have this Literary Leaf.
We would also highly recommend her book Too Small Tola for which we have this Literacy Leaf.
Ken Wilson-Max’s beautiful painterly illustrations tell the story of Astrid, a girl who is obsessed by space and, more specifically astronauts. Papa and her take delight in roleplaying the challenges that an astronaut might face. This book has a strong message about following your dreams. Without giving away any spoilers, this book could be a superb segway into discussing the notable achievements of Black astronauts, scientists and mathematicians. Facts on astronaut history are included, offering a vision for all children – particularly girls – who dream of pursuing careers in STEM and space travel. To accompany this touching history, we have this Writing Root.
You may wish to continue following this subject with the book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly for which we have this Writing Root and the Literacy Leaf.
There are many more amazing books out there on Black history and these are some of the texts that we have detailed planning for. Whilst BHM is an essential part of the school calendar, it should not be limited to one month in the year. Black history is history and should be explored at every appropriate opportunity.
For more information, please check out the Black History Month Magazine and website.
