British Black History Books for Children and Teens

British Black History Books for Children and Teens

British Black History is the rich story of Black people who have made significant contributions to the United Kingdom over generations. It is a story of victories and tragedies that plays an important role in building the ethnic tapestry of modern Britain. Through learning about these figures and events, British primary and secondary schoolchildren will not only learn about important components of their country’s history, but also appreciate ideals of tolerance, acceptance, and empathy.

Incorporating British Black History into the curriculum is important for several reasons. It broadens the horizons of students, helping them appreciate the multicultural society they live in. This exposure not only aids in understanding the roots of the diverse communities they interact with daily but also dispels stereotypes and biases, fostering a more inclusive environment. British Black History also provides all students with role models and stories of resilience, igniting their aspirations and self-belief.

By studying the achievements and struggles of Black figures in Britain, children learn that they too can overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Additionally, it empowers Black students by instilling a sense of pride in their heritage and a feeling of belonging within the British context. Crucially, it equips all students with a comprehensive understanding of their nation’s history, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage in informed and empathetic discussions on issues related to race, diversity, and social justice – essential skills for responsible and compassionate citizens in modern 21st century Britain.

This list features books by Floella Benjamin, David Olusoga, Atinuke, Benjamin Zephaniah, Alison Hammond, Jeffrey Boakye, Catherine Johnson, Michaela Morgan, David Lammy and Troy Deeney.

British Black History Books for children and teens – our recommendations

British Black history books for KS1 and KS2

Black History by Campbell Books.

Lenny Henry by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.

Olive Morris by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.

Lewis Hamilton by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.

Betty by Nia Morais.

Marcus Rashford by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara.

Rashford Rules by Simon Mugford and Dan Green.

Sports Superstars: Lewis Hamilton Rules by Simon Mugford and Dan Green.

Saka Rules by Simon Mugford and Dan Green.

Football Superstars: Sterling Rules by Simon Mugford and Dan Green.

The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole by Naida Redgrave and Megan Rix.

Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams.

The Place for Me: Stories About the Windrush Generation by D. B. E. Benjamin.

The Black Curriculum Migration by Millie Mensah, illustrated by Camilla Ru.

Ira Aldridge: The Shakespearean Actor by Judy Hepburn.

Coming to England by Floella Benjamin.

Walter Tull’s Scrapbook by Michaela Morgan.

Timelines from Black History by Mireille Harper.

The Story of Britain’s Black Airmen by K. N. Chimbiri.

Black in Time by Alison Hammond.

Black History: Community and Identity by Dan Lyndon-Cohen.

Black History: Arts and Music by Dan Lyndon-Cohen.

Black and British: An Illustrated History by David Olusoga.

The History Of African and Caribbean Communities in Britain by Hakim Adi.

British Black History books for KS3

Black Poppies: The Story of Britain’s Black Community in the First World War by Stephen Bourne.

Brilliant Black British History by Atinuke and Kingsley Nebechi.

Respect by Michaela Morgan.

Ignatius Sancho by Judy Hepburn.

The Black History Book by Nemata Amelia Blyden.

The Life of Stephen Lawrence by Verna Allette Wilkins.

Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah.

Musical Truth by Jeffrey Boakye. Read our full review.

Black and British: a Short, Essential History by David Olusoga.

Black Joy by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff and Timi Sotire.

Journey Back to Freedom by Catherine Johnson.

Black Lives in Britain, C. 1500-present for Key Stage 3 History by Robin Whitburn and Abdul Mohamud.

British Black history books for KS4 and KS5

100 Great Black Britons by Patrick Vernon and Angelina Osborne.

Bristol by Madge Dresser, Peter Fleming.

Surge by Jay Bernard.

Staying Power by Peter Fryer.

Mother Country by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff.

Black England by Gretchen Gerzina.

The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph.

Part of a Story That Started Before Me by George the Poet.

Tribes by David Lammy.

Black Londoners by Susan Okokon.

The Voice by Ebury Press.

The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla.

Black and British by David Olusoga.

Black Teacher by Beryl Gilroy.

Troy Deeney: Redemption by Troy Deeney.

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British Black history resources for teachers

• Troy Deeney’s Channel 4 documentary explains why it’s important for schools to include British Black history in the curriculum.
• BBC Teach has a range of videos and resources for teachers of 5-16-year-olds to help schools explore black history and heritage.
• The Young Historians Project is a non-profit organisation ‘formed by young people encouraging the development of young historians of African and Caribbean heritage in Britain.’
• The Institute of Commonwealth Studies has a useful website which includes free resources, links and workshops.
• There’s a vast selection of high-quality resources and lesson plans for KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4 to accompany the 100 Great Black Britons book.
• The National Archives has a mini-site devoted to Black British History which contains primary sources, videos, podcasts and study resources that are ideal for secondary-aged students.
• Collins Education has produced a free guide for KS3 teachers offering advice on how to ‘shine a light on the importance of Black British History’.
• UCL has compiled lots of suggestions for Black History Month in British schools, including recommendations by Professor Margo Finn and Dr Tim Gibbs.
• The DfE has created a blog page to explain how Black History is taught as part of the National Curriculum.