Reflecting Realities Books 2024-2025

An important and enlightening non-fictional account of some of the stars (including some lesser-known figures) of Black British history.

This well-researched book tells inspiring stories of people from all walks of life – stories of courage, fierce determination and fights for freedom that every primary school pupil should be aware of as they form a vital part of England’s story. The book sensitively deals with the complexity and contradictions of Black British history using relatable language.

Through reading this book, I was introduced to remarkable stories that I was not previously aware of and was intrigued by the range of evidence used to construct claims about the past. This would be a great book to inspire diversification of the curriculum and most certainly some thought-provoking discussion about Black History.

This book packs a punch. It is a history book about the British Empire that takes a unique look forward, asking challenging questions for children to consider around the actions of the past, their impact on shaping the present and how we can learn from the past to build a more equitable future. The uncomfortable facts of the British Empire are tackled head-on (with an acknowledgement that they can be uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t discuss them). This includes slavery, colonisation, stripping countries of resources, and the corruption that can come alongside economic and political power.

It also discusses migration and how the Empire has shaped our country today. Themes of power, oppression and the importance of questioning who is telling the stories of the past and why they shape the narrative in a particular way run through the book. It is a book to provoke thought and discussion, and has a real depth to it. It will hugely enhance any history teaching and is a hugely valuable read.

A story of magic and colonial evil with an intrepid young heroine – Chompa – who is forced to travel from her home in Bangladesh to the chaos of 19th-century East London to find her kidnapped mother.

Five words to sum up the story would be: thrilling, magical, political, underdog and atmospheric.

The second book in the ‘Lizzie and Belle Mysteries’ series sees the young best friends and amateur detectives use their skills to investigate the theft of a historic portrait which in turn reveals further mysteries and crimes which they must solve. Through this investigation the reader will learn some of the critical thinking skills used when looking at art, and how we can learn from historical artworks in the context of our knowledge of the time.

Set in Georgian London, this book illuminates the multiracial history of Britain, and the struggles and injustices faced by Black people in a place where many powerful people thrived on keeping slavery alive. It also demonstrates that White people had an important role, as well as responsibility, to offer support to Black anti-slavery activists and to challenge the White slave owners of the time. Many of the characters and events in this book are based on real people and things that happened, and there is a lot of scope to research the story of the real Dido Elizabeth Belle, including the painting of her and her cousin from the 1770s. This is a fantastic mystery story, which could also lead to discussions about race, art, and friendship and families.

Author JT Williams also visited our blog to discuss the role of fiction in bringing history to life for children.

This is an atmospheric story set in an alternative near-future London. The city is a dangerous place for many, dominated by strict social rules, a system of racial superiority and un-abolished slavery that developed from colonialism. In this London, Adam and Zadie are both children who have been made to feel like outsiders. The story centres on their discovery of a mythical creature – a Tyger who is hiding after being hunted and wounded. Adam helps the injured Tyger and a friendship blossoms. Soon, the Tyger teaches Adam a renewed philosophical outlook on life and helps him tap into his hidden gifts. The children set about to protect and save the Tyger, and as fear and oppression rage in the city of London, the children’s courage to save the Tyger makes wider ripples than they could ever imagine.

There’s something timelessly alluring about tigers in children’s books, especially those that have time to sit down and talk with you. This Tyger has a mystical quality that will no doubt entice and intrigue young readers anew. Readers familiar with the work of William Blake won’t fail to notice the allusions to Blakean mythology that filter through text, illustrations and that striking cover. The Tyger in SF Said’s book offers Adam and Zadie something of the mystical and spiritual encounter that Blake hoped to offer his readers; a temporary liberation from the ‘mind-forged manacles’ of the material world and a hope-filled reminder of the power of the human spirit. Nothing is lost however for those unfamiliar with Blake as the book’s inspiration, and the fantasy story stands on its own feet (or paws) perfectly well.

Philosophical young readers will be thrilled to read this adventure – laced with danger, edged with fantasy and packed to the core with thinking and discussion points that link to very real issues in society. Despite the serious themes explored, Said writes with optimism and hope, showing how joy and light can always be found in the darkest of times. This story will no doubt find a home in the hearts of Year 7 readers who love mythology, quest stories and an encounter with something deeper.