Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books

Topic: Black Lives and Black History

Non-fiction

A celebration of the lives and achievements of inspirational black people through history who made a difference

Black Stories Matter: Groundbreaking Scientists explores the important contributions that black people have made to the field of science throughout history, as well as today. From astronomer and inventor Benjamin Banneker to agricultural science pioneer Dr Segenet Kelemu and father of the internet Philip Emeagwali, each has enriched our knowledge of the scientific world with their sheer talent and resilience.

Black Stories Matter is a powerful illustrated collection of stories of inspiring black personalities through history. Perfect for readers aged 9 and above.

Contents:
Main biographies
Benjamin Banneker
George Washington Carver
Bessie Coleman
Kenneth & Mamie Clark
Philip Emeagwali
Mae Jamison
Dr Segenet Kelemu
Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Mary Seacole
Daniel Hale Williams
Mini biographies
Marie Maynard Daly
Dr Alan Goffe
Ernest E Just
Wangari Maathai
Jesse Russell Sr
David Unaipon
Rachel Watkins
Gladys West

Graphic Novel

Mary is a brave nurse. When a war starts in the Crimea she sails across the sea to help, and even enters the battlefield!

Hopscotch Histories are brand new stories in historical settings, told in under 400 words, perfect for children who are building up their reading confidence

Non-fiction

Malorie Blackman is one of the most successful and prolific children’s authors writing today. Made Children’s Laureate for 2013-15, her books, such as Noughts and Crosses , Double Cross and Knife Edge , are loved by kids and adults alike. Malorie’s influence extends far beyond the literary world, however. She has used her position to speak out against racism, and to campaign for greater ethnic diversity in children’s books and children’s publishing.

Discover the story behind this incredible writer – from her struggles as a child facing racism in 1960s London, through her parents’ divorce and her misdiagnosis of Sickle-Cell Anaemia, to the globally renowned author she is today.

It focuses on Malorie’s love of reading, and how she tries to foster that in children today. It also looks at how she pursued her dream of becoming a writer with determination and courage, in the face of people who told her she would never amount to anything. Biographical information, and Malorie Blackman quotes, support the narrative.

A fantastic resource for biography based project work!

Picturebook

A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords.

When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn’t at all what Floella had expected.

Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella’s experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy. This is a true story with a powerful message: that courage and determination can always overcome adversity.

Chapter book

An action-packed and pacey story about a boy’s experience of slavery in Britain.

Nathaniel doesn’t want to move to England with his master’s family, leaving behind his mother and sister on the Jamaican plantation. But then he remembers what his mother told him: once a slave sets foot on English soil, they’re free. Perhaps he can earn his fortune and buy his family’s freedom, too.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments