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Topic: History

Picturebook

Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. However, before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games, in the words that we speak and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe’s vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat’s own style introduces young readers to the powerful message that art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean – and definitely not inside the lines – to be beautiful.

Non-fiction

Be inspired by the lives of trailblazers past and present in this fun and factual biography series!
How did Neil Armstrong become the first person to set foot on the moon? Long before that astonishing day in 1969, Armstrong was already dreaming of journeys above the clouds, visiting air shows and gaining his pilot’s license aged just fifteen. Find out how this flight-obsessed astronaut went on to take one of the most momentous steps in history.
TRAILBLAZERS biographies are packed with little-known trivia, fascinating facts and lively illustrations.

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

Non-fiction

Released in July 2019 for the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing “Where Once We Stood” captures the first-hand accounts of an extraordinary chapter in our history, when twelve human beings set foot upon the Moon. Combining a unique series of illustrations with the words spoken by the astronauts on the lunar surface, this book offers a rare insight into what it really felt like to live and work on another world; something that those who’d experienced it often found hard to convey. The author Christopher Riley has spent a lifetime studying the Apollo project and interviewing many of the astronauts, their friends and families. In this special collaboration, he’s joined forces with artist Martin Impey, whose paintings of the missions have been credited by the astronauts themselves, as capturing the essence of their lunar encounters. The resulting book brings a new dimension to the timeless story of Apollo’s extraordinary adventures on the Moon. From the first footprints left by Neil and Buzz during their pioneering walk on the Sea of Tranquility, to the final ambitious expeditions – as astronauts drove an electric car deep into the mountains of the Moon, this is a revealing record of what it truly meant to explorer a place beyond Earth – where once we stood.

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

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.

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!

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.

Graphic Novel

The inspirational true story of Walter Tull’s life is vividly presented as a scrapbook, drawing on photographs, documents and records of his life. Born in Kent, in 1888, Walter Tull became not just the first black British professional outfield football player – for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town – but also the first black officer in the British Army. His leadership and courage in the trenches of the First World War won him a recommendation for a Military Cross that was never awarded because of his skin colour. Discover his life story, from his childhood in an orphanage, through his footballing years, to his eventual tragic death, aged 29, on the Somme. The legacy of Walter Tull lives on.

Non-fiction

A short, essential introduction to Black British history for readers of 12+ by award-winning historian and broadcaster David Olusoga.

When did Africans first come to Britain?

Who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings?

Why did the American Civil War disrupt the Industrial Revolution?

These and many other questions are answered in this essential introduction to 1800 years of the Black British history: from the Roman Africans who guarded Hadrian’s Wall right up to the present day.

This children’s version of the bestseller Black and British: A Forgotten History is illustrated with maps, photos and portraits.

Macmillan Children’s Books will donate 50p from every copy sold to The Black Curriculum.

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