Brilliant Black British History

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Brilliant Black British History by Atinuke, read by Pearl Mackie.

'...proudly reframes Black British history'
The Guardian

'... a brilliant, fascinating history book'
The Week Junior, Book of the Week

'I started reading and couldn't put it down. It's the kind of book I wish I'd had when I was a kid'
Joseph Coelho, Children's Laureate

‘This book is revolutionary’
Kelechi Okafor, actor, writer and podcast host

* THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS: CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER *

An eye-opening story of Britain, focusing on a part of our past that has mostly been left out of the history books: the brilliant Black history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Did you know that the first Britons were Black? Or that some of the Roman soldiers who invaded and ruled Britain were Black, too? Join this fascinating journey through the ages to meet those first Britons, as well as the Black Tudors, Georgians and Victorians who existed in every walk of life here. The incredible journey through time is brought to life through Atinuke's fascinating storytelling.

From science and sport to literature and law, celebrate the brilliant Black people who have helped build Britain. Learn about key and complex historical topics such as the world wars, slavery, the industrial revolution, Windrush and the Black Lives Matter movement. This fascinating book will change everything you thought you knew about our green-grey British isles.

‘We would recommend this book to any child, adult or teacher’
Stop Hate UK

Critics Review

I started reading and couldn't put it down. A fascinating, essential, inclusive dive into British history. It's the kind of book I wish was available when I was a kid.
Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate
From its initial question – “Did you know the first Britons were black?” – to an inspiring list of the Black people who “make Britain great”, this powerful, vividly illustrated book proudly reframes Black British history for readers aged 7 or 8+.
The Guardian
Brilliant Black British History is one of the most powerful children’s non-fiction books that has been published over the past few years.
English 4-11 Picture Book Awards
This book tackles complex subjects like slavery, the British Empire, the Industrial Revolution and the Black Lives Matter movement. With lots of maps, timelines and bold illustrations, this is a brilliant, fascinating history book.
The Week Junior
Black British history is British history. We have been here on these shores for a long time and have been part of the British empire from its inception. That is why this book is important for all children so that they grow up knowing our history and being proud of our contribution. We are Britain.
Diane Abbott, MP
From the very first people to set foot on these islands, Black people have made and shaped Britain into what it is today. Brilliant Black British History is the book I wished I had growing up.
David Lammy, MP
The book is incredibly powerful and will inspire all children to believe in themselves
Marsha de Cordova, MP
This book is revolutionary. The average person is unaware of the rich history of Blackness in Britain and I love that this wonderful book helps us all to retrace our steps. A nuanced understanding of history leads to a beautiful manner of interacting with the world around us. Love this!
Kelechi Okafor, actor, writer and podcast host
Brilliant Black British History is an informative and inspiring book that will have all children and young people asking further questions on factual Black British history.
Laura Henry-Allain MBE, award-winning writer, speaker and TV producer
A comprehensive and fascinating book on Black History! I wish I had a something like this when I was a child.
Prof Nira Chamberlain, leading British mathematician
Not only is Brilliant Black British History a book to help black and brown children, children of skin colours other than white, to discover their confidence as they learn about how their ancestors have been embedded in British society for thousands of years, it is also a book that aims to help undo historical ignorance ... A fascinating and thought-provoking book.
Armadillo
This book is a huge step forward in ensuring racist attitudes do not progress into children of the next generation. It provides a contextual, globalised history that roots the Black British experience in histories of movement and migration, addressing the information gap in traditional mainstream education. We would recommend this book to any child, adult or teacher!
Stop Hate UK

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