Black History Month: Celebrating Brilliant Authors
As part of our Black History Month celebrations, our Director of Literature and Learning has curated a special reading list showcasing the incredible work of Black authors from around the world. The collection features powerful voices and inspiring stories that celebrate Black history, culture, and creativity - encouraging our pupils to explore diverse perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world through literature.
Early Years
Hey You! by Dapo Adeola
An empowering celebration of growing up Black.
Windrush Child by John Agard
A beautiful evocative story of a child's journey to England on board Empire Windrush.
Coming to England by Floella Benjamin
A powerful reminder of how courage and determination can overcome adversity.
We’re Going To Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman
A rip-roaring picture book adventure!
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
A beautiful story about identity, self-worth, and the power of seeing yourself clearly for the first time.
Mathematician Like Me by Dr Shini Somara
An empowering story introducing young readers to Maths, creative thinking, problem-solving and celebrating women in STEM.
Primary Years
Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker
A humble genius who excelled in a career once out of reach for most African-Americans.
Pig-Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman
A powerful story about friendship, loyalty and family about a controversial issue.
The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson
A thrilling, pacy adventure about friendship, bravery and real-life injustice.
Jaz Santos Vs The World by Priscilla Mante
A relatable inclusive story about families, unlikely friends and girl power!
Black and British: An Illustrated History by David Olusoga
A book to inspire young readers with this short, essential introduction to Black British History.
The Ghoul in the School - The Breakfast Club Adventures by Marcus Rashford
This spooky adventure is the second exciting book in the series by England International footballer and bestselling author Marcus Rashford MBE.
Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson
A collection of stories about changemakers to empower the next generation.
Young Adult/Adult
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The first novel in English which spoke from the interior of an African character, rather than portraying the African as exotic, as the white man would see him.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A powerful exploration of love, identity, and belonging, following a young Nigerian woman’s journey between continents as she navigates race, culture, and self-discovery.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou *
Maya Angelou’s inspiring memoir of resilience, charting her journey from childhood trauma to self-empowerment through the strength of voice and identity.
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
In this honest and stunning novel, James Baldwin has given America a moving story of love in the face of injustice.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
An epic tale of wrongful imprisonment, adventure and revenge.
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
Teeming with life and crackling with energy — a love song to modern Britain and black womanhood.
Black Tudors by Miranda Kaufman
A ground-breaking, seminal work, Black Tudors challenges the accepted narrative that racial slavery was all but inevitable and forces us to re-examine the seventeenth century to determine what caused perceptions to change so radically.
Small Island by Andrea Levy
The book explores the intersecting lives of Jamaican immigrants and Londoners in post-war Britain, revealing powerful themes of identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism.
Twelve Years A Slave by Solomon Northrup
A powerful memoir by Solomon Northup, recounting his harrowing experience of being kidnapped and sold into slavery, and his remarkable journey to reclaim freedom and dignity.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
A great book about power dynamics, race, social commentary, and also why and how we are the woman we are.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
A vibrant, multigenerational story that delves into friendship, family, and cultural identity in modern London, exploring the complexities of race, faith, and belonging.
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
A powerful coming-of-age story that follows Maverick Carter as he navigates fatherhood, identity, and responsibility while growing up in a world shaped by loyalty, love, and survival.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker *
A deeply moving tale of resilience, sisterhood, and self-discovery, following Celie’s journey to find her voice and independence in the face of oppression and hardship.
