Black Stories Matter
To celebrate diversity in children's fiction, here are some of our favourite books for children of all ages by Black authors and illustrators and about incredible Black people in history.
We believe children's books are a powerful way to talk about diversity, equality and racism.
Picture Books (0-5 years-old)
B is for Baby by Atinuke & Angela Brooksbank (Walker Books)
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B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba! Baby's brother is getting ready to take a basket of bananas all the way to Baba's bungalow in the next village. He will have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge.
What he doesn't realize is that his cute, very curious baby sister is secretly coming along for the amazing bicycle ride, too!
From the creators of Baby Goes to Market comes a beautiful, bright first book of words, perfect for pre-schoolers learning their ABC! Children will love sounding out the words in this playful, adventurous and vibrantly-illustrated story set in West Africa.
My Hair by Hannah Lee & Allen Fatimaharan (Faber & Faber)
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My birthday's coming up so soon, I'll need new clothes to wear. But most of all, I need to know, How shall I style my hair? Will it be dreads or a twist out? Braids or a high-top fade?
Joyous and vibrant, this captures perfectly the excitement of getting ready for a celebration, as well as showcasing a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles. This is a glorious debut from an exciting new partnership who both emerged from the FAB Prize for undiscovered BAME writers and illustrators.
Lenny and Wilbur by Ken Wilson-Max (Alanna Max)
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Lenny and Wilbur the dog are the best of friends. They do everything together! Lenny makes sure that Wilbur has enough to eat and drink, he also brushes Wilbur's golden fur.
Wilbur just makes Lenny giggle and laugh!
A Story About Afiya by James Berry & Anna Cunha (Lantana Publishing)
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Some people have dresses for every occasion but Afiya needs only one. Her dress records the memories of her childhood, from roses in bloom to pigeons in flight, from tigers at the zoo to October leaves falling. A joyful celebration of a young girl’s childhood, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet James Berry.
I am Bear by Ben Bailey Smith & Sav Akyuz (Walker Books)
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With funny word play and bold imagery, actor Ben Bailey Smith and artist Sav Akyuz introduce a trickster to remember. If there's trouble, one thing is certain: Bear was there.
In (and out) of his outrageous purple outfit, Bear can do anything - steal honey from the bees, do magic tricks, steal doughnuts from a police officer, and annoy a certain pesky squirrel.
This hilarious picture book debut of actor Ben Bailey Smith (aka rapper Doc Brown) and artist Sav Akyuz will keep young mischief-makers in stitches.
Sing to the Moon by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdhal & Sandra Van Doorn (Lantana Publishing)
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For one little Ugandan boy, no wish is too big. First he dreams of reaching the stars and then of riding a supernova straight to Mars. But on a rainy day at his grandfather’s house, he is brought down to earth with a bump. Do adventures only happen in galaxies far away or can he find magic a little closer to home?
WINNER CHILDREN'S AFRICANA BEST BOOK AWARD
Luna Loves Library Day by Joseph Coelho & Fiona Lumbers (Andersen Press)
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Every week Luna looks forward to one special day: the day when she discovers magic among the library shelves; the day she gets to spend with her dad. Exploring the books, Luna and her dad find magic, mystery and even start to mend their own history. An inspiring story from one of the UK's greatest up-and-coming award-winning poets for children, perfectly captured in all its flights of fancy by newcomer Fiona Lumbers.
Sleep Well, Siba and Saba by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdhal & Sandra Van Doorn (Lantana Publishing)
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Forgetful sisters Siba and Saba are always losing something. Sandals, slippers, sweaters – you name it, they lose it. When the two sisters fall asleep each night, they dream about the things they have lost that day. Until, one night, their dreams begin to reveal something entirely unexpected…
A KIRKUS BEST PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR
Honour Book Children's Africana Best Book Award
Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award finalist
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry & Vashti Harrison (Puffin)
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Based on the Oscar winning short film! It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this story of self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters.
Zuri knows her hair is beautiful, but it has a mind of its own!It kinks, coils, and curls every which way.
Mum always does Zuri's hair just the way she likes it - so when Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn.
But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her - and her hair - happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair - and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.
Maisie's Scrapbook by Samuel Narh & Jo Loring-Fisher (Lantana Publishing)
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Winner Northern Lights Book Awards Family category
As the seasons turn, Maisie rides her bull in and out of Dada’s tall tales. Her Mama wears linen and plays the viola. Her Dada wears kente cloth and plays the marimba. They come from different places, but they hug her in the same way. And most of all, they love her just the same. A joyful celebration of a mixed-race family and the love that binds us all together.
Younger Readers (5+ years-old)
Look up! by Nathan Bryon & Dapo Adeola (Puffin)
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Meet hilarious, science-mad chatterbox, Rocket - she's going to be the greatest astronaut, star-catcher, space-traveller that has ever lived! But... can she convince her big brother to stop looking down at his phone and start LOOKING UP at the stars?
Bursting with energy and passion about science and space, this heart-warming, inspirational picture book will have readers turning off their screens and switching on to the outside world.
My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin & Margaret Chamberlain (Frances Lincoln)
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Alvina has two grannies who she loves with all her heart. Grannie Vero is from the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Grannie Rose is from the north of England.
When Alvina's parents go away on holiday, both the grannies move in to Alvina's house to look after her. But the two grannies want to do different things, eat different food, play different games and tell different stories. The grannies get crosser and crosser with each other, but Alvina thinks of a way they can do all the things their own way so the grannies can become the best of friends.
The Wooden Camel by Wanuri Kahiu & Manuela Adreani (Lantana Publishing)
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Etabo dreams of being a camel racer. But with the price of water rising, Etabo’s father must sell the camels, and his siblings must find work. What will Etabo do now? This story of love and hope centres on the inspiring Turkana people of north-west Kenya. Told with gentleness and humour, it is a universal story about keeping one’s dreams alive.
Children's Africana Book Awards Honour Book
If All the World Were ... by Joseph Coelho & Allison Colpoys (Frances Lincoln)
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A moving, lyrical picture book about a young girl's love for her granddad and how she copes when he's gone, written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho. This beautifully illustrated, powerful and ultimately uplifting text is the ideal way to introduce children to the concept of death and dying, particularly children who have lost a grandparent. With Allison Colpoys' gorgeous artwork spilling from each page, accompany a girl and her grandad over spring, summer and autumn.
See how he teaches her to imagine, to create, and to enjoy the small things in life, and how, when winter comes, he lives on in her heart. The perfect way into talking about a difficult subject with children, showing that sadness is as necessary to happiness as winter is to spring. If All the World Were... is a soothing, reassuring approach to loss and how to live without someone you loved, and a beautiful story, beautifully told.
Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max (Otter-Barry Books)
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Astrid has always loved the stars and space. "I want to be an astronaut!" she says. While Mama is away, Papa and Astrid have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission - eating food from a tube, doing science experiments, living and sleeping in near-zero gravity.
Astrid can do it all!Then it's time to meet Mama at the airbase. But where has Mama been?
Too Small Tola by Atinuke & Onyinye Iwu (Walker Books)
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Tola may be small, but she's very determined. Three delightful stories about Too Small Tola, a young girl who, though small, is very determined. Tola lives in a flat in Lagos with her sister, Moji, who is very clever; her brother, Dapo, who is very fast; and Grandmummy, who is very bossy.
Tola proves to be stronger than she seems when she goes to market with Grandmummy and manages to carry home a basket full of yams and vegetables, chilli peppers and fish. When the taps in the flat don't work, it's Tola who brings water from the well, and it's Tola who saves the day when Mr Abdul, the tailor, needs his goods to be delivered quickly. Too Small Tola is a wonderful new character in the world of children's books by multi-award-winning children's writer and storyteller Atinuke.
Cyborg Cat: Rise of the Parsons Road Gang by Ade Adepitan & Carl Pearce (Templar Books)
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When Ade moves to London from Nigeria, he knows things will be different, but nothing can prepare him for the ups and downs of his Parson's Road adventures. Ade doesn't always feel welcome in his new community; fitting in is hard, especially as he looks different to everyone else. But Ade is brave and takes on the school bullies, surprising himself and the kids on his new street.
His heroic acts and super football skills quickly help him make new friends who will always be there for him.
Ellie and the Cat by Malorie Blackman & Matt Robertson (Barington Stoke)
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Ellie is the rudest, most spoilt child her grandma has ever met and it's time that she learnt a lesson! So with a little bit of magic and some help from Jolly the cat, Grandma's going to make sure that Ellie changes her ways. Can Ellie work hard to prove that she can be good? Or is she destined to spend the rest of her days trapped in the body of a mean old cat?
Granny Ting Ting by Patrice Lawrence & David Dean (Bloomsbury)
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A quirky family comedy set in the Caribbean from prize-winning author Patrice Lawrence. Shayla can't wait to see her cousin Michael again. Last time, they had great fun chasing Granny's chickens and playing hide-and-seek in the bamboo by the river.
But Michael thinks everything in London is better than in Trinidad where Shayla lives, which makes him better than her, doesn't it? Soon everything's a competition, especially when there's hot pepper sauce involved! This humorous story featuring characters from Trinidad by Patrice Lawrence, the winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 for Older Fiction, has fun black-and-white illustrations by David Dean and is perfect for children who are developing as readers.
Shona, Word Detective by John Agard & Michael Broad (Barrington Stoke)
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Shona has always loved words. She even has her very own strange word thesaurus! When her and her classmates learn that some languages are dying out, Miss Bates tasks them with becoming top-class word detectives, proving to themselves and their families that there are many beautiful languages still thriving, even within their own classroom.
Older Readers (8+ years-old)
High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson (Knights Of)
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The detective duo everyone is dying to meet! Summer in London is hot, the hottest on record, and there's been a murder in THE TRI: the high-rise home to residentknow-it-alls, Nik and Norva. Who better to solve the case? Armed with curiosity, home-turf knowledge and unlimited time - until the end of the summer holidays anyway. The first whodunnit in a new mystery series by Sharna Jackson.
Freedom by Catherine Johnson (Scholastic)
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Winner of the Little Rebels Children's Book Award 2019!
"Filled with humour, compassion and hope" Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian.
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.
Tales from the Caribbean by Trish Cooke (Puffin)
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A collection of favourite tales gathered from the many different islands of the Caribbean, one of the world's richest sources of traditional storytelling. From the very first Kingfisher to Anansi the Spider Man, these lively retellings full of humour and pathos, are beautifully retold by Trish Cooke. The book includes endnotes with a glossary, additional information as well as ideas for activities that children can do to explore the stories further.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds (Knights Of)
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Running. That's all Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) has ever known. But Ghost has been running for the wrong reasons -until he meets Coach, an ex-Olympic Medallist who sees something in Ghost: crazy natural talent.
If Ghost can stay on track, literally and figuratively, he could be the best sprinter in the city. Can Ghost harness his raw talent for speed, or will his past finally catch up to him?
Ghost. Lu. Patina. Sunny. Four kids from wildly different backgrounds with personalities that are explosive when they clash.
But they are also four kids chosen for an elite middle school running team-a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose and a lot to prove. Not only to each other, but to themselves.
Diver's Daughter: a Tudor Story by Patrice Lawrence (Scholastic)
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A gripping heart-in-your-mouth adventure told by Eve, a Tudor girl who sets out on a dangerous journey to change her life for the better. Voices: Diver's Daughter - A Tudor Story brings Eve and her mother, who was stolen from her family in Mozambique as a child, from the Southwark slums of Elizabethan London to England's southern coast. When they hear from a Mary Rose survivor that one of the African free-divers who was sent to salvage its treasures is alive and well and living in Southampton, mother and daughter agree to try to find him and attempt to dive the wreck of another ship, rumoured to be rich with treasures.
But will the pair survive when the man arrives to claim his 'share'? Will Eve overcome her fear of thewater to help rescue her mother? In this thrilling adventure based on real events, Patrice Lawrence shows us a fascinating and rarely seen world that's sure to hook young readers.
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone (Knights Of)
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From New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes a middle-grade road-trip story through American race relations past and present, perfect for fans of Ross Welford and Jason Reynolds. How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:- Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED. - Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either.
- Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds history, memories, and most important, the way home. What Not to Bring:- A Phone: Avoid contact with Dad at all costs.
Even when G'ma starts acting stranger than usual. Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with New York Times bestselling Nic Stone and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem - his G'ma included.
Tales from Africa by K. P. Kojo (Puffin)
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A collection of hugely entertaining stories, drawn from the rich folklore of many countries throughout Africa, and brought sparklingly to life with humour and rhyme by Ghanaian author, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, writing under the name used for his children's work, K. P. Kojo.
Find out how selfish Lion gets his comeuppance, go to a Frog wedding in the Sky Kingdom, discover the days when the earth's creatures were all mixed up and much more in tales which reflect the very best and the very worst of human nature. Includes endnotes with a glossary, additional information, and activities that children can do to explore the stories further. 'Needs to be three times as long and sitting on a shelf in every school library' - Mark Haddon
Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story by Catherine Johnson (Barrington Stoke)
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Matthew Henson was simply an ordinary man. That was, until Commander Robert E. Peary entered his life, and offered him a chance at true adventure.
Henson would become navigator, craftsman, translator, and right-hand man on a treacherous journey to the North Pole. Defying the odds and the many prejudices that faced him to become a true pioneer. This is his incredible and often untold story.
Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman (Penguin Random House)
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Despite his Mum's insistence, Sam doesn't want to be friends with Davey, he thinks Davey's a first class, grade A, top of the dung heap moron. But one day Davey saves Sam's life and a bond is formed between them. Sam is still embarrassed to be seen with Davey, but little by little he has to admit, when it's just the two of them, Davey is a lot of fun.
But then something terrible happens to Davey. . .
Told in verse, in first person, this is the touching story of an extraordinary friendship, that changes two boys lives for ever. An uplifting tale that truly sings out.
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds (Knights Of)
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When the bell rings and school is finished for the day, the walkers are finally set free. For ten blocks they have no-one telling them what to do; they can talk about bogies, skateboard, plan dramatic escapes, make jokes, face bullies, and hear about the school bus that fell from the sky... In ten stories (one per block), find out what really happens on the walk home from school, when there are no parents or teachers to supervise (or stop the fun!).
From hilarious escapades to brave challenges, join the walkers for one journey and many, many detours...
Young Adult Readers (12+ years old)
Indigo Donut by Patrice Lawrence (Hachette)
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Seventeen-year-old Indigo has had a tough start in life, having grown up in the care system after her dad killed her mum.
Bailey, also seventeen, lives with his parents in Hackney and spends all his time playing guitar or tending to his luscious ginger afro. When Indigo and Bailey meet at sixth form, serious sparks fly. But when Bailey becomes the target of a homeless man who seems to know more about Indigo than is normal, Bailey is forced to make a choice he should never have to make.
A life-affirming story about falling in love and everyone's need to belong.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta (Hachette)
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"Intensely moving and heart-warming" Cosmo
"Bold" Guardian
"I loved every word" Malorie Blackman
This is not about being ready, it's not even about being fierce, or fearless, IT'S ABOUT BEING FREE. Michael waits in the stage wings, wearing a pink wig, pink fluffy coat and black heels. One more step will see him illuminated by spotlight.
He has been on a journey of bravery to get here, and he is almost ready to show himself to the world in bold colours ... Can he emerge as The Black Flamingo?
Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman (Penguin Books)
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'Stop it! You're all behaving like animals! Worse than animals - like blankers!' Sephy is a Cross: she lives a life of privilege and power.
But she's lonely, and burns with injustice at the world she sees around her. Callum is a nought: he's considered to be less than nothing - a blanker, there to serve Crosses - but he dreams of a better life. They've been friends since they were children, and they both know that's as far as it can ever go.
Noughts and Crosses are fated to be bitter enemies - love is out of the question. Then - in spite of a world that is fiercely against them - these star-crossed lovers choose each other. But this is love story that will lead both of them into terrible danger . . . and which will have shocking repercussions for generations to come.
Voted as one of the UK's best-loved books, Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses is a seminal piece of YA fiction; a true modern classic.
Home Girl by Alex Wheatle (Little Brown Book Group)
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'This isn't my home. Haven't had a proper home since...This is just somewhere I'll be resting my bones for a week and maybe a bit. This time next year you'll forget who I am. I haven't got a diddly where I'll be by then.But I'm used to it'.
New from the winner of the Guardian Children's Book Award: Home Girl is the story of Naomi, a teenage girl growing up fast in the care system. It is a wholly modern story which sheds a much needed light on what can be an unsettling life - and the consequences that can follow when children are treated like pawns on a family chessboard. Home Girl is fast-paced and funny, tender, tragic and full of courage - just like Naomi.
It is award-winning author Alex Wheatle's most moving and personal novel to date.
A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars by Yaba Badoe (Head of Zeus)
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Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2018. Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award 2018. A powerful, haunting debut that steps seamlessly from the horrors of people-trafficking to the magic of African folklore.
Sante was a baby when she was washed ashore in a sea-chest laden with treasure. It seems she is the sole survivor of the tragic sinking of a ship carrying migrants and refugees. Her people.
Fourteen years on she's a member of Mama Rose's unique and dazzling circus. But, from their watery grave, the unquiet dead are calling Sante to avenge them: A bamboo flute. A golden bangle. A ripening mango which must not fall . . . are these the missing pieces of the jigsaw which will tell Sante's story?
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Pan Macmillan)
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Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut Children of Blood and Bone.
They killed my mother. They took our magic. They tried to bury us. Now we rise.
Zelie remembers when the soil of Orisha hummed with magic. When different clans ruled - Burners igniting flames, Tiders beckoning waves, and Zelie's Reaper mother summoning forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with powers was targeted and killed, leaving Zelie without a mother and her people without hope. Only a few people remain with the power to use magic, and they must remain hidden. Zelie is one such person. Now she has a chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orisha, where strange creatures prowl, and vengeful spirits wait in the waters.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (Andersen Press)
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'With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering'
12-year-old Josh and his twin Jordan have basketball in their blood. They're kings of the court, star players for their school team. Their father used to be a champion player and they each want nothing more than to follow in his footsteps.
Both on and off the court, there is conflict and hardship which will test Josh's bond with his brother. In this heartfelt novel in verse, the boys find that life doesn't come with a play-book and it's not all about winning.
Becoming Dinah by Kit de Waal (Hachette)
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Dinah's whole world is upside down, dead things and angry men and cuts all over her head that are beginning to sting.... Seventeen-year-old Dinah needs to leave her home, the weird commune where she grew up.
She needs a whole new identity, starting with how she looks, starting with shaving off her hair, her 'crowning glory'. She has to do it quickly, because she has to go now. Dinah was going to go alone and hitch a ride down south.
Except, she ends up being persuaded to illegally drive a VW campervan for hundreds of miles, accompanied by a grumpy man with one leg. This wasn't the plan. But while she's driving, Dinah will be forced to confront everything that led her here, everything that will finally show her which direction to turn...
In her first YA novel, Costa-shortlisted author Kit de Waal responds to the classic Moby Dick with entirely new characters, a VW campervan, and by tearing the power away from obsessive Captain Ahab and giving it to a teenage girl who's determined to find a new life, far away from her unconventional upbringing.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Walker Books)
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"A masterpiece."-The Huffington Post
"An essential read for everyone."-Teen Vogue
"Outstanding." -The Guardian
Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (Egmont)
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A stunning New York Times bestseller with a powerful and unforgettable YA voice. Perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi's The Children of Blood and Bone, Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Sarah Crossan's One.
Xiomara has always kept her words to herself. When it comes to standing her ground in her Harlem neighbourhood, she lets her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But X has secrets - her feelings for a boy in her bio class, and the notebook full of poems that she keeps under her bed. And a slam poetry club that will pull those secrets into the spotlight.
Because in spite of a world that might not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to stay silent. A novel about finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in, no matter how hard it is to say. Brave, bold and beautifully written - dealing with issues of race, feminism and faith.
Poetry
Half-Caste and Other Poems by John Agard (Hachette)
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The tensions brought about by differences of race and culture are at the heart of this powerful and entertaining collection by one of Britain's most exciting and original poets and performers. John Agard, winner of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, explores the richness of human diversity in the world today.
Under the Moon and Over the Sea by John Agard & Grace Nichols (Walker Books)
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An award-winning collection of poetry vividly evoking the experience of living in the Caribbean - and of leaving for other lands. This prestigious anthology, which won the 2003 CLPE Poetry Award, conjures up the sights and sounds, tastes and tales of the Caribbean; the experience of living there - and of leaving for other lands. A companion to the acclaimed A Caribbean Dozen, this book contains more than fifty poems by over thirty poets, including John Agard, Grace Nichols, James Berry, Valerie Bloom and Benjamin Zephaniah.
Cosmic Disco by Grace Nichols (Frances Lincoln)
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A sparkling galaxy of new poems by one of the UK' s most exciting contemporary poets. From Aurora Borealis, Sun - You' re a Star and A Matter of Holes, to Lady Winter' s Rap, the Earthworm Sonnet and You - a Universe Yourself, this is brilliant poetry with an astonishing range - comic riddles, animals and nature, home truths and the explosive wonder of the cosmos.
Hot Like Fire and Other Poems by Valerie Bloom (Bloomsbury)
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When de July sun hot like fire, Den I have jus' one desire, To run down to de shop an' buy a Kisko pop.
The World Is Sweet and Hot Like Fire published in one volume for the first time. Valerie Bloom's poetry is beautifully crafted yet full of energy and fun.
Her mixed use of standard English and dialect is a delight to read and hear. Children love reading and listening to her work! Valerie's subjects range from global pollution, problems with maths homework and the sad demise of pet frogs (he croaked of course) to taking sandwiches to school and being afraid of ghosts.
Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah (Puffin)
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Talking Turkeys is an unconventional collection of straight-talking poems about heroes, revolutions, racism, love and animal rights, among other subjects, that will entice many new readers to poetry. It is his very first ground-breaking children's poetry collection - playful, clever and provocative - this is performance poetry on the page at its very best.
He is most well-known for his performance poetry with a political edge for both children and adults and gritty teenage fiction. His collections Talking Turkeys, Wicked World and Funky Chickens broke new ground in children's poetry. He is the only Rastafarian poet to be short-listed for the Chairs of Poetry for both Oxford and Cambridge University and has been listed in The Times' list of 50 greatest postwar writers.
Rhythm and Poetry by Karl Nova (Caboodle)
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Rhythm & Poetry (otherwise known as RAP), is by Hip Hop artist and poet Karl Nova. The beauty of rap lyricism and Hip Hop and the influence they've had on poetry is displayed with wit, humour and positivity. Nova's collection reflects on his journey of growth from childhood to adulthood through the lens of Hip Hop culture.
Overheard in a Tower Block by Joseph Coelho (Otter-Barry Books)
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Gazing at the stars from five storeys up,smelling the bins from five storeys below. Overheard arguments,overheard laughter. A disappearing father and a Mermaid-Queen mother; statues that sing for flesh and blood; bullies who kick you under the table; perfect red trainers - and the things that lurk in the library....
Award-winning poet Joseph Coelho's astonishing new collection is a powerful and moving poetic narrative about growing up in the city.
The Rainmaker Danced by John Agard & Satoshi Kitamura (Hachette)
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Do trianglesever get into a tangle when their sides meet their angles? A wonderful new children's poetry collection, from a celebrated, award-winning poet. From nature and science to identity, prepare to be transported on a journey through past and present. This collection from John Agard, winner of the Queens Medal and the Eleanor Farjeon Award, explores the wonders of the world - inviting your child to ponder life's questions with lots of fun along the way!
Poems Aloud by Joseph Coelho & Daniel Gray-Barnett (Wide Eyed Editions)
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Poems are made to read OUT LOUD! A wittily illustrated anthology of poems, designed to be read aloud. Twenty poems by the award-winning Joseph Coelho arm children with techniques for lifting poetry off the page and performing with confidence. Perfect for confident children and shy readers alike, this book teaches all sorts of clever ways to performing poetry.
Children will learn 20 techniques for reading aloud by trying out 20 funny and thoughtful original poems by the much-loved and award-winning performance poet, Joseph Coelho. There are tongue twisters, poems to project, poems to whisper, poems to make you laugh. There are poems to perform to a whole class and others to whisper in somebody's ear.
Richly textured, warm and stylish illustration by Daniel Gray-Barnett bring each page to life.
Funky Chickens by Benjamin Zephaniah (Puffin)
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Enter the crazy world of rap poet Benjamin Zephaniah! A reissue of the wonderfully irreverent collection of poetry for young people, touching on anything from vegetables to the Queen and from sewage to the sun.
There's plenty of humour as well as poems on racism, pollution and the murder of a cat
Non-Fiction
Young, Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson & Andrea Pippins (Wide Eyed Editions)
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Meet 52 icons of colour from the past and present in this celebration of inspirational achievement - a collection of stories about changemakers to encourage, inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. Jamia Wilson has carefully curated this range of black icons and the book is stylishly brought together by Andrea Pippins' colourful and celebratory illustrations. Written in the spirit of Nina Simone's song "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," this vibrant book is a perfect introduction to both historic and present-day icons and heroes.
Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams. All children deserve to see themselves represented positively in the books they read. Highlighting the talent and contributions of black leaders and changemakers from around the world, readers of all backgrounds will be empowered to discover what they too can achieve.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander & Kadir Nelson (Andersen Press)
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This is for the unforgettable. The unafraid. The undefeated.
From New York Times bestselling-author Kwame Alexander comes this powerful and important ode to black history: the strength and bravery of everyday people and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world's greatest artists, athletes, and activists. With references to lyrics and lines originally shared by our most celebrated heroes, this poem digs into the not-so-distant past to underline the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Penguin Random House)
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Meet the little leaders.
They're brave. They're bold. They changed the world.
Did you know the treatment for leprosy was developed by a young scientist called Alice Ball? And Josephine Baker- world famous cabaret singer and dancer- was also a spy for the French resistance? Featuring 40 trailblazing black women in the world's history, this book educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations. Debut author/illustrator Vashti Harrison pairs captivating text with stunning illustrations as she tells the stories of both iconic and lesser-known female figures of black history, including:Nurse Mary Seacole, Politician Diane Abbott, Mathematician Katherine Johnson, Singer Shirley Bassey.
Inspire your own little leader with the stories of these amazing women.
Martin Luther King Jr. by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & Mai Ly Degnan (Frances Lincoln)
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In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., the inspiring minister and civil rights activist. Little Martin grew up in a family of preachers: his dad was a preacher, his uncle was a preacher, his grandfather was a preacher... so maybe he'd become a great preacher too.
One day, a friend invited him to play at his house. Martin was shocked when his mother wouldn't let him in because he was black. That day he realized there was something terribly unfair going on.
Martin believed that no one should remain silent and accept something if it's wrong. And he promised himself that - when he grew up - he'd fight injustice with the most powerful weapon of all: words. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the inspiring activist's life.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly & Laura Freeman (HarperCollins)
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Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award-nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and illustrator Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers! Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math...really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do.
But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.
Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Penguin Random House)
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Meet the little leaders. They're brave. They're exceptional.
They changed the world. Did you know that the father of African cinema was originally a bricklayer? Or that Vogue's editor-at-large read his first Vogue magazine in his local library? Learn all about the exceptional black men who broke barriers and fought injustice to realise their dreams and make the world a better place. With Vashti Harrison's beautiful illustrations and illuminating writing, discover the stories of black men from all walks of life, including:Doctor Harold Moody, Diplomat Kofi Annan, Activist Paul Stephenson, Architect Sir David Adjaye, Comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, Musician Prince.
Your own little leaders will be inspired to take on the world after learning about these incredible men.
Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser & Marta Antelo (Frances Lincoln)
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In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Rosa Parks, the 'Mother of the Freedom Movement.' Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist's life.
The Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela (Puffin)
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The story of the first black president of South Africa. NELSON MANDELA is known for dedicating his life to fighting for equality in South Africa and overthrowing racial segregation. He grew up hearing the elders' stories of his ancestors' fighting in the wars of resistance, and he dreamed of fighting for the freedom of his people.
His childhood wish was granted when he became the first black president of South Africa, and an icon for hope, change and equality. Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures. Entertaining, accessible and educational, they are the perfect introductions to these amazing people and their achievements.
Harriet Tubman by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & Pili Aguado (Frances Lincoln)
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Part of the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad conductor who 'never lost a single passenger.' Little Harriet was born into slavery on a plantation in Maryland. Though life was hard, Harriet persisted. She used all of her strength and bravery to escape slavery and journey north on the Underground Railroad.
Harriet made the dangerous mission back to the South many times, fighting her whole life to bring others with her to freedom. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the abolitionist's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists.
The Extraordinary Life of Michelle Obama (Puffin)
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Michelle Obama is:
A Lawyer
A Writer
An Activist
A First Lady of the United States of America.
__________
She is a role model and feminist icon. Born and raised in Chicago, she studied and worked hard to become a lawyer, and then took to the international stage as First Lady.
This beautifully illustrated book tells the extraordinary story of Michelle Obama's life, perfect for young readers everywhere.