Black History Month: Top reads to inspire children and young adults
Black History Month in October provides an opportunity for everyone to explore and celebrate the profound impact of Black heritage and culture on British history.
This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” aims to broaden perspectives and encourages students to discover and appreciate Black excellence across various fields.
At Reading Cloud, we’re sharing some top reads by Black authors to inspire your students. Read on to find out which fiction and nonfiction titles we recommend for your students.
October marks Black History Month, giving everyone the opportunity to explore, share, and celebrate the fundamental impact of black heritage and culture on British history.
Did you know? The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987, the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.
The inspiring theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, which aims to educate and inspire students by going beyond the traditional focus on slavery and civil rights to celebrating Black excellence in all its forms from the arts, sciences, politics, or everyday life.
To support this initiative, we’re highlighting a selection of inspiring books by Black authors. These works can help students engage with diverse voices and experiences, enriching their understanding of history and contemporary society.
We encourage educators and students alike to explore these literary works as part of your Black History Month activities. These books offer valuable insights and can spark meaningful discussions about identity, culture, and achievement. Split by fiction and nonfiction, you can find top reads for primary and secondary age groups as well as young adults.
Fiction
Primary
Librarian recommended
Bekah and the Moon
Author: Tolá Okogwu
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK (ISBN: 9781398509481)
Age: 3+ years
This tale is described as a moving and magical picture book about the love between a young girl and the moon.
About the author
Secondary
Sawbones
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Walker Books (ISBN: 9781406340570)
Age: 12+ years
Sawbones is a clever, gripping historical crime thriller set in the 18th century, which follows the adventures of 16 year old, Ezra, who is working as an apprentice to a highly respected surgeon.
About the author
Screen-writer and best-selling author for children and young adults of Jamaican-Welsh heritage, Catherine Johnson has been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the YA Book Prize. Her novel, Sawbones, won the Young Quills Award for Historical Fiction.
Young adult
Escaping Mr. Rochester
Author: L.L. McKinney
Publisher: Harper Collins (ISBN: 9780062986269)
Age: 14-18 years
Escaping Mr. Rochester is a fresh reimagining of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre in this thrilling, empowering young adult romance.
About the author
L.L McKinney is an American young adult author and an advocate for equality and inclusion in publishing.
Nonfiction
Primary
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Author: Vashti Harrison
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN: 9780241346853
Age: 7+ years
This book features 40 trailblazing black women in the world’s history, sharing the true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations.
About the author
Vashti Harrison is an American writer, illustrator and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, New York. Her other books are heavily acclaimed and centred in Caribbean heritage and folklore.
Secondary
Winner of UKLA Book Awards 2023 (Information Books 3-14+)
Musical Truth
Author: Jeffrey Boakye
Publisher: Faber & Faber (ISBN: 9780571366491)
Age: 13+
A Musical Journey Through Modern Black Britain: this extraordinary retelling of black British history will dazzle readers of all ages.
About the author
Jeffrey Boakye is an ex-teacher turned writer, speaker and educator, with a particular interest in issues surrounding race, masculinity, education and popular culture.
Young adult
Librarian recommended
The Black Friend on Being a Better White Person
Author: Frederick Joseph
Publisher: Candlewick Press (ISBN: 9781536217018)
Age: 14+
Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism.
About the author
Frederick Jospeh is an American author, recognised for the International Literacy Association’s 2021 Children’s & Young Adults’ Book Award. He has also won acclaim for his works with the New York Times.
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