Blackberry Blue and Other Fairy Tales – Jamila Gavin
Prepare to enter a world of magicians, enchanted forests, talking animals and wicked witches . . . Here are six magical stories to thrill and enchant you. Watch Blackberry Blue rise from the bramble patch; follow Emeka the pathfinder on his mission to save a lost king; join Princess Desire as she gallops across the Milky Way on her jet-black horse. These beautifully written and original stories will delight readers of all ages, and the stunning illustrations by Richard Collingridge will take your breath away.
Slave Girl – Patricia C McKissack
In the slave quarters of Virginia’s cruel plantations, Clotee’s people pray for freedom. But when will it come? To Clotee, freedom is the greatest word in the world.
Tall Story – Candy Gourlay
Be careful what you wish for . . . Andi is short. And she has lots of wishes. She wishes she could play on the school basketball team, she wishes for her own bedroom, but most of all she wishes that her long lost half brother, Bernardo, could come and live in London, where he belongs. Then Andi’s biggest wish comes true and she’s minutes away from becoming someone’s little sister. As she waits anxiously for Bernardo to arrive from the Philippines, she hopes he’ll turn out to be tall and just as mad as she is about basketball. When he finally arrives, he’s tall all right. But he’s not just tall … he’s a GIANT. In a novel packed with humour and quirkiness, Gourlay explores a touching sibling relationship and the clash of two very different cultures
Grandpa’s Indian Summer – Jamila Gavin
This is the second book about the lovable Grandpa who invites his grandchildren back to Calcutta. The author draws the reader into the colour and magic of India while her funny and poignant stories and adventures cross every culture and boundary.
Indian Myths – Shahrukh Husain and Bee Willey
Aimed at readers at Key Stages 2 & 3, this volume contains an illustrated collection of retold myths from the Indian tradition. The stories are simply told, whilst retaining the flavour of the original myths, and are superbly illustrated.
The Emperor’s Dan-Dan – John Agard
This verse is a rendition of the traditional story of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, with the tailor played by Anancy Spider Man. It is of course the children who point out that the Emperor is naked and highlight the gullibility and readiness to please of those who surround a man in power.
Show Way – Jacqueline Woodson
Soonie’s great-grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation without her ma and pa, and with only some fabric and needles to call her own. This beautifully illustrated picture book describes the making of ‘show ways’ or quilts which served as secret maps for escaping slaves, a family tradition passed from mother to daughter.
Misoso: Once Upon A Time Tales from Africa – retold by Verna Aardema
A collection of 12 African folktales. “Kindai and the Ape” is a tale of kindness remembered. In “The Sloogey Dog and the Stolen Aroma” a stingy man gets his come-uppance. These are examples of the stories of justice and revenge, greed and generosity, trickery and kindness in this collection.
Dad, Jackie and Me – Myron Uhlberg
Jackie Robinson is the first black player in Major League Baseball and a young boy shares the excitement of Robinson’s first season with his deaf father. A lovely picture book about prejudice and triumph.
Mississippi Morning – Ruth Vander Zee
A boy learns of racial hatred and the activities of the Klu Klux Klan from his friends and then faces the uncomfortable truth that his own father is a member.
Something Beautiful – Sharon Dennis Wyeth
A young girl is disheartened by the things in her neighbourhood: the trash on the streets, the graffiti on the walls, and the homeless woman that sleeps in a box. When she learns the word “beautiful” at school, she sets out to find “something beautiful” in her surroundings. In her search, this little girl learns to see beyond the barren ugliness of her environment to find beauty in her friendships, her family, and herself.
Circle Unbroken – Margot Theis Raven
A grandmother tells the tale of Gullahs and their beautiful sweetgrass baskets that keep their African heritage alive.
The Time of the Lion – Caroline Pitcher
When Joseph hears a lion’s roar he decides to go and find him. He makes friends with the lion and his family and joins in their way of life. One day traders come looking for the cubs and Joseph learns that danger is not always where you think.
I Have Heard of a Land – Joyce Carol Thomas
National Book Award-winning author Joyce Carol Thomas draws on family history for this lyrical account of a little-known event in America’s past. She tells the story of how, in the late 1880s, many African-Americans raced to the Oklahoma Territory.
African Art and Culture – Jane Bingham
Written for students working at Key Stage 3, the titles that make up the ‘World Art and Culture’ series explore the fine arts, the decorative arts and design through the ages and in different cultures throughout the world.
Tell All the Children Our Story: memories and mementos of being young and black in America – Tonya Bolden
From the 17th century to the present. From the settlement of Jamestown (where the birth of the first black child is recorded) to the Revolution to the Civil War and the Restoration to the fight for civil rights to today, Bolden brings to light how black children worked and played, suffered and rejoiced.
World Black History’ tells the incredible history of black men and women around the world. It takes the reader through the thriving cultures of ancient Africa, the horrors of slavery and colonization, and the struggle for independence and equality.
Malcolm X for Beginners – Bernard Aquina Doctor
Describes the evolution of Malcolm X’s views, discusses the violent political climate of his time, and recounts the events leading to his murder.
Lewis Hamilton – John Townsend
This biography of Lewis Hamilton looks at his career as well as his upbringing and early involvement in motor racing.
Malorie Blackman – Shaun McCarthy
All About Authors tells the story of some of our best-loved writers, drawing on a wide range of sources to explore their life, what influences them and their inspirational approaches to writing.
Benjamin Zephaniah – Verna Wilkins
Growing up poor and on the move, Benjamin Zephaniah didn’t tap into his true potential until he had sunk into the depths of despair. His way with words, his mother’s love and his strong sense of community helped him to overcome the obstacles in his path. The moving story of a man who informs and amuses people all over the world with his love of life and his rapping rhythms.
Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence – John Duggleby
The paintings of Jacob Lawrence tell stories. A collection of these paintings provide the backdrop for this biography which tells the story of one of our finest living painters.
Kelly Holmes – Andy Croft
Kelly Holmes has spent her life trying to be the best, but it hasn’t been easy. She’s battled poverty, injury and depression to become one of the most famous and successful sportswomen in the world. This book provides an insight into the life of an Olympic hero.
Monty Panesar – Roy Apps
The books in the Dream to Win series are an inspirational set of biographies focusing on the skill and determination needed to break through into the world of top-class sport. This is the story of Monty’s early years and his breakthrough into the England cricket team.
Hope Powell – Roy Apps
The story of Hope’s early years and her breakthrough into world-class women’s football.
Tecumseh: Shooting Star of the Shawnee – Jon Dwight Zimmerman
To white authorities in the newly independent United States, Tecumseh seemed like a different type of chief: defiant and determined to protect Indian rights. Not even the power of the government awed this fearless Shawnee leader. Young readers will be fascinated by the life story of this great warrior and orator who tried to unite all the tribes in a single, powerful confederacy.
Sitting Bull: Great Sioux Hero – George Edward Stanley
Sitting Bull lived and died for his people, the Sioux of the Great Plains. George Edward Stanley traces Sitting Bull’s lifelong fight for justice and struggle to retain his tribe’s ancestral lands, as well as the battle at Little Bighorn and the terrible massacre at Wounded Knee that occurred in the wake of his death.
Sacagawea: Crossing the Continent with Lewis & Clark – Emma Carlson Berne
While travelling with the Corps of Discovery across America’s then-uncharted West, Sacagawea – with a baby strapped to her back – endured unimaginable dangers. We know little about her thoughts and feelings, since she left no records of her own, but without her, Lewis and Clark certainly could never have succeeded. Emma Carlson Berne separates truth from legend and offers some ideas on what eventually happened to this strong and fascinating woman.
Pocahontas: A Life in Two Worlds – Victoria Garrett Jones
The tale of the Powhatan princess from the Virginia woodlands is one of the best known and most loved in American history. While myth and legend have clouded some of the details, time has not diminished her bravery, selflessness and commitment to peace. Nearly four centuries after her death, Pocahontas remains an inspiration and her story will captivate every young reader.
Geronimo: Apache Renegade – George Sullivan
‘No gun can ever kill you.’ Those are the magical words Geronimo heard whispered in the air, that he believed true. Although his name is often linked with violence and even savagery, Geronimo’s early life was actually peaceful. What transformed him into one of the most renowned warriors in the Apache nation, a man whom the U.S. government wished captured or killed at any cost? This gripping biography captures the often-tragic experiences that defined the life of this fearless leader.
Chief Joseph: The Voice for Peace – Lorraine Jean Hopping
Chief Joseph was a peace chief, a great leader who truly believed his nation, the Nez Perce, could live in harmony with white people. Tragically, it was not to be. This fascinating biography separates fact from myth and tells the compelling story of a man who tried to fight injustice with words, not weapons.
Native Americans: An inside look at the tribes and traditions – Laura Buller
Including photographs, facts and figures and relevant websites to explore.
