For children, books are among the most transformative gifts that opens doors to worlds they’ve never known and show them reflections of their own.
Books are an ode to identity, courage, and discovery that are perfect for inspiring young minds and ‘Sulwe’, by Lupita Nyong’o, is a story as luminous as its title, which means “star” in her native Luo language. Other books include ‘The Crossover’, a symphony of words by Kwame Alexander, which is written in free verse and doesn’t just tell a story—it sings it, as it tells the story of twin basketball prodigies navigating the court and the complexities of adolescence in a tale that’s equal parts rhythm and heart.
Malorie Blackman’s ‘Noughts & Crosses’ highlights a world turned on its head, where racial hierarchies are reversed, and every choice comes with a cost. Sephy Hadley, a privileged Cross, and Callum McGregor, a disadvantaged Nought, share a bond that defies the rules of their deeply divided society.
Malorie doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of prejudice and systemic oppression, crafting a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is heartbreaking.
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s ‘Your Name Is a Song’ is a lyrical picture book celebrating the identities that people carry — starting with people’s names. The dynamic pace of Alexander’s poetry mirrors the fast-moving basketball games, drawing readers into the intensity of each moment.
Other books to look out for include Tomi Adeyemi’s ‘Children of Blood and Bone’, which challenges stereotypes and promotes empathy, making it a powerful tool for parents and educators to foster inclusivity. It is a radiant celebration of identity, culture, and the power of embracing what makes people unique.
‘Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History’, by Vashti Harrison, focusses on diverse fields—from science and activism to art and politics—ensures that every child can find a role model. Meanwhile, ‘Hey You!’, by Dapo Adeola, is a love letter written for every Black child as a reminder of worth and possibility.
Capturing the complexities of today’s world, Angie Thomas’s ‘The Hate U Give’ is a groundbreaking novel which tells the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old girl navigating life between two very different worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the affluent prep school she attends.
‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’ by Onjali Q. Raúf’s is a moving story of friendship, empathy, and courage that reminds readers of the transformative power of kindness. Sharna Jackson’s ‘High-Rise Mystery’ stand out is its vibrant setting and authentic portrayal of urban life, as she vividly brings life in a tower block to life - from its diverse residents to the quirks and challenges of living in such a unique environment.
Jason Reynolds’s ‘Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks’ - poetry in the everyday that’s brought to life through ten interconnected stories, each set during a child’s walk home from school, capturing moments that are funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. These tales delve into the fears, joys, and friendships that shape childhood, showing how even the simplest routines hold meaning.
For Patrice Lawrence’s ‘Orangeboy’ this is a gripping and emotional tale about choices, consequences, and the fragile line between right and wrong, where sixteen-year-old Marlon Sunday, who’s a good kid who dreams of staying out of trouble and living a quiet life - but one tragic decision, made in the heat of the moment, pulls him into a dangerous world he never wanted to be a part of.
These stories are for anyone who believes in the importance of representation and the magic of imagination. So, during this Black History Month – and beyond - let books be the gifts that spark curiosity, foster empathy, and ignite dreams. In the hands of every readers, they are seeds of a brighter, more inclusive future!