This one is for the proactive teachers who take ownership over introducing their class to books by diverse authors. Or to those wanting to learn about Black British History in an afternoon. In 2017 only 5.58% of children’s book authors were written by people of colour (Booktrust.org). How do schools across the UK expect children to be aware of their own culture, heritage and backgrounds without books with characters or role-models which they can identify with? In light of the powerful Black Lives Matter Movement, I wanted to share this short, classic memoir, by Trinidadian born presenter and actress Floella Benjamin.
This was the key text of the term in my second year uni school placement in Worthing. Despite the coastal location, with some BAME students, teachers admirably decided to make the Empire Windrush their term topic as the government scandal resonated in the news. Staff here ensured ALL children learnt about the generation of Caribbean people which took the opportunity to live and work in the UK, as the government sought to manage the aftermath of WW2. Floella Benjamin describes the trials, tribulations and joys in ‘Coming to England’ in 1960.
She delicately describes the subtle forms of colonialism and imperialism inherent in her childhood in Trinidad and her struggle as a new child arriving in England. Whilst also illuminating the vibrancy of the Caribbean through her accurate descriptions of Caribbean life, including the unique food and lively music. Floella Benjamin celebrates the ‘traditional’ British culture and her experiences trying new British staples like fish and chips, which many children who join the UK today can also relate to.
I adore this book due to the author’s ability to capture the stories my own grandparents described to me and to hear about the similar childhood experiences my parents’ generation underwent. It has a perfect balance of harsh reality and success stories from a child’s perspective, which is so relevant in our society today.
Movie Quote: ‘Quite frankly my dear, I just don’t give a damn’ Rhett Butler- Gone with the Wind.
Again, another recent scandal and film removed over ‘racism’. However, this whole film depicts the reality of life during and after the American Civil War which sadly meant the use of slaves. However, the aftermath of the American Civil Warm sparked more white Americans to empathise with the black community after experiencing similar hardship, thus contributing to the anti-slavery movement. As such, this film is a source of history which deserves to be played and ignorant individuals should do their own research.
Amber Reads something 