Black Learners, Bright Futures

Inclusive Books for Every Age: A Guide for Families

Introduction

Creating a vibrant, inclusive reading list that both aligns with the UK curriculum and celebrates diversity is key to developing engaged readers. Below is a year-by-year guide of recommended books, focusing on literature, science, and biographies/autobiographies, with particular attention to titles that celebrate Black British identity. Each book is selected to enhance literacy skills, ignite curiosity, and offer representation for all students.

• Reception (Ages 4–5)

1. “Look Up!” by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola

A delightful story about Rocket, a young Black girl fascinated with space. A great introduction to the wonders of science and a beautiful celebration of curiosity and aspiration. Your children are never too young to start dreaming and be curious about the world around us.

2. “Handa’s Surprise” by Eileen Browne

Set in Kenya, this vibrant picture book is perfect for young readers, introducing them to African culture through Handa’s journey and the story of friendship and sharing. In a colourful setting, it’s time to discover and learn about the animal of the savannah.

• Year 1 (Ages 5–6)

1. “The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family” by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali

A touching story that promotes diversity and acceptance, following Faizah and her sister’s experiences as she wears her hijab for the first time.

2. “Tales of Wisdom and Wonder” by Hugh Lupton

This collection of folktales from around the world offers children a glimpse into diverse cultures, introducing themes of bravery, kindness, and wit.

• Year 2 (Ages 6–7)

1. “Lila and the Secret of Rain” by David Conway and Jude Daly

This story introduces children to drought in Kenya, teaching empathy for others’ experiences while showing the importance of tradition and community. A short inspiring story filled with hope.

2. “Sophie Johnson: Detective Genius” by Morag Hood

A fun and relatable story for budding detectives, this book helps develop problem-solving skills while emphasizing self-confidence.

• Year 3 (Ages 7–8)

1. “Coming to England” by Floella Benjamin

This autobiographical story by actress and author Floella Benjamin recounts her journey from Trinidad to London, beautifully depicting the immigrant experience.

2. “The Boy Who Grew Dragons” by Andy Shepherd

A fun, imaginative read that blends fantasy with botany, sparking children’s interest in plants, biology, and science.

• Year 4 (Ages 8–9)

1. “Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts” by Katie and Kevin Tsang

Through Sam Wu’s humorous adventures, children are introduced to the concepts of courage and self-discovery, while appreciating diversity in modern British culture.

2. “Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World” by Kate Pankhurst

Featuring inspiring women, including those from diverse backgrounds, this book encourages kids to dream big and understand contributions from various cultures.

• Year 5 (Ages 9–10)

1. “High Rise Mystery” by Sharna Jackson

A thrilling mystery set in London, with two young detectives of color. This story brings representation and excitement, suitable for kids interested in problem-solving.

2. “The Story of Climate Change” by Catherine Barr and Steve Williams

An essential book introducing the science of climate change, making complex environmental topics accessible to young minds.

• Year 6 (Ages 10–11)

1. “Windrush Child” by Benjamin Zephaniah

A powerful story about a young boy who travels from Jamaica to England as part of the Windrush Generation. This novel sheds light on identity, belonging, and resilience.

2. “The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow” by Katherine Woodfine

Set in Edwardian England, this thrilling mystery introduces historical elements and encourages curiosity about the past.

• Year 7 (Ages 11–12)

1. “Ghost Boys” by Jewell Parker Rhodes

A profound novel exploring themes of racial injustice and empathy, following the story of Jerome, a young Black boy. This book is ideal for discussions around fairness and history.

2. “A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space” by Libby Jackson

Inspiring stories about diverse women in STEM, sparking interest in science while highlighting the contributions of women in space exploration.

• Year 8 (Ages 12–13)

1. “Noughts & Crosses” by Malorie Blackman

This dystopian novel explores issues of race, identity, and friendship, presenting a challenging but valuable look at social dynamics and inequality.

2. “Young, Gifted and Black” by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins

An empowering collection of biographies celebrating Black heroes from around the world, encouraging students to pursue their aspirations.

• Year 9 (Ages 13–14)

1. “Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly

The inspiring true story of African-American women mathematicians at NASA who helped launch America into space. This book highlights diversity in science and perseverance. You probably watched and liked the movie starring Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Kevin Costner, your family will love the book even more.

2. “Refugee Boy” by Benjamin Zephaniah

A moving novel about a young Ethiopian boy navigating life as a refugee in England. It offers insight into global issues of migration and identity.

• Year 10 (Ages 14-15)

1. “Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers” by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s autobiography offers inspiration and insight, touching on themes of ambition, self-discovery, and social issues relevant to young adults.

2. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

A powerful novel about social justice, identity, and finding one’s voice, this story follows Starr Carter as she navigates two worlds and stands up for justice.

• Year 11 (Ages 15–16)

1. “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge

A crucial exploration of race in Britain, offering students an accessible look at systemic issues and encouraging informed discussions on equality and representation.

2. “Sapiens: A Graphic History – The Birth of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari

An illustrated exploration of human history, ideal for students interested in anthropology, sociology, and history, presenting complex concepts in a visually engaging way.

Conclusion

A diverse reading list is not only an academic asset but a tool for empathy, curiosity, and representation. These selections for each age group align with the UK curriculum and encourage a love for literature, science, and real-world learning while celebrating Black British identity. Whether through the thrill of mystery, the wonders of science, or inspiring personal stories, each book invites students to explore new perspectives and foster a deeper understanding of the world.

Neema Y
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2 responses to “Inclusive Books for Every Age: A Guide for Families”

  1. Mandy avatar
    Mandy

    Re “Yuval Noah Harari”

    Harari’s MISDIRECTING “Cognitive Revolution” (Homo Deus) propaganda notions on homo sapiens is meant to normalize the sick scheme of transhumanism among the endlessly ignorant/foolish public.

    Yuval Harari, affiliated with Schwab’s WEF’s [https://archive.md/vrZGf] and one of WEF’s frontman psychopaths [https://www.bitchute.com/video/Alhj4UwNWp2m] and who is sold as an intellectual “genius” or “prophet” by this crazy world, is the person who called you and me and all other commoners “useless people” [https://archive.ph/KlOKx] — while millions of those “useless people” have been buying and recommending his books like candy (to learn his “lessons”), serving him very usefully. It’s one proof that most people anywhere are stupid and crazy (while “thinking” they’re intelligent and non-crazy). It’s the meeting of the “thinker” with the non-thinkers …

    The WEF cabal of psychopaths, including Harari, has always promoted and invested into artificial intelligence or AI. That fact that they are now, starting in early 2023, suddenly supposedly have a change of heart makes it clear that their warnings about AI and having it regulated is just a manipulative tactic to misdirect and deceive the public, once again.

    The manipulative “AI open letter” scheme is part of The Hegelian Dialectic in action: problem-reaction-solution.

    This staged deceitful bogus letter campaign is meant to raise public fear/hype panic about an alleged big “PROBLEM” (they intentionally helped to create in the first place) so the public demands (REACTION) the governments regulate and control this technology =they provide the “SOLUTION’ FOR THEIR OWN INTERESTS AND AGENDAS… because… all governments are owned and controlled by the leading psychopaths in power (https://www.rolf-hefti.com/covid-19-coronavirus.html) .

    What a convenient self-serving trickery … of the ever foolish public.

    The official narrative is… “trust official science” and “trust the authorities” but as with these and all other “official narratives” they want you to trust and believe …

    “We’ll know our Disinformation Program is complete when everything the American public [and global public] believes is false.” —William Casey, a former CIA director=a leading psychopathic criminal of the genocidal US regime

    “AI responds according to the “rules” created by the programmers who are in turn owned by the people who pay their salaries. This is precisely why Globalists want an AI controlled society- rules for serfs, exceptions for the aristocracy.” —Unknown

    The SELECTIVE narrative Harari choses in his writings (STEERING and CONTROLLING what you should believe [https://www.bitchute.com/video/Alhj4UwNWp2m & https://www.corbettreport.com/harari%5D) to describe and categorize homo sapiens’ “cognitive revolution” omits the key human elements (ie self-delusion, grandiosity, manipulation, deception, lunacy — all of which shine thru for any lucid reader of his ‘Sapiens’ book and other works of his biased propaganda (that serves to normalize transhumanism and psychopathy), and that he himself engages in and manifests!) that has led humans to be largely destructive and therefore not being wise (sapiens) at all.

    Instead, manipulative Harari’s self-serving focus has been for many years on humans’ capacity to believe fictional stories and therefore can be controlled via narrative, fictional or not, as long as everyone believes the same story — the official story, the authorized narrative, such on 9/11 or on Covid, etc. This interplay of human capacity to trust and follow “official” narratives AND the major controllers of these authorized narratives, ie the psychopathic authorities in power, is coherently explained by the reality-based theory of “The 2 Married Pink Elephants In The Historical Room” (see https://www.rolf-hefti.com/covid-19-coronavirus.html) that curates the human condition and the crazy world we always have lived in.

    “Separate what you know from what you THINK you know.” — Unknown

    Even just somewhat more coherent intellectuals as psychopathic Harari have also recognized Harari’s ethics-empty “extremely dangerous” propaganda (while still naively, self-foolingly and falsely believing Harari is “brilliant”) [https://archive.ph/zFwwH]. The production of such “persuasive” but extremely dangerous propaganda a la Harari is of course typical of psychopaths.

    “You don’t live in a free country. And no, it’s not because they make you pay taxes or that time they made you wear a mask or whatever. The real reason you don’t live in a free country is much, much bigger than that: you don’t live in a free country because the minds of your countrymen are imprisoned. Westerners think they’re free because they can say whatever they want and vote however they want, but WHAT THEY WANT is controlled by mass-scale psychological manipulation. Being able to speak and vote as you wish is meaningless if the powerful CONTROL WHAT IT IS THAT YOU WISH.” — Caitlin Johnstone, Independent Journalist

    “The term ‘artificial intelligence’ would lose its glamour (and its enormous value to hand-waving snake oil salesmen) if it said “dumb routine calculation at massive speed and scale”. But that’s what it is — and here is the essential point: such an ability to calculate does not equal human intelligence. AI does not ‘understand’ anything.” —Alan Mitchell

    “COVID is critical because this is what convinces people to accept, to legitimize, total biometric surveillance.” — Yuval Noah Harari, World Economic Forum member [https://archive.md/vrZGf]

    Anyone still not capable of seeing that Harari is an insane psychopath? Perhaps this will do it…

    “From a biological perspective, nothing is unnatural. Whatever is possible is by definition also natural. A truly unnatural behavior, one that goes against the laws of nature, simply cannot exist, so it would need no prohibition.” — Yuval Noah Harari, in a Tweet on August 24th, 2023 (https://archive.ph/pC6L2)

    Author Walker Larson exposed “the horror” of that insane statement: “If something can be done, it is natural; whatever is natural shouldn’t be prohibited; therefore, anything that can be done should not be prohibited.” & “For people like Harari, everything is morally neutral because nothing has an objective purpose and everything is just another glob of molecules.” & “…all manner of malevolence and brutality becomes justifiable in the minds of the perpetrators—as 20th-century history has taught us.” & [Harari’s sentences] if acted upon, are the harbingers of tyranny, terror, and torture.” (https://archive.ph/pjixD)

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  2. Neema Y avatar
    Neema Y

    Hello,

    Thank you for commenting and sharing your knowledge. Have a nice day 😊

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