‘Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present’ by Jamia Wilson with illustrations by Andrea Pippins gets its title from the song by Nina Simone and tells the stories of black heroes both past and present.
Young Londoners (and more often than not their parents too) can learn about black history in a colourful and engaging way. Find out more about black people who have shaped the world around us, from artists, performers, leaders, mathematicians and sporting figures to designers, writers and activists.
The mini-biographies are a real treat to read and feature many familiar faces including King, Obama, Angelou, Parks and Mandela. But the book goes beyond that to include football legends like Pele and tennis sensations Williams sisters. There’s Oprah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Stevie Wonder and Usain Bolt as well as many other household names (and some that you will most likely be unfamiliar with)
This is a fantastic book that should be in every school and library. It is inspiring, educational and a fun read.