This Lovely City by Louise Hare
Set in London in the aftermath of WW2, we follow the lives of a young couple: a jazz musician, newly arrived on the Empire Windrush, and his girlfriend, struggling to find her place as a dual heritage citizen in a distrustful city. Soon, they both become embroiled in a mysterious crime which threatens to tear their lives apart. This compelling page-turner evokes such a clear picture of post-war London while exposing the cruellest prejudices of British society, prevalent just a few decades ago.
Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña
Milo rides the subway, feeling like “a shook-up soda. Excitement stacked on top of worry, on top of confusion, on top of love”. To distract himself, he imagines the lives of the faces he sees around him. After an unexpected encounter with a fellow passenger, he learns the important lesson that perhaps we can't make judgements about people's lives from the information we see on the outside. Accompanied by Milo's illustrations, this is a beautiful story for young children.
The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan
This novel in verse powerfully recounts the story of Kasienka and her mother as they begin a new life in England. Struggling with unkindness from her peers at school as well as her mother’s mental health deteriorating, we see how small kindnesses can make a life-changing difference. Eye-opening and moving, I’d recommend this original story to older children and adults alike.
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
This highly readable and comprehensively researched account of how the world is designed by and for men is fascinating and enlightening. Criado Perez uses examples from around the globe to explain how male data bias skews everything from medical treatment to town planning. A must read for all adults!
They Say Blue by Jillian Tamaki
A captivating board book exploring the colours of the world through vivid language and beautiful illustrations. We see how the little girl’s perspective changes and how a field of grass can look “like a golden ocean” or just “plain old yellow grass” depending on your mood and outlook. Perfect for sharing with little ones to build their vocabulary and wonder at the world's beauty.
Artichoke Hearts, Jasmine Skies and Tender Earth by Sita Brahmachari
This series begins by following Mira in Artichoke Hearts as she navigates her early teens, dealing with first loves and friendships as well as her Nana Josie’s declining health. In Jasmine Skies, Mira is a little older and travels to India to stay with family, the reader is also transported to the vibrant streets of Kolkata as Mira learns more about her family and how she can contribute to society. Lastly, in Tender Earth we follow Mira’s younger sister, Laila, as she connects with her late Nana Josie through their shared passion for activism, and finds her own voice in order to stand up for the rights of others. Brahmachari brings her characters to life with such authenticity and threads so many important themes through delightfully enjoyable storylines.
Sophia by Anita Anand
This fascinating biography explores the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, whose father was heir to the Kingdom of the Sikhs, and whose godmother was Queen Victoria. Though she was raised as part of aristocratic British society, she fought tirelessly for many causes such as Indian independence, women’s rights and the welfare of Indian soldiers during WW1. Anand describes Sophia’s experiences and the history of both India and Britain with captivating detail, bringing us a riveting account of a remarkable life story.
Run Rebel by Manjeet Mann
In this powerful verse novel, we see life through the eyes of Amber, a teenage girl facing the typical challenges of secondary school whilst dealing with the further struggles of her home context. Learning about the stages of a revolution in her history classes ignites the spark of revolt in Amber, the reader is gripped throughout and urges her on to break free from patriarchal repression and blossom to achieve her dreams. Though this book will particularly resonate with YA readers, adults will be compelled and moved by the complex motivations of the interconnected characters.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
In this graphic novel, Cece Bell tells the moving story of her childhood experiences of hearing loss and hearing aids. The comic book format perfectly portrays the central character’s journey through stages of hearing loss and the challenges this brings in daily life. But Cece is not defined by this alone, we also encounter the usual highs and lows of growing up and see how she develops her alter ego, El Deafo, to give her strength. Primarily aimed at a KS2 audience, it could definitely be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Cyborg Cat: Rise of the Parsons Road Gang by Ade Adepitan
This book, the first in a trilogy, manages to be light and funny whilst exploring important themes such as moving to a new country and coping with a physical impairment. Basing the story on his own life, Ade Adepitan makes readers chuckle with his humorous conversations between the young group of school friends and embarrassing family antics. Meanwhile, he subtly leads the reader to empathise with the central character, who deals with the challenges of moving from Lagos to London and polio leaving his legs weakened. Inspiring and eye-opening for all young readers, and important representation for those who face similar experiences.
The Family Tree by Sairish Hussain
This novel follows three generations of a British-Pakistani family living in Yorkshire as they navigate a whole range of joyful and challenging life events. With rich description of everyday details and emotions, Sairish Hussain draws you in to almost become part of the family, whilst the dramatic plot twists compel you to keep turning the pages.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
A young girl recounts the story told by her ancestors of a black snake which will poison the water supply, and portrays her determination to stand with her community to protect their precious lands. Through visually stunning illustrations and powerfully descriptive and empowering language, this book shows the importance of protecting our water and the devastating effects of building pipelines through the sacred land of the First Nations people of North America.
On The Move by Michael Rosen
A collection of thought-provoking and moving poems about migration, from Michael Rosen’s ancestors facing persecution during World War 2 to those forced to leave their homes today. An important reminder to empathise with people who are displaced, as every one of us deserves a safe place to call home.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
The lives of two teenage girls, and their relative experiences of New York City and the Dominican Republic, become entwined after a tragic plane crash. Elizabeth Acevedo writes with lyrical beauty; the rhythm of this novel written in verse pulls you along as you explore themes such as racial diversity, bereavement and the strength of women.
