Black and British: An Illustrated History for young readers
David Olusoga
Illustrated by Jake Alexander & Melleny Taylor
17 September 2026Synopsis
Embark on a journey through Black British history with this beautifully illustrated guide by award-winning historian and broadcaster, David Olusoga. Illustrations by Jake Alexander and Melleny Taylor.
The essential starting place for anyone who wants to learn about Black British history. David Olusoga’s thought-provoking text charts the forgotten histories of Black people in Britain.
From Roman Africans guarding Hadrian’s Wall, to an African trumpeter in the court of Henry the Eighth, Black Georgians fighting for the abolition of slavery, Black soldiers fighting for Britain in the First World War, the journey of the Windrush generation and right up to today. These are just some of the stories told in this essential introduction to 1800 years of Black British history.
This children's edition of the bestseller Black and British: A Forgotten History is beautifully illustrated in full colour with maps, portrait galleries, timelines, photos and portraits.
Winner of The SLA Information Book Awards 8-12 Children’s Choice Award and Children’s Choice Overall Winner in 2022
Details
17 September 2026
9781529052947Reviews
"Olusoga’s celebrated title is now available in a beautiful and absorbing illustrated format that invites readers from seven and up to pore over its pages. Maps and portrait galleries effortlessly convey how Black and British history have been woven together since the Roman invasion."
"it truly sings in picture book form with the history made even more vivid via a trove of old paintings, maps and photographs combined with bold artwork by Melleny Taylor and Jake Alexander."
Olusoga tells the fascinating – and often heartbreaking - story of Black people in Britain’s history clearly, and with a focus on the real humans involved. Much of the book will doubtless also be an education for many parents, who will also not have been taught Black History while they were at school, as well as their children. This is a truly brilliant and well-realised book, and a must read for all. Illustrated with brilliant art by Melleny Taylor and Jake Alexander.
