Author of the Month

This month (October), instead of focussing on one author, we are celebrating Black History books with a range of non-fiction books about black people who have had a lasting impact on our world.

Little Leaders:

Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison: This beautifully illustrated book introduces reader of all ages to 40 women who changed the world.

Young Gifted and Black by Jamia Wilson:

Written in the spirit of Nina Simone’s song “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” this vibrant book is a perfect introduction to both historic and present-day icons and heroes. Meet figureheads, leaders and pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, as well as cultural trailblazers and athletes like Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams.

I am Every Good Things by Derrick Barnes:

Step inside the mind of the confident narrator of this book. He is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He’s got big plans, and will see them through. He’s creative, adventurous, smart, funny. A good friend. A superhero. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he’s afraid, because he’s often misunderstood. So, slow down, look and listen as he shows you who he really is …

Timelines from Black History:

From Frederick Douglass to Oprah Winfrey, and the achievements of ancient African kingdoms to those of the US Civil Rights Movement, Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies takes kids on an exceptional journey from prehistory to modern times.

Black and British by David Olusoga:

The definitive history of Britain’s troubled history with the people of Africa and the Caribbean, Olusoga’s account begins in the Roman era and takes in Elizabethan ‘blackamoors’ and the horrors of the slave trade as well as the author’s own childhood memories of racism and prejudice.

Author of the Month – September

Britta Teckentrup

We are thrilled to introduce our Author of the Month for September, Britta Teckentrup. Her captivating and thought-provoking books have captured the hearts of both children and adults with their beautiful illustrations and engaging stories. Britta Teckentrup was born in Hamburg, Germany, and her passion for art and storytelling blossomed from a young age. She pursued her dreams and earned a degree in illustration at the London College of Communication. Since then, Britta has become a renowned author and illustrator, crafting imaginative and visually stunning books that have earned her a special place in the world of children’s literature.

Achievements 

Britta Teckentrup’s work has garnered recognition and accolades throughout her career. Some of her notable achievements include:

Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal: Britta was honoured with a nomination for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, which celebrates outstanding illustrations in children’s books. Her exceptional artistic talent is evident in every page of her books.

International Bestsellers: Many of Britta’s books have become international bestsellers, captivating readers of all ages across the globe. Her books have been translated into numerous languages, allowing children from different cultures to enjoy her imaginative stories.

Mr Blake and school staff will be reading the books every week with our Pride winners and anyone else who shows an interest.

A Selection of Britta Teckentrup’s work

“House by The Lake“: A beautiful picture-book adaptation of Thomas Harding’s Costa-shortlisted biography for adults, exquisitely illustrated by Britta Teckentrup.On the outskirts of Berlin, a wooden cottage stands on the shore of a lake. Over the course of a century, this little house played host to a loving Jewish family, a renowned Nazi composer, wartime refugees and a Stasi informant; in that time, a world war came and went, and the Berlin Wall was built a stone’s throw from the cottage’s back door.