Windrush Day June 20, 2022 – Posted in: Book News, Great Picture books, Ideas for 9-12 year olds, Non-Fiction

Windrush Day

Wednesday, 22 June 2022, marks the fifth national celebration of Windrush Day and 74 years since the HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex. The ship carried the first Caribbean migrants to the UK to help rebuild Britain after the Second World War. The Windrush Generation came over, largely from the Caribbean, to undertake a variety of jobs with the purpose of rebuilding the nation. Jobs included the production of steel, coal, iron, and food.

The purpose of Windrush Day is to encourage communities across the country to celebrate these contributions made by the Windrush Generation, and their descendants, and thank all those involved for rebuilding this society.

Take a look at our suggested reading below.

We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me by Benjamin Zephaniah

A powerfully moving and beautiful picture book about the voyage of HMT Empire Windrush. The hopes, dreams and bravery of the Windrush generation are expressed in this vivid story through the real-life experiences of Trinidadian musician, Mona Baptiste. Written as a brand-new poem by Benjamin Zephaniah.

Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush by Patrice Lawrence

This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.

John Agard’s Windrush Child

A beautifully evocative story of a child’s journey to England on board Empire Windrush. Windrush chid waves goodbye to his Caribbean home and sets sail across the ocean to Britain. In this powerful picture book, full of hope and promise.

Coming to England : An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation By Floella Benjamin.

Floella Benjamin’s classic memoir, available in Picture book and for older readers. This is the incredible story of Floella’s journey from Trinidad to London, as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords.

The edition for older readers also come with a foreword by the author and some additional historical information.

Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah

In this heart-stopping adventure, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation. Leonard is shocked when he arrives with his mother in the port of Southampton. His father is a stranger to him, it’s cold and even the Jamaican food doesn’t taste the same as it did back home in Maroon Town. This fictional account is perfect for 9+

The Place for Me: Stories About the Windrush Generation

Explore the lives of the Windrush generation in this full-colour anthology. With a foreword from Baroness Floella Benjamin, DBE. This book presents 12 moving tales of sacrifice and bravery, inspired by first-hand accounts of the Windrush generation.

Keep an eye on our blog to see more titles that celebrate upcoming events.

Are you are a teacher and would llike more recommended book lists? Visit our page for schools here.

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