*Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams

A beautifully illustrated, well-written guide to the Bright Stars of Black British History for middle grades.

*Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams and illustrated by Angela Vives. Thames and Hudson, 2024. 160 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12
• Recommended For: Ages 10-12

Did you know Henry VIII had an African trumpet player employed in his Court? That the first Black man to play a lead Shakespearean role in Britain was from New York? 

J. T. Williams provides fascinating portraits of 14 men and women from Black British History. Some might be known to readers, like Olaudah Equiano, who worked with William Wilberforce in the abolitionist movement. Williams tells readers about Equiano’s life “according to his action-packed autobiography” skillfully using primary sources to explain what we know and how we know it. From court records to letters, Williams has a wonderful way of making history come alive. The biographies are interspersed with 2-page spreads giving overviews of historical British periods and their impact on Black British history. Beautiful watercolor illustrations by Angela Vives illuminate the pages, sparking interest and making readers want to learn more. 

I particularly appreciate Williams’ focus on family and marriage, as well as faith in her profiles. She notes Harold Moody ( “Doctor, Preacher, and Civil Rights Leader, 1882 – 1947) whose “Christian beliefs” shaped his worldview as a teenager. The book concludes with activist Claudia Jones (1915 – 1964) who established the Notting Hill festival, celebrating Caribbean culture. Williams does not not introduce any profiles with alternate lifestyle choices, something I’ve noticed included in other collections. Instead, using primary sources, Williams brings men and women, some of the Bright Stars of Black British history, to life.

Bottom Line: An excellent, engaging book, beautifully illustrated: this is well worth adding to your home library if you want a resource on Black British history.

*indicates a starred review (the best of the best in its field)

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Review: Black Heroes of the Wild West — a graphic novel that is both fun and educational.
• Resource: Black History Month Picture Books for Tweens and Teens.
• Resource: A virtual RR discussion of The Undefeated and A Place to Land.

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