Black History Month 2022
First marked in the UK in October 1987, as part of African Jubilee Year, Black History Month is a recognition of the heritage, culture, and achievements of Black Britons. With the theme ‘Time for Change: Action not Words,’ Black History Month 2022 focuses on amplifying Black voices, allyship and activism, and sharing the stories and diverse legacies of Black people in the UK. From firebrand fiction to books about Black history, and from powerful politics to inspiring reads for children, we're celebrating classic works and contemporary triumphs from the best Black authors and commentators.
The Best of 2022
Black British History
Our best books on the Black British experience.
Boasting contributors from Doreen Lawrence to David Olusoga, Henry and Ryder's wide-ranging and urgent anthology highlights the vital benefits that Black Britons bring to society and the crucial importance of eradicating systemic racism.
Reading for Change
Books for Allies and Activists.
Remarkable Lives
Our best biographies and memoirs about Black lives.
Originally published in the 1995 and now available in a fresh edition with a foreword by Zadie Smith, Gerzina’s engrossing classic brings to life Georgian Black Britain with vivid detail, highlighting fascinating individuals from Ignatius Sancho to Olaudah Equiano within the broader story of the struggle against enslavement.
Staying Power
Our bestselling Black history books.
Classic Fiction
Enduring masterworks by Black authors.
Science Fiction
Stunning sci-fi & fantasy from Black voices.
Narrated in the style of a gloriously witty Regency polemic, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho reimagines the life and times of the maverick Black writer and composer in 18th-century London in illustrious, unputdownable prose.
Contemporary Fiction
Unmissable novels by contemporary Black writers.
Young Adult Fiction
Our best Teen and YA novels by Black writers.
Children's Fiction
Our best books for younger readers by Black writers and illustrators.
The breathtaking sequel to Skin of the Sea sees Simi breaking away from her underwater underworld to fight demons above water.
Young, Gifted & Black
Our best books for children on Black history and diversity.
Malorie Blackman's Advice to Budding Writers
The former Waterstones Children's Laureate and author of classics such as Noughts and Crosses provides invaluable wisdom for aspiring authors.
An Extract from Black England by Gretchen Gerzina
Read the opening of Gerzina's seminal, recently reissued volume that illuminates the lives of Black Georgians.
Paterson Joseph on Writing The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho
The author of the stunning new Regency-set novel discusses historical inspiration behind its titular protagonist.
Melissa Thompson Shares a Delicious Recipe from Motherland and the Story Behind It
The author of the stunning new cookbook Motherland shares the story behind and a recipe of Jamaica’s national dish.
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