"An important collection of poetry about Black British history from an acclaimed spoken word performer and social activist"
July Book of the Month
From Ancient Rome to the Tudors to the 2020 Euros football final, Black people have always lived and contributed to British society. In this exceptional anthology George the Poet has collected poems and examples of the Black British experience. The impressive list of contributors includes: Patience Agbabi, Jeffrey Boakye, Sophie Thakur, Derek Walcott and Benjamin Zephaniah.
A number of the poems are new and written specifically for this anthology, whilst others have been curated from older collections, such as Sunrise by Grace Nicholls, first published 1993. Throughout the collection historical notes are added for each era by writer and historian Dr Christienna Fryar. In addition, a number of the poems benefit from enlightening notes from the poets themselves, giving context and further info about their subjects.
The subjects covered by the poems are varied and full of interest – from celebrating Black trailblazers, such as Maggie Aderin-Pocock, to commemorating Belly Mujinga. I challenge anybody to read this anthology without being inspired to learn more! And there’s an extensive reading list provided to guide you forwards. Not only are the subjects of the poems varied and interesting, but innovative use of style and formats mean the structures of the poems themselves add further depth.
Highly recommended, this is an anthology to contemplate, revisit and relish.
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Award-winning spoken word artist George the Poet brings together an incredible roster of Black British poets in this important and exciting new anthology, exploring people, moments and events from Black British history.
Featuring works by established poets and new wordsmiths alike, Part of a Story That Started Before Me is the perfect read for fans of Kayo Chingonyi's More Fiya and David Olusoga's Black and British.
Featuring: Abi Simms, Adesayo Talabi, AFLO. the poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, Bridget Minamore, Cara Thompson, Casey Bailey, Derek Walcott, Dorothea Smartt, Eno Mfon, Evan the poet, Fred D'Aguiar, George The Poet, Henry Stone, Inua Ellams, Irenosen Okojie, Isaiah Hull, Jeffrey Boakye, Jenny Mitchell, Jeremiah Brown, John Agard, Joseph Coelho, Jude Yawson, Kelechi Okafor, Malika Booker, Miles Chambers, Priss Nash, Olivette Otele & Stretch the Top Boy, Rakaya Fetuga, Raymond Antrobus, Reece Williams, The Repeat Beat Poet, Samuel King, Sophia Thakur, Thembe Mvula, Theresa Lola, Tre Ventour, Vanessa Kisuule, and more.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Part of a Story That Started Before Me and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-14 years old
Part of a Story That Started Before Me features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, History, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children's and Young Adult Fiction
Part of a Story That Started Before Me is available in Paperback, Hardback
Part of a Story That Started Before Me was written by George the Poet and published by Penguin Books an imprint of Penguin Random House Children's UK
Part of a Story That Started Before Me has 261 pages
£8.99
