LoveReading4Kids Says
This novel, by Birmingham born poet Zephaniah, is the fifth book in the Scholastic Voices series – highlighting the situation and stories behind the myriad of people who have arrived from all over the world to the UK. Leonard’s father is one of the many Jamaican born men who came to Britain at the request of the UK government to help rebuild the country after the second World War. So, when Leonard and his mother arrive in Southampton the 10-year-old had to get to know a father he barely remembers and learn to live in a climate, both physical and social, that was alien to him.
This is a carefully written account which does not shirk from exploring the society and the racism that Leonard encounters in his school and in being a part of 50’s and 60’s society in Manchester – where Leonard’s father was a bus driver. It’s aimed at KS2 children and the language, plus seeing everything through Leonard’s often confused eyes makes it a valuable lesson for children to read.
The book takes Leonard’s story to the present day where he is one of the Windrush generation who now struggle to prove his right to be in the UK – making this a strong story on which to base vital lessons on the morality of government policies. Highly recommended.
Tricia Adams
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Windrush Child Synopsis
In this heart-stopping story, Benjamin Zephaniah shows us what it was like to be a child of the Windrush generation. Leonard is shocked when he arrives to the cold, grey shores of England from warm Jamaica and struggles to adjust to his new life. His parents say they moved to Great Britain in order to make a better life, so he does his best not to complain, even when the food tastes different, he struggles to make friends, and even when people hurt him with their words. How does a 10-year-old boy so far from home learn to adapt to his new life despite moving away from his grandma and everything he loves? Now adapted into graphic novel form and illustrated by Markia Jenai, this powerful story about being a child of the Windrush generation is guaranteed to make an impact. *** 'An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about the Windrush generation's experience. Essential reading' - Alex Wheatle 'Zephaniah pulls no punches in his depictions of the racism that Leonard suffers both at school and in the streets in a powerful, moving account of family and fitting in' - iNews Based on real historical events of Windrush, Benjamin Zephaniah shows readers an important time in Britain Perfect for teaching children about inclusivity and diversity Illustrated by Markia Jenai.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780702344497 |
| Publication date: |
12th March 2026 |
| Author: |
Benjamin Zephaniah |
| Illustrator: |
Markia Jenai |
| Publisher: |
Scholastic |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
144 pages |
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Benjamin Zephaniah Press Reviews
‘An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about the Windrushgeneration’s experience. Essential reading.’ Alex Wheatle
'Zephaniah pulls no punches in his depictions of the racism that Leonard suffers both at school and in the streets in a powerful, moving account of family and fitting in.’ iNews
About Benjamin Zephaniah
Poet, novelist and playwright Benjamin Zephaniah (1958-2023) grew up in Jamaica and the Handsworth district of Birmingham, England, leaving school at 14. He moved to London in 1979 and published his first poetry collection, Pen Rhythm, in 1980.
Benjamin Zephaniah is an internationally renowned performance poet and acclaimed author of bestselling YA novels: Face, Gangsta Rap, Teacher's Dead, Refugee Boy and Terror Kid.
He was a Writer in Residence at the Africa Arts Collective in Liverpool and Creative Artist in Residence at Cambridge University, and was a candidate for the post of Professor of Poetry at Oxford University.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate in Arts and Humanities from the University of North London (1998), was made a Doctor of Letters by the University of Central England (1999).
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