October marks Black History Month in the UK and in Ireland. At DK we acknowledge that there is always more we can do to amplify Black voices and publish titles that bring Black histories and experiences to the forefront of our publishing. While we appreciate Black History Month as an opportunity to pause and reflect on our publishing, we know that there is so much more to be done – not just in October, but all year round.
“Black History Month originated in the US in the 1920s as a celebratory week of Black history, thanks to historian Carter G. Woodson and fellow historians and activists who wanted Black Americans’ achievements and contributions recognized. In 1969, Black American educators and activist students proposed a Black History Month and it was born a year later.
The UK followed in 1987, with the introduction of Black History Month for the first time. Ever since, this event has been recognized annually; a celebratory month of Black culture, heritage, contributions, and consciousness of the past, present, and future.” Mireille Harper, author of Timelines from Black History, and co-author of The Black History Book.
You’ll find a great range of our titles below to help everyone from tiny tots to grown ups celebrate Black History Month.
Stories for little readers
How do little kids grow up to become inspiring leaders? Find out in this beautiful board book for little ones with big dreams.Everyone, from Nelson Mandela and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr was once a small child learning about the world.
When I Grow Up - Great Leaders
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How do little kids become sporting superstars? Find out in this inspiring board book for little ones. Everyone, from Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi to Simone Biles and Ellie Simmonds, was once a small child learning about the world. Read how a diverse array of sporty kids found what they loved to do, worked hard, and followed their passions all the way into adulthood.
When I Grow Up - Sports Heroes
View BookLeaders and pioneers
Learn about scientists, athletes, political leaders and freedom fighters through the engrossing biographies in the DK Life Stories series.
DK Life Stories Katherine Johnson
View BookDK Life Stories Jesse Owens
View BookDK Life Stories Harriet Tubman
View BookDK Life Stories: Martin Luther King Jr
View BookDK Life Stories Nelson Mandela
View BookDK Life Stories Barack Obama
View BookAn insightful resource pack for teachers and students
Discover the obstacles that many Black people faced on the way to making groundbreaking accomplishments. You'll find out how they created lasting change and paved the way for future generations. The Black History Month UK Primary School Pack is a fantastic resource pack for teachers and students is the perfect companion to support the teaching of Black history.
Black History Month UK Primary School Pack
View BookRethink the curriculum
DK is proud to have collaborated with The Black Curriculum to produce three books designed to counter the consistent lack of Black British history being taught in UK schools. These three titles, aimed at readers aged 8 and up, are designed to support the excellent work The Black Curriculum is doing to make Black history present, accessible and engaging to children of all ages.
Read The Black Curriculum Legacies and discover the incredible untold stories of the people, places and journeys that shaped Britain, and be inspired to continue learning beyond the page. Learn all about Britain's Black STEM heroes, incredible musicians and sports stars, and activists who fought for their communities, and find out how their legacies paved the way for modern-day heroes. Includes a foreword from Lewis Hamilton.
The Black Curriculum Legacies
View BookThe Black Curriculum: Migration
Read The Black Curriculum: Migration and discover how migration has been part of British history right from the start, and how it has shaped Black British history. Did you know Black people lived in Britain during Roman times, or that there was a Black trumpeter in Henry VIII's court? You’ll also find out about the Black British people who campaigned for the abolition of slavery, and what life was like for people who migrated to Britain in the 20th century. Includes a foreword from Maro Itoje.
The Black Curriculum Migration
View BookThe Black Curriculum: Places
Read The Black Curriculum: Places dive into untold stories and learn what happened when and where throughout Black British history. Who was John Edmonstone, where did he live in Edinburgh, and how did he influence Charles Darwin? What can street names tell us about Britain's links to the Transatlantic Slave Trade? Who campaigned to Free the Cardiff Three and how did St Paul’s Carnival get started? Includes a foreword from Darcus Beese.The Black Curriculum Places
View BookA unique visual look at the history of Black people
The Timelines of Black History book book boasts more than 30 visual timelines, which explore the biographies of the famous and the not-so-famous - from royalty to activists, and writers to scientists, and much, much more. Stunning thematic timelines also explain the development of Black history - from the experiences of black people in the US, to the story of postcolonial Africa.
Timelines from Black History
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Download and Print the PDF from Timelines from Black History
Because we can all be allies
As an ally you use your power-no matter how big or small-to support others. You learn, and try, and mess up, and try harder.
In this collection of true stories, 17 critically acclaimed and bestselling YA authors get real about being an ally, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers. From raw stories of racism and invisible disability to powerful moments of passing the mic, these authors share their truths. They invite you to think about your own experiences and choices and how to be a better ally.
A donation of 5% net sales in the UK will be donated to The Black Curriculum.
In this collection of true stories, 17 critically acclaimed and bestselling YA authors get real about being an ally, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers. From raw stories of racism and invisible disability to powerful moments of passing the mic, these authors share their truths. They invite you to think about your own experiences and choices and how to be a better ally.
A donation of 5% net sales in the UK will be donated to The Black Curriculum.
Allies
View BookLife lessons from remarkable women of colour
From activists to scientists, artists to sporting icons, each woman's story is different – but all have in common a deep-seated resilience to fight against the prejudices and barriers to success that women of colour face on a daily basis. Featuring political powerhouses such as Kamala Harris and Stacey Abrams, as well as businesswomen like Arundhati Bhattacharya and Angelica Ross, and writers Michaela Coel and Amanda Gorman, We Go High profiles 30 women of colour and celebrates them with stunning, specially commissioned portraits.
We Go High
View BookBe empowered to tell your story
Are you wondering how you can cut through the noise and make your unique self known? Raise Your Voice offers essential advice on how to boost your confidence and put your best self forward. Led by BBC Radio 1Xtra host Nadia Jae, read personal stories and advice from prominent figures in sport, broadcasting, and entertainment and discover how you too can speak up and stand out.
Raise Your Voice
View BookThe most talked-about cookbook of 2022
In his award-winning recipe collection West Winds, food writer Riaz Phillips is passionate about celebrating the familiar Caribbean food of his childhood while also demystifying new and unknown ingredients for home cooks from around the globe. With 120 traditional and delicious dishes that draw on Riaz's personal memories, West Winds is so much more than a showcase of Jamaican cooking – it is also rooted in the exploration of the island's heritage and culture.
West Winds
View BookRedefining fatherhood
An essential, empathetic and empowering guide to help any father or father figure reframe their parenting, how the relate to their own upbringing, and discover what type of dad they want to be, Fatherhood by Papa B is a must-read. Bodé Aboderin’s wonderful writing examines how a father's own well-being can impact and revolutionise the relationship with their child.
Fatherhood by Papa B
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An exploration of Black identity in the working world
Twice As Hard is an exploration of Black identity in the working world and a blueprint for success. You will learn what obstacles limit opportunity for Black professional progress, how to understand and overcome racial stereotypes, be productive, find purpose, and ultimately thrive in business.
Authors Opeyemi and Raphael Sofoluke explore their own personal brand of ethics, the challenges they have faced in their careers, and speak to over 40 successful business people to help you gain from their advice and create space for your own personal growth.
Authors Opeyemi and Raphael Sofoluke explore their own personal brand of ethics, the challenges they have faced in their careers, and speak to over 40 successful business people to help you gain from their advice and create space for your own personal growth.
Twice As Hard
View BookDiscover a new perspective on climate change
Written with candour and hope, It's Not That Radical will galvanise readers to take action, offering an accessible and transformative appraisal of our circumstances to help mobilise a majority for the future of our planet.
It's Not That Radical
View BookThe Pepperpot Diaries
In her long-awaited first cookbook, Andi Oliver showcases vibrant flavours, cherished ingredients, and recipes both new and traditional from across the Caribbean. Andi shares her deeply personal journey to reconnect with the food she grew up eating, and considers what the future might hold for Caribbean cookery.
The Pepperpot Diaries explores who we were, who we are, and where we're going – all through the food we eat and the people we meet along the way.
The Pepperpot Diaries explores who we were, who we are, and where we're going – all through the food we eat and the people we meet along the way.
The Pepperpot Diaries
View BookEast Winds
A celebration of lesser-known Caribbean cultures, East Winds is the second cookbook from award-winning author Riaz Philipps. An exploration of the 'hidden Caribbean' – not so much a place as a legacy of the complex history, people and food that exist outside the limelight of Caribbean culture – the book gives full focus to the stories of the indentured Indian and Chinese, Indigenous tribes and African heritage of Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and beyond.
Get to know island favourites like hot doubles, a whole chapter dedicated to roti, a whole list of Caribbean curries and much more. More than a cookbook, with East Winds you'll go on a culinary journey to explore the roots and evolution of the dishes you're cooking.
Get to know island favourites like hot doubles, a whole chapter dedicated to roti, a whole list of Caribbean curries and much more. More than a cookbook, with East Winds you'll go on a culinary journey to explore the roots and evolution of the dishes you're cooking.