Read Around the Subject Y7 Formation of Britain and the Slave Trade Recommended Reading List

Chains #1 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Set in 1776, against the backdrop of the American struggle for independence, this powerful novel is also an incredible adventure about one girl’s struggle for freedom in a society in which she is considered someone else’s property. Isabel and her sister, Ruth, are slaves. Sold from one owner to the next, they arrive in New York as the Americans are fighting for their independence, and the English are struggling to maintain control. Soon Isabel is struggling too. Struggling to keep herself and her sister safe in a world in which they have no control. With a rare and compelling voice, this haunting novel tells not only the story of a remarkable girl and her incredible strength, but also of a time and place in which slavery was the order of the day and lives were valued like weights of meat or bundles of vegetables.

Unheard Voices: An Anthology of Stories and Poems to Commemorate the Bicentenary Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade by Malorie Blackman

In March 1807, the British Parliament passed an Act making the trading and transportation of slaves’ illegal. It was many years before slavery, as it was known then, was abolished, and slavery still continues today in different ways, but it was a big step forward towards the emancipation of a people. Malorie Blackman has drawn together some of the finest of today's writers and poets to contribute to this important anthology. Their short stories and poems sit alongside first-hand accounts of slavery from freed slaves, making a fascinating and absorbing collection that remembers and commemorates one of the most brutal and long-lasting inflictions of misery that human beings have inflicted upon other human beings.

Bound for Jamaica by Gareth Calway

Between 1500 and 1800, over 12 million Africans were sold into slavery. This is the story of one boy who is kidnapped, sold and transported as a slave across the Atlantic from West Africa to a sugar plantation in Jamaica. Suitable for reluctant readers.

Kidnapped Prince the life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano and Ann Cameron *

At the age of eleven, Olaudah was kidnapped from his home in Benin, Western Africa. He spent eleven years as a slave in the West Indies, the USA and England. In vivid scenes, Olaudah describes the horror of his capture, the savage conditions on board the slave ship and his auction and enforced labour. Eventually Olaudah was able to buy his own freedom by trading on the side. Cameron has made the original story accessible for young readers and at the same time maintained the spirit of the original. It is a detailed and compelling read that draws children into Olaudah’s world establishing a deep sense of empathy.

Harriet Tubman by Deborah Chancellor *

The amazing story of Harriet Tubman. Born a slave in the Deep South of the US, she escaped via the Underground Railroad to the north, then went back and helped some 70 more slaves to escape, at great personal risk. She worked as a nurse for the Northern side in the Civil War and was also the first woman to lead an armed assault in that war, in a raid rescuing some 700 slaves. After the war she fought for the right of women to vote. Denied proper pay, pension or recognition for most of her life, she was buried with military honours and is now recognised as a great American hero.

The Story of Slavery by Sarah Courtauld *

A compelling account of the story of slavery from ancient times, through the sugar plantations of the Caribbean and America to the slave trade's official abolition 200 years ago. Recounts the stories of individual slaves, including their journeys and escape stories, and the slave trade in the 21st century. Usborne Reading Programme has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. It is suitable for KS2.

Oh, Freedom! by Francesco D'Adamo *

This suspenseful story, set in 1860, follows a family of American slaves as they escape from a cotton plantation in Alabama via the legendary Underground Railroad, the secret escape route into Canada that was used by as many as 100,000 people. An enthralling story of courage and resilience, centring on ten-year-old Tommy.

Empire & Industry: 1700-1900 by Ian Dawson

Helps to find out about slavery in the British Isles, the war with France, and the Industrial Revolution. This work explores the everyday lives of people across the centuries charting the moments of social change and of discovery and invention.

The Barmy British Empire by Terry Deary

Read on for foul facts about savage slavers, rotten rebels and nasty natives, go for victory with Queen Victoria's quick eastern quiz, and meet some of the most horrid heroes of the British Empire face to face. History has never been so horrible!

On A Slave Plantation by Paul Erickson

Portraying the way of life on a slave plantation, this book looks at the past through original photographs of real objects. This guide is part of a series which looks at history in a vivid way.

Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin

Aaron grows up in the 18th-century Corum Foundling Hospital, having been saved from death by a boy called Meshak, who believes Aaron's mother to be an angel. Meshak, Aaron and Toby, the child of an African slave, all have a narrow escape as Meshak's evil father sets sail to sell them into slavery.

Cat Among the Pigeons Cat Royal Adventures #2 by Julia Golding

Welcome back to the seedy underbelly of London, in 1790. Cat Royal and her friends at the Theatre Royal are getting ready for their next performance. But the star of the show may not make it to opening night. Pedro has proved to all of London that he is a brilliant musician and a gifted actor, but, according to Mr. Kingston Hawkins, Pedro is nothing more than a slave. When Cat attempts to secure Pedro's freedom, she ends up risking her own and has to go into hiding. Go undercover with Cat as she infiltrates aristocratic society one moment and Billy Shepherd's gang hideaway the next. The irrepressible Cat Royal never fails to stir up trouble--and save the day--wherever she goes.

Black Heart of Jamaica Cat Royal Adventures #5 by Julia Golding

Notice to the Public of Jamaica Due to the threat of a rebellion by the slaves of this island, be it therefore enacted that from this day, 1st of July 1792, all persons report any suspicions of revolutionary plots immediately! By Order of the Governor Presenting the fifth adventure from the spirited Cat Royal in which she joins a travelling theatre, turns pirate, undertakes a Caribbean Cruise, and gets mixed up in a slave revolt. Prepare to swash your buckle in Cat's most outrageous adventure yet!

Slavery by Reg Grant

The story of slavery - from its roots to the present day Slavery has plagued the history of humankind for thousands of years, from the conquered peoples of Ancient times to the millions of Africans stolen from their homelands and forced into work that helped build America and the modern world. But what was it like to be a slave, endure such terrible hardships and fight for freedom? Here historical information combines with moving personal stories to give your child the story behind slavery. Maps, charts, timelines and artefacts provide eye-opening context and the testimony of slaves featured in the book will take them behind the statistics. Help them discover the real story behind an evil trade that still exists even today.

Questioning History: The African American Slave Trade by Christine Hatt

Focusing on the African American slave trade, examining the debates and questions it has raised and exploring the intriguing 'what if?' approach.

Slave Trade: 1440-1770 by Melody Herr

This series charts black history from the earliest times to the election of an African American as President of the USA. It tells the story of the slave trade and migrations in the 20th century. Includes biographies of key figures and timelines.

Freedom by Catherine Johnson

An action-packed and pacey story about slavery in Britain. Nathaniel doesn't want to move to England with his master's family, leaving behind his mother and sister on the Jamaican plantation. But then he remembers what his mother told him: once a slave sets foot on English soil, they're free. Perhaps he can earn his fortune and buy his family's freedom, too. When Nat arrives in London, he soon discovers that his mother was wrong. Nat refuses to live like a caged bird and seizes the first opportunity to escape. Alone on the streets of London, he hears the story of a nightmare ship, the Zong, where over a hundred slaves were thrown overboard. Now, those responsible face a trial. Will the world continue to turn a blind eye to the horrors of slavery? And can Nat really evade his masters forever?

The Prince Who Walked With Lions by Elizabeth Laird

A sweeping epic about a prince torn from his mountain home. Based on a true story. The British Army is circling the stronghold of the King of Abyssinia. Under orders from Queen Victoria, its mission is to rescue the British Envoy, held prisoner. Watching with terror and awe is the king's young son, Alamayu. He knows that his father is as brave as a lion, but how on earth can he and his warriors stand against the well-equipped foreigners? As battle rages, everything that Alamayu fears comes to pass. The fighting is cruel and efficient. By the time it is over, Alamayu is left without parents, throne or friends. In a misguided attempt to care for him, the British take Alamayu to England. There he is befriended by the queen herself and enrolled in Rugby College to become a 'proper' English gentleman. What the English see as an honour is, to this lonely Ethiopian prince, a horror. This is Alamayu's story, seen through his eyes: the battle, the journey to England and the trauma of an English public school as he comes to terms with the hand that fate has dealt him and tries to build a new life.

Buffalo Soldier (14+) by Tanya Landman

What kind of a girl steals the clothes from a dead man's back and runs off to join the army? A desperate one. That's who.' At the end of the American Civil War, Charley - a young African American slave from the deep south - is ostensibly freed. But then her adopted mother is raped and lynched at the hands of a mob and Charley is left alone. In a terrifyingly lawless land, where the colour of a person's skin can bring violent death, Charley disguises herself as a man and joins the army. Soon she's being sent to the prairies to fight a whole new war against the 'savage Indians'. Trapped in a world of injustice and inequality, it's only when Charley is posted to Apache territory that she begins to learn what it is to be truly free. This is a beautiful piece of historical fiction with great heart and humanity.

Passing for White by Tanya Landman *

It’s 1848 in the Deep South of America. Rosa is a slave, but her owner is also her father and her fair skin means she can ‘pass for white’. With the help of Benjamin, her husband, she disguises herself as a young white man – and Benjamin’s master. In this guise, the two of them must make their way out of the South, avoiding those they have encountered before and holding their nerve over a thousand miles to freedom. Inspired by the amazing true story of Ellen and William Craft, this is a powerful tale of danger, injustice and unimaginable courage. Information for Adults: This book has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paper stock so that even more readers can enjoy it. It has been edited to a reading age of 8.

Georgian Britain, 1714 To 1837 by Andrew Langley

This series charts the history of Britain from the coming of the Romans to modern Britain in the 21st century. This work: combines high-quality source materials with comprehensive curriculum coverage, making it an essential reference series for general information and project work; includes carefully researched artworks, family trees and famous people of the time; includes new further resources (books and websites) section.

Africa and the Slave Trade by Dan Lyndon

This book looks at the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and on the lives of enslaved Africans.

From Slave Ship to Freedom Road by Julius Lester and Rod Brown *

A compelling account of the story of slavery from ancient times, through the sugar plantations of the Caribbean and America to the slave trade's official abolition 200 years ago. Recounts the stories of individual slaves, including their journeys and escape stories, and the slave trade in the 21st century. Usborne Reading Programme has been developed with reading experts from Roehampton University. It is suitable for KS2.

My Story: Slave Girl by Patricia McKissack*

Clotee is a slave in a Virginia plantation. To her, freedom is the greatest word in the world. In the slave quarters, people pray for freedom, or as they call it 'heaven'. But when will it come?

Twelve Years A Slave: A True Story by Solomon Northup

The shocking first-hand account of one man's remarkable fight for freedom; now an award-winning motion picture. 'Why had I not died in my young years - before God had given me children to love and live for? What unhappiness and suffering and sorrow it would have prevented. I sighed for liberty; but the bondsman's chain was round me and could not be shaken off.' 1841: Solomon Northup is a successful violinist when he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Taken from his family in New York State - with no hope of ever seeing them again - and forced to work on the cotton plantations in the Deep South, he spends the next twelve years in captivity until his eventual escape in 1853.

First published in 1853, this extraordinary true story proved to be a powerful voice in the debate over slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War. It is a true-life testament of one man's courage and conviction in the face of unfathomable injustice and brutality: its influence on the course of American history cannot be overstated.

Pirates! by Celia Rees

When two young women meet under extraordinary circumstances in eighteenth century West Indies, they are unified in their desire to escape their oppressive lives. The first is a slave, forced to work in a plantation mansion and subjected to terrible cruelty at the hands of the plantation manager. The second is a spirited and rebellious English girl, sent to the West Indies to marry well and combine the wealth of two respectable families. But Fate ensures that one night the two young women have to save each other and run away to a life no less dangerous but certainly a lot freer. As pirates they roam the seas, fight pitched battles against their foes and become embroiled in many a heart-quickening adventure. Written in brilliant and sparkling first-person narrative, this is a wonderful novel in which Celia Rees has brought the past vividly and intimately to life.

Britain and the Slave Trade by Rosemary Rees

An analysis of the slave trade from its origins to its abolition. Features of the book include an investigation into living conditions on the plantations, and a case study of how British people treated black slaves in Britain.

Rebel Cargo by James Riordan

Abena is a rebellious Ashanti girl sold into slavery on the notorious Transatlantic route from West Africa to Jamaica. Mungo is an English orphan who becomes a cabin boy, only to be kidnapped and sold as a white slave. Fate brings the two together and Mungo, risking life and limb, saves Abena from a terrible death. Together they escape and set out towards the Blue Mountains - where rumours tell of a stronghold of runaway slaves ruled by a legendary leader called Nanny. But can Abena and Mungo slip through the hordes of Redcoats and baying bloodhounds sent to drag them back...? Based on historical events, the novel unflinchingly describes the conditions of black and also white slavery in the 18th century, when profits took precedence over human life, and ends on a strong note of hope.

Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker *

‘There's a place the slaves been whisperin' around called Canada. The law don't allow no slavery there. They say you follow the North Star, and when you step onto this land you are free...’ A moving, dramatic story about a young girl's flight from slavery on the Underground Railroad.

My Name's Not Friday by Jon Walter

‘This boy has bought me. This white boy who don't even look as old as I am. He owns me body and soul and my worth has been set at six hundred dollars.' Samuel's an educated boy. Been taught by a priest. He was never supposed to be a slave. He's a good boy too, thoughtful and kind. The type of boy who'd take the blame for something he didn't do if it meant he saved his brother. So now they don't call him Samuel. Not anymore. And the sound of guns is getting ever closer... An extraordinary tale of endurance and hope, Jon Walter's second novel is a beautiful and moving story about the power of belief and the strength of the human spirit, set against the terrifying backdrop of the American Civil War.

The Best Ever Book of Ships by Philip Wilkinson

This illustrated volume presents facts about ancient Greek galleys, Viking long ships, Spanish galleons, graceful clippers, ocean liners as well as many other nautical topics.

The Georgians - 1714-1837 by James Harrison

The 'British History Series' tells the story of the people and changing landscape of Britain. It aims to bring people and events to life and set them in a historical context. This title explores the Georgians and readers can find out, amongst other things, who Bonnie Prince Charlie was, what happened during the Industrial Revolution, how slavery was abolished and why there were smugglers and highwaymen.

Cane Warriors by Alex Wheatle *

Nobody free till everybody free. Moa is fourteen. The only life he has ever known is toiling on the Frontier sugar cane plantation for endless hot days, fearing the vicious whips of the overseers. Then one night he learns of an uprising, led by the charismatic Tacky. Moa is to be a cane warrior, and fight for the freedom of all the enslaved people in the nearby plantations. But before they can escape, Moa and his friend Keverton must face their first great task: to kill their overseer, Misser Donaldson. Time is ticking, and the day of the uprising approaches . . . Irresistible, gripping and unforgettable, Cane Warriors follows the true story of Tacky's War in Jamaica, 1760

*Titles are not available in The Petersfield School Library

Jan 2021