Windrush Day: 75th anniversary
The 22nd June is National Windrush Day and today marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, bringing 1027 passengers (and two stowaways) to London in 1948. Accessible quality texts offering first hand accounts of the experiences of those who came on the Windrush, those following in their footsteps and the significant contribution they made, and continue to make, to this country have been sadly lacking, but this is starting to change.
‘The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation’ offers an excellent starting point for learning more about this very significant event. Published in association with the Black Cultural Archives, it contains twelve short stories reflecting the experiences of men and women from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain, tempted by promises of work and a warm welcome in the ‘Mother Country’. Inspired by real people, each story depicts the hardships, heartache and hostility faced, but also shows the courage, resilience and determination shown.
The stories are interspersed with ‘Fact Files’, adding context and detail and starting before the arrival of the Windrush. Photographs of real people and events are also included and each author has written a short piece at the end of the book, reflecting their connection to the Windrush generation. Although they carry some similar themes, each story is as unique as the individual it is written about.
This book would make an excellent addition to libraries and classrooms, but also has huge potential for using as a guided reading text. The foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin is as inspiring and warm as the lady herself and each story is beautifully written, offering plenty to discuss. I am sure that the true experiences of many were far worse than those recorded here, but the style and content make them perfect for younger readers.
The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation
Stories by K N Chimbiri, E L Norry, Judy Hepburn, Katy Massey, Salena Godden, Jermain Jackman, Quincy the Comedian, Kevin George, Kirsty Latoya and Ashley Hickson-Lovence
Foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin Cover illustration by Joelle Avelino
Scholastic in association with Black Cultural Archives
ISBN: 978-0702307904
‘The Story of Windrush’ by K N Chimbiri offers a concise summary of the key information, putting the Windrush’s journey into context. Against this background, readers are introduced to various people such as Sam King, Alford Gardner and Mona Baptiste who were part of the Windrush generation and Peter Dielhenn who was a member of the crew. These authentic voices are skilfully combined with historical facts, illuminating the history of real people.
There is a useful glossary, defining words found in bold type throughout the text, and a comprehensive index, making this a useful tool for research. The author has also illustrated the book and there are plenty of colour pictures accompanying the text, but there are also photographs, fascinating primary source evidence of the period, capturing moments in time. This very accessible read makes an important addition to any library.
The Story of Windrush K N Chimbiri
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702307133
You can read my review of ‘We Sang Across the Sea The Empire Windrush and Me’ here and my review of ‘Coming to England here.
