Raised in East London, Lady Patricia Scotland's role models for success were in her own family, who encouraged her with their high expectations. Fortunately, she took their advice rather than that of her careers advice teacher who had her marked down for a supervisor at Sainsbury's supermarket. The first Caribbean woman to become a master of the Mid Temple, the youngest person to take Silk since William Pitt the Younger, and now the first black female government minister, she has certainly made her mark. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citizenship, English, Reading. 7 – 14 year olds.

An illustrated biography of prolific children's writer Malorie Blackman who has had over 45 titles published to date and is currently one of the most successful children's authors working in the UK. Twice winner of the Young Telegraph Children's Book of the Year Award for "Hacker" (1994) and "Thief" (1996), she was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 1998. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citizenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

One of the UK's leading black entrepreneurs, James Everett Braithwaite came from St Lucia in the Caribbean to England when he was just three years old. Brought up and educated in Toxteth in Liverpool, his hard work enabled him to create a innovative IT company which he later floated on the stock exchange for #33 million.

Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citizenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

Born in Guyana in South America, Samantha Tross was uprooted from her comfortable home in the sun and brought to England to school. Living in a strange new country would be a challenge for anyone but it was one that Samantha was able to overcome and through hard work and dedication she has now established herself as one of the country's most respected orthopaedic surgeons. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citzenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

The first of a series of biographies of successful and well-known black British achievers, this book tells the story of Benjamin Zephaniah, who rose from a humble beginning with low reading skills to becoming an internationally known poet. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citzenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds

From humble beginnings in Birmingham, John Taylor rose to become a Peer of the Realm and has established himself as a role model for black people throughout the UK. Selected for Aston Villa's under-14 squad, it was originally thought that he would make his career in football but it was as a lawyer that he would eventually rise to prominence. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citzenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

The seventh book in the "Black Profiles" series, which profiles black people living and working in England who have overcome serious obstacles to achieve great success. Chinwe Roy is a Suffolk artist, born in Nigeria, who survived the Biafran war only to be struck down by a devastating illness. Having since painted such celebrities as the athlete Kriss Akabusi, her commission to paint a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen brings her to the peak of her successful career. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citzenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

Follows the life of Stephen Lawrence, from his early years through primary and secondary school, cubs, scouts and athletics. Gleaned from interviews with his family and friends, this biography reveals Stephen as a lively lad with a full and interesting life, which was tragically cut short. The only authorised account of Stephen Lawerence's life, this book was produced with help and assistance from the Lawrence family. Key stage 2 & 3 PSHE, Citzenship, English, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

In the Caribbean, stories are not just for telling and listening: they are for singing and dancing. So here, courtesy of the Caribbean, are five mischievous stories to get the children up and on their feet. The traditional tales are woven around human characters, talking animals and mythical creatures. Grace Hallworth's energetic retellings are accompanied by one-line music, dance rhythm choreography by a well-known dance teacher and by John Clementson's brilliantly colourful collage, together with a glossary and a note from the author. Key stage 2 English, Reading, Music, PE, Dance. 7 to 11 years old.

After a stormy night, a farmer searching for his lost calf finds a baby eagle that has been blown out of its nest. He takes it home and raises it with his chickens. But when his friend comes to visit one day, he tells the farmer that an eagle should be flying high in the sky, not scrabbling on the ground for grain. How the farmer's friend proves that the bird is an eagle and destined to fly to the sun, is humorously retold by Christopher Gregorowski. Niki Daly's bright water colour illustrations breath life into this powerful and uplifting tale. Key stage 1 & 2, English, Reading. 5 to 11 year olds.

An introduction for young readers to black men and women who are heroes of their time. Some are from the past, some contemporary, but all have overcome obstacles to make significant contributions.

When the king of Baghdad's wife betrays him, he trusts no woman. Each night he takes a new bride, only to execute her in the morning. Brave Shahrazad offers herself as his bride, and captures the king's heart by telling stories. Key stage 2 & 3, Reading. 7 to 14 year olds.

This unique collection of folktales, compiled by Rina Singh, encourages us to rethink our relationship with trees through the telling of fantastic tales filled with dancing palms, healing fig trees and magical cherry blossoms. Illustrated in radiant hues by artist Helen Cann and containing notes about the individual characteristics of each species, this vibrant collection will encourage all of us, young and old alike, to appreciate the essential place of trees in our lives, and help us to translate our appreciation into the desire to protect our many endangered forests. Key stage 2, Reading, Geography and English. 7 to 11 year olds.

A new picture book - with exuberant illustrations by Carol Thompson.

Blossom is a lucky girl - she has two grandmothers. The city one she calls Nan and the country one she calls Gran, and she loves them both.

At the big party for Blossom's little brother, Blossom sees Nan and Gran together for the first time. Now they'll have fun - all three of them! Early learning and key stage 1, English, Reading, Citizenship. 0 to 7 year olds.

All aboard! This rhythmic I-spy journey to school through various landscapes is the perfect introduction to colours, modes of transport, and of course, music! The jaunty text, Siobhan Bell’s colourful hand-stitched illustrations and the accompanying musical CD by popular singer Fred Penner are sure to get children singing along happily. The I-Spy theme encourages reader/listener interaction, while the cumulative, repetitive text helps build sequencing skills. We All Go Travelling By is ideal for read-aloud and music and movement activities. Early years. 0 to 5 year olds.

Princess Katrina has never seen any princess like curls like hers. She’s worried because her crown keeps slipping off her head. Then, her best friend, the parrot fusseaters, calls Zuru, the hair Charmer. Zuru knows all about hair like Katrina’s and shows her how to make the most of her beautiful hair. Key stage 1 & 2, Reading and English. 5 to 11 year olds.

'What was made in China 2,000 years ago and is still used today?" This is the riddle Ge-Hui's lost paper butterfly must solve to get a ride home on a dragon's back. To find an answer, the paper butterfly flits far and wide - to the great city of Beijing and its Forbidden City, further to the Great Wall of China and further still to the 2,000 year-old terracotta soldiers in the walled city of Xian. Finally, just when she is beginning to despair, the butterfly meets another New Year paper butterfly who has the right answer - which wins them a dragon-ride home together! This fascinating butterfly's-eye view of the land of China and its culture features illustrations inspired by Chinese folk art, and includes page-by-page brief notes, a map of China and an end-note on the ancient art of paper-making. Key stage 1 & 2, English, Reading and Environmental Studies. 0 to 7 year olds

Ayoka has been left in charge of the family goat, but within minutes it has vanished! As Ayoka searches the streets of town, she sees how much trouble a runaway goat can cause among the market stalls. One thing after another disappears, and when Ayoka finally catches up with the goat, she finds more than she had bargained for.

Polly Alakija's bright, detailed illustrations perfectly capture the vibrant bustle of a Nigerian street market. Children will enjoy counting the missing items as they help Ayoka find the goat on each page. Boisterously funny and authentic, Catch that Goat! is a unique find! Early years and key stage 1. 0 to 7 year olds.

When the day comes for Billy and Belle’s mum to have her new baby, Belle is allowed to go to school with Billy. Everything goes according to plan, until Belle gets into a spot of bother with her pet spider. A refreshing and humorous story, featuring a modern family. Key stage 1, English, Reading. 5 to 7 year olds.