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Coming to England
This 25th anniversary edition of Floella Benjamin's classic memoir, Coming to England, includes a foreword by the author and some additional historical information. It is beautifully illustrated by Michael Frith.
Floella Benjamin was just a young girl when she, her sister and two brothers arrived in England in 1960 to join their parents, whom they had not seen for fifteen months. They had left the island paradise of Trinidad to make a new home in London - part of a whole generation of West Indians who were encouraged to move to Britain and help rebuild the country after the Second World War.
Reunited with her mother, Floella was too overwhelmed at first to care about the cold weather and the noise and dirt from the traffic. But, as her new life began, she was shocked and distressed by the rejection she experienced. She soon realized that the only way to survive was to work twice as hard and be twice as good as anyone else.
This inspirational story is a powerful reminder that courage and determination can overcome adversity.
Floella Benjamin was just a young girl when she, her sister and two brothers arrived in England in 1960 to join their parents, whom they had not seen for fifteen months. They had left the island paradise of Trinidad to make a new home in London - part of a whole generation of West Indians who were encouraged to move to Britain and help rebuild the country after the Second World War.
Reunited with her mother, Floella was too overwhelmed at first to care about the cold weather and the noise and dirt from the traffic. But, as her new life began, she was shocked and distressed by the rejection she experienced. She soon realized that the only way to survive was to work twice as hard and be twice as good as anyone else.
This inspirational story is a powerful reminder that courage and determination can overcome adversity.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 28, 2013
Excellent, autobiographical account of children's TV presenter Floella Benjamin and her experience as a young child leaving her home in Trinidad to come to England.
This is a deceptively simple read with some deeper issues thrown in. Floella, in Trinidad, is proud to be part of the British Empire. She knows more English grammar and history than many of her counterparts in England. She loves her tropical island life.
Then she arrives in a cramped, damp, flat in London. She's picked on at school, made to feel inferior and unwanted. It's a far-cry from her sunny, respectable life in Trinidad.
Floella goes through a hard time but comes through in the end - so the overall story is uplifting.
(second time reading aloud to child)
This is a deceptively simple read with some deeper issues thrown in. Floella, in Trinidad, is proud to be part of the British Empire. She knows more English grammar and history than many of her counterparts in England. She loves her tropical island life.
Then she arrives in a cramped, damp, flat in London. She's picked on at school, made to feel inferior and unwanted. It's a far-cry from her sunny, respectable life in Trinidad.
Floella goes through a hard time but comes through in the end - so the overall story is uplifting.
(second time reading aloud to child)
May 27, 2023
Quick read of around 120 pages!
A beautifully descriptive book discussing Floella’s childhood in Trinidad before moving to England in 1960 to follow her parents.
I found it not only educational but also inspiring to read the story of Floella and her family. I was quite ignorant to the Windrush and the impact that had on areas like London. I was really saddened to read of the horrific things those who migrated from the Caribbean had to go through - when they were under the impression they were coming to be accepted by all and walk on streets paved of gold!
A beautifully descriptive book discussing Floella’s childhood in Trinidad before moving to England in 1960 to follow her parents.
I found it not only educational but also inspiring to read the story of Floella and her family. I was quite ignorant to the Windrush and the impact that had on areas like London. I was really saddened to read of the horrific things those who migrated from the Caribbean had to go through - when they were under the impression they were coming to be accepted by all and walk on streets paved of gold!
November 22, 2020
This is a wonderful book that tells the story of a family moving from Trinidad to London. It addresses important issues such as immigration, the fear of moving to a new place and prejudice against black people. I would explore the feelings of each of the characters with children and we would touch upon the Windrush generation (with KS2 children we could go deeper into this)
February 4, 2017
Written through the eyes of Floella Benjamin as a child, this autobiography tells the story of her family's move from their West Indian home in Trinidad to the "Mother Country", England. Her story reflects that of many West Indians in the 1950s/ 60s - known as the 'Windrush Generation', who moved for a better life, encouraged to help Britain rebuild itself after the second world war. Sadly, local people failed to welcome them, inflicting racially-incited cruelty, such that West Indians created their own separate communities.
Floella, encouraged by her mother in particular, demonstrates great spirit: determined to be successful in life, she applies herself to her studies and proves to be a great athlete, remaining true to her values and standing firm against threats to her identity. This spirit was evident in her role as presenter of the BBC's Play School in the 1980s, for which she is perhaps best known. She has done much to support the lives of children, and, in 2010, she became a Baroness in the House of Lords.
In spite of the initial cruelty, the Windrush Generation's values of hard-work, empathy and respect contributed significantly to making Britain one of the most tolerant multi-cultural societies in the world.
Floella tells the story vividly, supported by evocative, colourful illustrations from Michael Frith that dance on the page, drawing the reader into the culture of the West Indies. It is clear to see why the book is used as a resource in schools for understanding culture and social integration.
Floella, encouraged by her mother in particular, demonstrates great spirit: determined to be successful in life, she applies herself to her studies and proves to be a great athlete, remaining true to her values and standing firm against threats to her identity. This spirit was evident in her role as presenter of the BBC's Play School in the 1980s, for which she is perhaps best known. She has done much to support the lives of children, and, in 2010, she became a Baroness in the House of Lords.
In spite of the initial cruelty, the Windrush Generation's values of hard-work, empathy and respect contributed significantly to making Britain one of the most tolerant multi-cultural societies in the world.
Floella tells the story vividly, supported by evocative, colourful illustrations from Michael Frith that dance on the page, drawing the reader into the culture of the West Indies. It is clear to see why the book is used as a resource in schools for understanding culture and social integration.
June 24, 2021
a beautiful book that celebrate the Windrush generation.
February 27, 2024
Am teaching literature around Windrush to an awesome 11 year old. This was a brilliant introduction to the experience of a child arriving from Trinidad to Britain in the 1960s. Floella Benjamin was part of my childhood as a presenter of Playschool and it was incredible to hear her story. It made me ashamed to be British - the shocking way that these new arrivals from the various Caribbean islands were treated. People who had learnt all about Britain at school and who had fought for Britain in WW2. Bizarrely as she mentions at one point she learnt all about British history at school in Trinidad but nothing about Trinidad’s origins or black history in general.
It is not the greatest literary work. It is for children and if you want a richer reading experience read ‘Small Island’ but it is a powerful introduction to the journey made with so much hope by so many people to British soil from 1948 onwards only to be greeted with horrific racism and more recently removal from British soil.
It is not the greatest literary work. It is for children and if you want a richer reading experience read ‘Small Island’ but it is a powerful introduction to the journey made with so much hope by so many people to British soil from 1948 onwards only to be greeted with horrific racism and more recently removal from British soil.
June 21, 2023
An eloquent picture book written following the life of Benjamin, from growing up on a Caribbean Island with her parents and five siblings, to coming to England. There is a dichotomy between the wonderfully evoking a sense of sunshine, love and laughter in the Caribbean to the hostility Benjamin felt on arrival in Britain - where she was seen as a colour rather than as a person. The book shows the great resilience, determination and courage needed when facing this discrimination.
This is a moving tale which not only explores a part of British history from a child’s perspective, but also highlights the importance of celebrating diversity and welcoming new people into the community. It is an inspirational read for children who may have had similar experiences and is ideal to encourage compassion and tolerance in young people.
This is a moving tale which not only explores a part of British history from a child’s perspective, but also highlights the importance of celebrating diversity and welcoming new people into the community. It is an inspirational read for children who may have had similar experiences and is ideal to encourage compassion and tolerance in young people.
September 4, 2021
Really good read
This is such a refreshing and conversational read. It’s not too much of anything but really lends a perspective of Caribbean life, life in a “developed” country and the cost of opportunities and “advancement”.
This is such a refreshing and conversational read. It’s not too much of anything but really lends a perspective of Caribbean life, life in a “developed” country and the cost of opportunities and “advancement”.
June 27, 2020
Brilliant!
Such an honest account of her arrival to the UK, you can almost hear the narrative coming from Floella.
Every quick read as 100 pages.
Highly recommended.
Such an honest account of her arrival to the UK, you can almost hear the narrative coming from Floella.
Every quick read as 100 pages.
Highly recommended.
August 24, 2020
Every page received a smile because as I saw myself experiencing every moment. Although not the same age as Baroness Benjamin and making such as journey many a decades later by plane the feelings are the same. The differences with both cultures, how quickly you are forced to grow up and how just changing your location on the map can force you see the harsh reality of the world. How we learn from an early age to work twice as hard and how this is still told to us even in 2020. I felt her joys and sorrows and a reminder just how a loving family can help you prosper and to never forget where you are from even as you rise.
January 4, 2019
We read this as a year 5 class on SBT1. It is a book that would need to be used carefully, however it encouraged some great discussion and debate. It also touches on racism and abuse and triggered quite a deep conversation about how different things are now and whether or not Floella's parents made the right decision. I asked this question at the start, in the middle and at the end and many children changed their mind about the decision throughout. Definitely a good book for class discussion but I would suggest only with year 5 and 6.
September 7, 2022
Lovely adaptation of her book for younger children.
September 22, 2022
Gives children a good incite into the history of a generation of people.
November 7, 2024
I wouldn’t bother.
August 6, 2021
A vibrant, evocative memoir from a familiar face as I was growing up, beautifully illustrated throughout with Michael Frith's watercolours. This is a short book, so you can rattle through the chapters; half concerned with Floella's upbringing and family of five siblings in Trinidad, and the other with her arrival and need for 'survival' in England, which was very different to her ideal of 'falling into the arms of someone you had been taught to love'.
There are plenty of adjective rich descriptions of family, festivals and food in the Caribbean; children can marvel at discovering pigeon peas, cassava, dasheen and saltfish.
School DT classes can have a go at making ice cream in the summer, or fruit salads of mangoes, guavas, paw paw and pomsitea [sic]. Geographers can marvel at finding the string of tiny pearl islands in the West Indies on a map, and investigate their micro-diversities. Art classes can elicit dreams of sitting on the beach (or melting roadside even) and painting the heat haze or street markets in Frith's luscious watercolour wash style, while the musically inclined create a reggae 'riddim' with rice in an empty water bottle at the back of the room. Celebrations across religions, cultures and carnivals give plenty of scope to RE lessons, while English/PSHE pupils can try to imagine the range of emotions of being separated from, and then reunited with, one's parents; the excitement and fear of a two week journey to a totally alien environment, and the crushing reality of experiencing racism for the first time, writing letters to document the different stages of the Windrush generation's journey. History pupils have a rich seam of information to mine: the Commonwealth, West Indian service and sacrifice during WWII, the British Nationality Act of 1948, Empire Windrush and the success of integration and acceptance until today.
The book has also been been adapted into a BBC film, which can be a treat for well behaved children at the end of the day/week/term.
I personally felt the ending was a little trite; the author's dreadful shock at received racism dissipating with a single school rendition of 'She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain', but who couldn't forgive the wonderful Floella, Baroness Benjamin anything after Play School and the joy she has brought to millions?
There are plenty of adjective rich descriptions of family, festivals and food in the Caribbean; children can marvel at discovering pigeon peas, cassava, dasheen and saltfish.
School DT classes can have a go at making ice cream in the summer, or fruit salads of mangoes, guavas, paw paw and pomsitea [sic]. Geographers can marvel at finding the string of tiny pearl islands in the West Indies on a map, and investigate their micro-diversities. Art classes can elicit dreams of sitting on the beach (or melting roadside even) and painting the heat haze or street markets in Frith's luscious watercolour wash style, while the musically inclined create a reggae 'riddim' with rice in an empty water bottle at the back of the room. Celebrations across religions, cultures and carnivals give plenty of scope to RE lessons, while English/PSHE pupils can try to imagine the range of emotions of being separated from, and then reunited with, one's parents; the excitement and fear of a two week journey to a totally alien environment, and the crushing reality of experiencing racism for the first time, writing letters to document the different stages of the Windrush generation's journey. History pupils have a rich seam of information to mine: the Commonwealth, West Indian service and sacrifice during WWII, the British Nationality Act of 1948, Empire Windrush and the success of integration and acceptance until today.
The book has also been been adapted into a BBC film, which can be a treat for well behaved children at the end of the day/week/term.
I personally felt the ending was a little trite; the author's dreadful shock at received racism dissipating with a single school rendition of 'She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain', but who couldn't forgive the wonderful Floella, Baroness Benjamin anything after Play School and the joy she has brought to millions?
April 22, 2021
Review written by Louise (Lou) @Lou_Bookmarks
Floella Benjamin, I am sure a lot of people will have heard of her. I certainly remember her in Playschool, probably nearer the end of that series. Hers is perhaps the main name I remember as she captivated my childlike imagination. Now she is made a Dame and has been in parliament and done more good, so to have the opportunity to review her book is just astounding and a big honour! This isn't just an exciting book, because I'm picky about contents of books, no matter who is writing it), and this is one excellent book that is informative and has a lot of colour and life to it that makes it absolutely fascinating to read about travelling between Trinidad and England.
Coming to England is great for Middle-Grade readers and is being re-released. She first wrote it over 20 years ago and then it was published again in 2016 and now on 15th April, it is ready for this new generation of children to enjoy and is a very special 25th Anniversary Edition you can buy now.
It's perfect for bookcases everywhere and in classrooms. Teachers and children's group leaders could easily find creative ways of using this book, there's so much scope to be inspired from it to teach children of Trinidad through the memoir, the carnival, the food. There's also a lot of discussion about different topics that come through in the book too. It is as relevant then as it is for today's generation. Coming To England is Timeless!
With a brilliantly coherent foreward, that is a Must Read, (I say because I know that some people skip over these parts and miss a great deal), it gives an insight for what's to come, with some of the history and circumstances laid out. The entire book is hugely interesting and many children will be able to relate to so many aspects themselves or learn so much from it and will (hopefully) see that moving can be challenging, especially to a different country and what can be faced and also how challenges can be overcome. They will also (hopefully) learn that humans, whatever their race etc don't need to be mean to each other (putting it politely) and learn tolerance and also learn something about the Windrush Generation. It is a book that may inspire and is written in such a way that children will be able to get into easily and understand immediately and may prompt curiosity and questions and thoughts. Floella Benjamin, with her new foreward proves she's still got it when it comes to children and young people, to reach out to them and their level.
Readers get to know a little of Dame Floella Benjamin's brothers and sister - Ellington, Sandra and Lester whose mother they call Marmie, in affectionate terms, who met Dardie aged 19, all of which I think is just lovely. The memoir starts with Life in Trinidad and it feels quite uplifiting in some ways and warm. There is much enjoyment for children to get their teeth into and so much knowledge to be gained about food and other parts of the culture. No matter where you're from, whatever your culture, it shows that some things are the same the world over, such as baking. This is one of the beauties of this book, it starts off showing that there are similarities in life, after all, who doesn't at the very least, like cake or ice cream? It has such a positive feel to it for children to read about that is heartwarming as it will make it easy then for children to warm to it. Then there's school life, so some of this will be familiar to children too, although there are some changes, but this is where it's interesting for children, and it was for me growing up too, as I grew up without the fear of the belt, whipping down on me, but in the 60's, 70's this seemed more like the norm.
There is the fun and spectacle at the carnival and there are some great illustrations of this, as there are throughout the book. Between that and church life, children will be able to see the British (and other countries) influences.
The reasons of creativity as to why people were moving out of Trinidad to England are fascinating and England seemed perfect for creating styles of music, such as Jazz etc that weren't so popular in Trinidad. The memoir takes readers on a real journey of life and even to the crossing of the sea, which is great, I was glad this wasn't missed out as it seems so pivitol and adds more to the story, instead of just landing in England without this part and I think children will be able to also feel the excitement (as I do, thinking of this book as a child might), for the family to make it across the sea safely. The atmosphere really comes through and carries the story across those waves and onto the train when the ship meets the land. The book is truthful and shows those natural anxieties during the trip.
There's a stark turning point of the book when the family reaches England, with the changes in colour and increased traffic and the way people behaved towards them, which is far from pleasant and children will either be able to relate to or sympathise with and recognise this, it also shows resilience and how people lived in certain areas and what was endured. The book however, has another turning point that will give hope and brightness and also enters the family's grown-up lives so readers can read about what happened next. There is also a bit about The Windrush Generation in general which children can learn much from in just a few pages. So, yes, unfortunately due to the world views at the time etc, she, like lots of others within the Windrush generation had to work twice as hard, but it is not all as harshly written as that sit-up and take notice blurb, it does have some lightness, It is detailed but refrains from overly complicating things. It's a book for today's generation and generations to come with its timeless themes and it is properly interesting and is a surprising page-turner, not least because who doesn't care about Dame Floella Benjamin? But you care about her, her family and the whole windrush generation and hopefully everyone will see everyone as just being human and bring some humanity, no matter how small it is and just some peace and live and work together and see differences, but also similarities and find ways to not segregate or anything like that. This book could provide some hope for the future as adults may well read this with their children too, no matter where they come from, what their race is. It is relevant for everyone. It is about one family but is further-reaching than that...
Floella Benjamin, I am sure a lot of people will have heard of her. I certainly remember her in Playschool, probably nearer the end of that series. Hers is perhaps the main name I remember as she captivated my childlike imagination. Now she is made a Dame and has been in parliament and done more good, so to have the opportunity to review her book is just astounding and a big honour! This isn't just an exciting book, because I'm picky about contents of books, no matter who is writing it), and this is one excellent book that is informative and has a lot of colour and life to it that makes it absolutely fascinating to read about travelling between Trinidad and England.
Coming to England is great for Middle-Grade readers and is being re-released. She first wrote it over 20 years ago and then it was published again in 2016 and now on 15th April, it is ready for this new generation of children to enjoy and is a very special 25th Anniversary Edition you can buy now.
It's perfect for bookcases everywhere and in classrooms. Teachers and children's group leaders could easily find creative ways of using this book, there's so much scope to be inspired from it to teach children of Trinidad through the memoir, the carnival, the food. There's also a lot of discussion about different topics that come through in the book too. It is as relevant then as it is for today's generation. Coming To England is Timeless!
With a brilliantly coherent foreward, that is a Must Read, (I say because I know that some people skip over these parts and miss a great deal), it gives an insight for what's to come, with some of the history and circumstances laid out. The entire book is hugely interesting and many children will be able to relate to so many aspects themselves or learn so much from it and will (hopefully) see that moving can be challenging, especially to a different country and what can be faced and also how challenges can be overcome. They will also (hopefully) learn that humans, whatever their race etc don't need to be mean to each other (putting it politely) and learn tolerance and also learn something about the Windrush Generation. It is a book that may inspire and is written in such a way that children will be able to get into easily and understand immediately and may prompt curiosity and questions and thoughts. Floella Benjamin, with her new foreward proves she's still got it when it comes to children and young people, to reach out to them and their level.
Readers get to know a little of Dame Floella Benjamin's brothers and sister - Ellington, Sandra and Lester whose mother they call Marmie, in affectionate terms, who met Dardie aged 19, all of which I think is just lovely. The memoir starts with Life in Trinidad and it feels quite uplifiting in some ways and warm. There is much enjoyment for children to get their teeth into and so much knowledge to be gained about food and other parts of the culture. No matter where you're from, whatever your culture, it shows that some things are the same the world over, such as baking. This is one of the beauties of this book, it starts off showing that there are similarities in life, after all, who doesn't at the very least, like cake or ice cream? It has such a positive feel to it for children to read about that is heartwarming as it will make it easy then for children to warm to it. Then there's school life, so some of this will be familiar to children too, although there are some changes, but this is where it's interesting for children, and it was for me growing up too, as I grew up without the fear of the belt, whipping down on me, but in the 60's, 70's this seemed more like the norm.
There is the fun and spectacle at the carnival and there are some great illustrations of this, as there are throughout the book. Between that and church life, children will be able to see the British (and other countries) influences.
The reasons of creativity as to why people were moving out of Trinidad to England are fascinating and England seemed perfect for creating styles of music, such as Jazz etc that weren't so popular in Trinidad. The memoir takes readers on a real journey of life and even to the crossing of the sea, which is great, I was glad this wasn't missed out as it seems so pivitol and adds more to the story, instead of just landing in England without this part and I think children will be able to also feel the excitement (as I do, thinking of this book as a child might), for the family to make it across the sea safely. The atmosphere really comes through and carries the story across those waves and onto the train when the ship meets the land. The book is truthful and shows those natural anxieties during the trip.
There's a stark turning point of the book when the family reaches England, with the changes in colour and increased traffic and the way people behaved towards them, which is far from pleasant and children will either be able to relate to or sympathise with and recognise this, it also shows resilience and how people lived in certain areas and what was endured. The book however, has another turning point that will give hope and brightness and also enters the family's grown-up lives so readers can read about what happened next. There is also a bit about The Windrush Generation in general which children can learn much from in just a few pages. So, yes, unfortunately due to the world views at the time etc, she, like lots of others within the Windrush generation had to work twice as hard, but it is not all as harshly written as that sit-up and take notice blurb, it does have some lightness, It is detailed but refrains from overly complicating things. It's a book for today's generation and generations to come with its timeless themes and it is properly interesting and is a surprising page-turner, not least because who doesn't care about Dame Floella Benjamin? But you care about her, her family and the whole windrush generation and hopefully everyone will see everyone as just being human and bring some humanity, no matter how small it is and just some peace and live and work together and see differences, but also similarities and find ways to not segregate or anything like that. This book could provide some hope for the future as adults may well read this with their children too, no matter where they come from, what their race is. It is relevant for everyone. It is about one family but is further-reaching than that...
August 17, 2025
Floella Benjamin shares her childhood in Trinidad, where life was rich with culture, close knit family bonds and simple happiness. But everything changed when her parents moved to England as part of the Windrush generation, leaving her and her siblings behind for a few years. During that time, she experienced both love and hardship, waiting for the day she could be reunited with her parents.
Her journey by ship to England was filled with hope for a brighter future yet arriving there revealed the painful truth. The country she had admired as part of the British colony wasn’t as welcoming as she imagined. Instead, she and her family faced prejudice, rejection and racism for the color of their skin.
What struck me most were her reflections: although West Indians had admired and embraced British culture, they were seen as “all the same,” while Europeans like the Spanish, Swedish or Finnish were recognized for their individuality. That rhetorical questioning really made me pause and think.
I also found it exciting to learn about Trinidad and its culture and I couldn’t help but notice similarities with Sri Lankan culture at some points, which made me feel even more connected to her story.
This memoir is not just Floella’s story; it’s the story of resilience, adaptation and the fight to belong in a place that wasn’t ready to accept her. A deeply moving read that sheds light on the Windrush generation’s experiences and reminds us how important it is to embrace diversity with respect and love.
Her journey by ship to England was filled with hope for a brighter future yet arriving there revealed the painful truth. The country she had admired as part of the British colony wasn’t as welcoming as she imagined. Instead, she and her family faced prejudice, rejection and racism for the color of their skin.
What struck me most were her reflections: although West Indians had admired and embraced British culture, they were seen as “all the same,” while Europeans like the Spanish, Swedish or Finnish were recognized for their individuality. That rhetorical questioning really made me pause and think.
I also found it exciting to learn about Trinidad and its culture and I couldn’t help but notice similarities with Sri Lankan culture at some points, which made me feel even more connected to her story.
This memoir is not just Floella’s story; it’s the story of resilience, adaptation and the fight to belong in a place that wasn’t ready to accept her. A deeply moving read that sheds light on the Windrush generation’s experiences and reminds us how important it is to embrace diversity with respect and love.
March 24, 2022
Amazon prompted me to buy this Kindle book because it was on my wish-list and currently for sale at a reduced price. It wasn’t until I got well through it and noticed how short it was that I realised that it was a children’s book. I suspect that I’d put it on my list as a potential birthday present for a grandchild or great-niece. However, it is well worth a read by adults interested in knowing more about what it was like for the many children who came to Britain from the Caribbean during the ‘50s and ‘60s. It was certainly an eye-opener for me to learn how blatant some of the racism was, especially at school. I was at Primary School in the ‘60s and there were black children in my class. I was never aware of anyone drawing attention to their colour or treating them any differently from the white children. Were the staff and children particularly enlightened or was I just blind to discrimination?
October 1, 2020
Interesting book which evocatively brings to life Floella’s childhood in Trinidad and her journey to the UK. It is hard to imagine that only a few decades ago, families were so poor that they were prepared to emigrate to another country, leaving behind their children, until they could earn enough money to pay for their passage.
As part of the Windrush generation, this describes the horrific racial abuse Floella and her family suffered upon their arrival. What is remarkable is that they still considered Britain to be their mother country. I think we find it hard to understand what it would be like to grow up in a commonwealth country, considering yourself to be “British”. With that attitude, it must have been doubly hard to arrive here and discover that the British didn’t regard West Indians in the same way.
A thought provoking book.
As part of the Windrush generation, this describes the horrific racial abuse Floella and her family suffered upon their arrival. What is remarkable is that they still considered Britain to be their mother country. I think we find it hard to understand what it would be like to grow up in a commonwealth country, considering yourself to be “British”. With that attitude, it must have been doubly hard to arrive here and discover that the British didn’t regard West Indians in the same way.
A thought provoking book.
October 6, 2020
A book telling the story of Floella and her life as a young girl in Trinidad. Wonderful paintings and descriptions show her life at home on this wonderful island. The culture, food and family are beautifully portrayed.
Floella’s family then decided to move to England as part of the Windrush generation having been given many enticing promises about life in England. The story goes on to show the disappointment, hardships and hostility they experienced in England, a land where they didn’t feel welcome and had to work twice as hard as anyone else to survive. This is a heartbreaking but courageous story that shows the racism and hardships people have experienced coming into this country and still do experience today.
Floella’s family then decided to move to England as part of the Windrush generation having been given many enticing promises about life in England. The story goes on to show the disappointment, hardships and hostility they experienced in England, a land where they didn’t feel welcome and had to work twice as hard as anyone else to survive. This is a heartbreaking but courageous story that shows the racism and hardships people have experienced coming into this country and still do experience today.
May 7, 2024
This is such an informative children's story about Floella Benjamin and her family's migration from Trinidad to England.
The story details what it is like for the children of immigrants to leave their home country and take up residence in a foreign place.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story because it described for the reader the thoughts of a child who must make the transition from a familiar reality to an unfamiliar, potentially unpleasant, different reality.
Floella made the best of her transition and was able to fit into her new environment over time.
I would put this book on my classroom shelf for my students who are immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants because representation is critical and feeling seen is important.
The story details what it is like for the children of immigrants to leave their home country and take up residence in a foreign place.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story because it described for the reader the thoughts of a child who must make the transition from a familiar reality to an unfamiliar, potentially unpleasant, different reality.
Floella made the best of her transition and was able to fit into her new environment over time.
I would put this book on my classroom shelf for my students who are immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants because representation is critical and feeling seen is important.
April 25, 2024
I was introduced to this book in my geography seminars. Coming to England is a true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin. From her home in Trinidad, she embarked on a journey to London as part of the Windrush generation, eventually finding herself in the House of Lords. Coming to England is a story that speaks to everyone, as it explores the challenges of moving to a new place and making new friends. Young children will be inspired by Floella's unwavering optimism and infectious joy. This true story carries a powerful message: that with courage and determination, we can overcome any obstacle.
May 6, 2025
This inspiring book recounts Floella Benjamin’s journey from Trinidad to London when she was a child, as part of the Windrush generation. The story offers a heartfelt glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of immigration.
By introducing the journey and subsequent challenges of immigrant, this book is beneficial for teaching children about cultural awareness and understanding. Additionally, it promotes resilience, offering a window into the emotional and social challenges of those who went through this. It also encourages kindness and inclusion in children, attempting to help eradicate racism and segregation.
By introducing the journey and subsequent challenges of immigrant, this book is beneficial for teaching children about cultural awareness and understanding. Additionally, it promotes resilience, offering a window into the emotional and social challenges of those who went through this. It also encourages kindness and inclusion in children, attempting to help eradicate racism and segregation.
August 23, 2024
Good, short memoir. Simple writing, and whilst there’s a separate kids book, expected the writing to be more for adults. The value is the unique story vs writing or many realisations. Some chapters seem to cover topics that may not connect, or end abruptly.
Overall very interesting, especially the ship journey and more specific examples of discrimination faced in England- the last parts are the most interesting. Worth reading and being read widely to hear more about this generation.
“They saw me not as a person, but as a colour”
Overall very interesting, especially the ship journey and more specific examples of discrimination faced in England- the last parts are the most interesting. Worth reading and being read widely to hear more about this generation.
“They saw me not as a person, but as a colour”
December 10, 2017
Having received the famous Floella Benjamin hug at my graduation ceremony (Uni. of Exeter where she was the chancellor until recently), I was very interested in finding out more about this inspirational woman. Whilst this is a kids' book (and ok, the deadline for the 2017 reading challenge was also a motivation to pick up this short read), it doesn't shy away from discussing issues such as colonialism and racism - which is so refreshing!! We need more like this for young readers.
September 25, 2020
Not quite enough detail to be a five star book, but this is a well-written and informative account of the life of someone who was a very important part of my early childhood. I loved learning about life in Trinidad and felt Floella's wistfulness at times long past. I was so sad to read of the racism Floella and her family experienced on arrival in Britain, but it was illuminating. Overall this is a very good book. I'd love to know more about Floella's life. She's a fascinating and strong woman.
July 26, 2023
A really enjoyable, educational and informative read for all the family though especially for children. Looking forward to a follow up this account of the author's life in Trinidad, the UK and her school life.
May 18, 2024
This is an interesting and informative book on the lives of black people that were apart of the Windrush generation. The book perfectly captures the racism and biased stereotypes that people believed in at the time. I enjoyed it so much. History is so fascinating to me.
September 24, 2017
Simply written but compelling - very easy for children to read but hard-hitting in its content.
November 11, 2020
lovely and charming, FB just exudes this joy even when she's talking about tough experiences she's had
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