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Musical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 28 Songs
Music can carry the stories of history like a message in a bottle.
Lord Kitchener, Neneh Cherry, Smiley Culture, Stormzy . . . Groundbreaking musicians whose songs have changed the world. But how? This exhilarating playlist tracks some of the key shifts in modern British history, and explores the emotional impact of 28 songs and the artists who performed them.
This book redefines British history, the Empire and postcolonialism, and will invite you to think again about the narratives and key moments in history that you have been taught up to now.
Thrilling, urgent, entertaining and thought-provoking, this beautifully illustrated companion to modern black music is a revelation and a delight.
Lord Kitchener, Neneh Cherry, Smiley Culture, Stormzy . . . Groundbreaking musicians whose songs have changed the world. But how? This exhilarating playlist tracks some of the key shifts in modern British history, and explores the emotional impact of 28 songs and the artists who performed them.
This book redefines British history, the Empire and postcolonialism, and will invite you to think again about the narratives and key moments in history that you have been taught up to now.
Thrilling, urgent, entertaining and thought-provoking, this beautifully illustrated companion to modern black music is a revelation and a delight.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2021
12 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 21, 2021
Starting from the close of the 40s and the arrival of the Windrush onto England's shores, all the way to 2020's 'Black and Ready' by Jords, Musical Truth is a fascinating, patient and revealing tour of Black Britain through a history of music and the artists. It begins with Lord Kitchener, a Windrush immigrant himself and takes us through the decades with each song revealing insightful and often uncomfortable information about Black Britain and the shocking mistreatment of the black community.
Boakye makes for an excellent guide. At times he recalls how the songs impacted him growing up in London and how they shaped his perception of his identity and at other times he paints broader strokes considering how these songs don't just celebrate but also provide vehicles for discussion and tools for resistance. His style and tone is accessible so much so that much of the text would work in Year 6 and certainly in KS3+ with some care around songs that have explicit lyrics.
When I read it, I listened to each song before, during and after reading Boakye's reflection and found it a more engaging and memorable experience. Everyone would do well to read this excellent text and gain a far richer, truer insight into Britain's multicultural community.
Boakye makes for an excellent guide. At times he recalls how the songs impacted him growing up in London and how they shaped his perception of his identity and at other times he paints broader strokes considering how these songs don't just celebrate but also provide vehicles for discussion and tools for resistance. His style and tone is accessible so much so that much of the text would work in Year 6 and certainly in KS3+ with some care around songs that have explicit lyrics.
When I read it, I listened to each song before, during and after reading Boakye's reflection and found it a more engaging and memorable experience. Everyone would do well to read this excellent text and gain a far richer, truer insight into Britain's multicultural community.
January 3, 2022
A fantastic book showing just what an impact black music has had on British musical history across the genres. If that was all the book did it would be marvellous and worthy of reading, but it’s not just that.
Aimed at children and young people the book explores Black British history alongside the backdrop of cultural change. These leads to some awkwardness at times - the term ‘Dutchie’ is never explained (the 80s was an interesting time!) but is educational throughout.
Perhaps most important and effecting is the moment of silence in amongst the set list. When we are encouraged to reflect without a soundtrack on Stephen Lawrence’s death and what came after. I was recently shocked to discover how little my students knew about this important part of our history.
This book will be added to my class reading lists.
Aimed at children and young people the book explores Black British history alongside the backdrop of cultural change. These leads to some awkwardness at times - the term ‘Dutchie’ is never explained (the 80s was an interesting time!) but is educational throughout.
Perhaps most important and effecting is the moment of silence in amongst the set list. When we are encouraged to reflect without a soundtrack on Stephen Lawrence’s death and what came after. I was recently shocked to discover how little my students knew about this important part of our history.
This book will be added to my class reading lists.
September 24, 2022
A brilliant book which I finished in a day. Very interesting, especially with the playlist on YouTube to follow along to. I’m looking forward to sharing certain chapters with the children we teach at school.
January 28, 2025
Honestly if I was younger this would have been 5 stars easily, I just really wanted a little more depth, however that isn’t what the book was aiming for and I respect that. It is an amazing primer on the parts of British history that were completely skipped over in school, and the coverage of modern times was my favourite part for sure. Loved the innumerable Stormzy references. Honestly I would recommend this as an easy addition to any school history curriculumc it’s short and makes its points easily. Listening to the audiobook it would have been cool if the songs were played but I also realise that is just laziness on my part 🙃
October 29, 2022
**Longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2022 and Jhalak Prize 2022**
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
It must be wonderful for those kids in East Yorkshire who have Jeffrey Boakye as a teacher. That comes across very clearly in this book - Boakye is a teacher, through and through. He simplifies but never talks down. He has a way of talking about a subject so passionately that you suddenly feel passionate about it too. That's a real skill, and Boakye has managed to capture it on paper with this book.
For those who don't know me, let me clarify: I am white. Therefore, I can't testify to the #OwnVoices factor of this book particularly since I don't feel that it is my place - but I can tell you that it's obvious this book has been written with every ounce of Jeffrey Boakye's heart and soul. He writes from his experiences, from his family's experiences - and his heartfelt tone shows, loud and clear.
I learned so, so much reading this book. Right from the outset, Boakye reintroduced me to the British Empire and shared a history which I felt pretty ashamed not to know nearly as well as I had thought. Then, progressively, song by song Boakye brings you from 1948 to 2020.
Thanks to the Musical Truth "Playlist", I rediscovered music I'd heard before but not known the artist or title of. I also discovered completely new songs, artists and genres of music. There were a few I already knew well, but not that many. I definitely enjoyed every song mentioned.
For each chapter, I had Spotify to hand and I stuck the featured song on repeat while I read. This worked really well with Boakye's style of writing, and quite often I would be listening to a certain line in the lyrics just as Boakye was describing what those lyrics really meant.
This book is a fantastic answer to the gap in the educational curriculum in this country. It's not the best answer - it would be wonderful if the information included in this book was much more widely taught and known. But it's at least a start, and hats are off to Jeffrey for making this information so accessible to younger audiences. There are subjects he side-steps quite carefully - eg. the word Dutchie is never explained; also "asking everyone to dismiss the government (using language that I can't repeat here or we'll all get in trouble)." - theses are just a couple of examples which come to mind. This is done carefully and with taste, and honestly if Boakye had included all the details on every subject in the book, then it wouldn't be suitable for young teens after all and the point of the book would have been missed. This book is a heavy subject for any reader, young or old, but it has been carefully written in a way which means young people will be able to read, understand and enjoy it.
I was going to give this book 4 stars, but since starting this review I literally cannot think of a good reason to withhold the 5th star. Sure, it's not a perfect book. The writing isn't exactly gorgeous or soul-stirring, and there's at least a little repetition. But I think Jeffrey Boakye has written exactly the book he had set out to write, and it was enjoyable and informative all rolled into one. I think a lot more people should be reading this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
It must be wonderful for those kids in East Yorkshire who have Jeffrey Boakye as a teacher. That comes across very clearly in this book - Boakye is a teacher, through and through. He simplifies but never talks down. He has a way of talking about a subject so passionately that you suddenly feel passionate about it too. That's a real skill, and Boakye has managed to capture it on paper with this book.
For those who don't know me, let me clarify: I am white. Therefore, I can't testify to the #OwnVoices factor of this book particularly since I don't feel that it is my place - but I can tell you that it's obvious this book has been written with every ounce of Jeffrey Boakye's heart and soul. He writes from his experiences, from his family's experiences - and his heartfelt tone shows, loud and clear.
I learned so, so much reading this book. Right from the outset, Boakye reintroduced me to the British Empire and shared a history which I felt pretty ashamed not to know nearly as well as I had thought. Then, progressively, song by song Boakye brings you from 1948 to 2020.
Thanks to the Musical Truth "Playlist", I rediscovered music I'd heard before but not known the artist or title of. I also discovered completely new songs, artists and genres of music. There were a few I already knew well, but not that many. I definitely enjoyed every song mentioned.
For each chapter, I had Spotify to hand and I stuck the featured song on repeat while I read. This worked really well with Boakye's style of writing, and quite often I would be listening to a certain line in the lyrics just as Boakye was describing what those lyrics really meant.
This book is a fantastic answer to the gap in the educational curriculum in this country. It's not the best answer - it would be wonderful if the information included in this book was much more widely taught and known. But it's at least a start, and hats are off to Jeffrey for making this information so accessible to younger audiences. There are subjects he side-steps quite carefully - eg. the word Dutchie is never explained; also "asking everyone to dismiss the government (using language that I can't repeat here or we'll all get in trouble)." - theses are just a couple of examples which come to mind. This is done carefully and with taste, and honestly if Boakye had included all the details on every subject in the book, then it wouldn't be suitable for young teens after all and the point of the book would have been missed. This book is a heavy subject for any reader, young or old, but it has been carefully written in a way which means young people will be able to read, understand and enjoy it.
I was going to give this book 4 stars, but since starting this review I literally cannot think of a good reason to withhold the 5th star. Sure, it's not a perfect book. The writing isn't exactly gorgeous or soul-stirring, and there's at least a little repetition. But I think Jeffrey Boakye has written exactly the book he had set out to write, and it was enjoyable and informative all rolled into one. I think a lot more people should be reading this book.
May 16, 2021
I’m finished and this is outstanding. This might be written for a younger audience, but it will educate many adults. I knew some of this, but not all. British Black history is important. This will educate and empower. I’m off to listen to all of the songs now. I properly devoured it. Bravo to this book! I hope the world embraces this to teach kids about the importance of British Black history!
November 5, 2022
So in the interests of transparency, Jeffrey is the younger brother of one of my best friends from secondary school (although I haven't been in touch with her for years) but trust me when I say this is not a biased review whatsoever - I genuinely LOVED this! I listened to Jeffrey reading the audiobook himself, and he has a friendly, non-patronising tone and comes across as an inspiring man - the kids he teaches are lucky to have him as a teacher!
I played the songs (or snippets of the songs) after listening to each chapter, which was a great way to listen - pity it wasn't possible to include snippets of the songs in the audiobook itself. It is perfectly pitched for his target audience (younger readers) and I honestly think it should be required reading (or teaching) in schools. It has a well balanced blend of the dark truth of black British history, ongoing racism and so on, all clearly explained, alongside optimism and enthusiastic celebration of black British music and its importance, with interesting info about the songs and the impact they had.
It must have been really difficult to choose the right song for each chapter - during '89-'91 particularly (my early-mid teens) the majority of the music I listened to was by black artists (I even listened to local pirate stations, like Jeffrey did, albeit a few years before he did!), and I'm not sure how I could've chosen just a couple from that era. However, the two he chose were perfect (), both of which were huge hits and always take me right back there. It was so interesting to learn a bit more about the wider context of the soundtrack of my teens, Jeffrey nailed what black music culture was like back then in what he said. The last couple of decades I've lost touch with most current music of all genres, to be honest, so many of the later songs and artists were new to me, although Stormzy hadn't escaped my notice of course :D
Although I already knew much of the history (and not-so-long-ago history) in the book, it was really cool to have it told through the songs, and interesting to learn about the impact music can have. Highly recommend this book!
I played the songs (or snippets of the songs) after listening to each chapter, which was a great way to listen - pity it wasn't possible to include snippets of the songs in the audiobook itself. It is perfectly pitched for his target audience (younger readers) and I honestly think it should be required reading (or teaching) in schools. It has a well balanced blend of the dark truth of black British history, ongoing racism and so on, all clearly explained, alongside optimism and enthusiastic celebration of black British music and its importance, with interesting info about the songs and the impact they had.
It must have been really difficult to choose the right song for each chapter - during '89-'91 particularly (my early-mid teens) the majority of the music I listened to was by black artists (I even listened to local pirate stations, like Jeffrey did, albeit a few years before he did!), and I'm not sure how I could've chosen just a couple from that era. However, the two he chose were perfect (), both of which were huge hits and always take me right back there. It was so interesting to learn a bit more about the wider context of the soundtrack of my teens, Jeffrey nailed what black music culture was like back then in what he said. The last couple of decades I've lost touch with most current music of all genres, to be honest, so many of the later songs and artists were new to me, although Stormzy hadn't escaped my notice of course :D
Although I already knew much of the history (and not-so-long-ago history) in the book, it was really cool to have it told through the songs, and interesting to learn about the impact music can have. Highly recommend this book!
July 13, 2021
This crossed my desk in a pile of new releases yesterday and, as I do, started to thumb through. Next thing I know, I'm absolutely tearing through this. It's quickly entering my Best Books of 2021 pile. This is so much more than just a book - it's a wonderful history and celebration of black music and musicians in Britain, a cracking playlist, and critical observation of the state of our nation. We're always on the look out for non-fiction for KS3 (a chronically under-provisioned age group when it comes to factual content) and this is such a perfect fit to keep them engaged. SO excited to get kids reading this.
November 13, 2024
I picked this one up from my local library in a display for Black History Month thinking it was a book for adults. It is, in fact, a children's book, and I wish this was on our curriculum when I was at school! A great way to teach children about British black history. Engaging, informative, and got me to go back into my record collection (yes, vinyl - I'm that old!) and listen to some of the songs on the playlist. Excellent book for children.
June 28, 2022
one of the best teachers at my school!
March 17, 2022
Gonna have to be brutally honest about this because it’s marketed at 12+. I’ve given a 1 because I thought the illustrations were interesting - would have been nice in colour but it gave the chapters a bit more life.
My biggest gripe with this was the section on Stephen Lawrence - there was a lot about what happened to him and why, including the n word on the pages of a book marketed towards 12 year olds.
A Musical History.
We can’t really complain about things like ‘Of Mice and Men’ being read in schools with teachers/students being given a pass to say the n word if we’re going to introduce books like this into schools and continue to perpetuate these oppressive narratives.
There are so many positive things about Black British music and how it has evolved over the years and I just think that the angle this was written from came across as quite negative, so I didn’t enjoy reading it. There was a lot of political information that didn’t feel needed; black boys being excluded from schools because of racism (no mention of girls though), the civil rights movement in the US and black people being hanged from trees.
This book isn’t really black British; it would be better categorised as Nigerian/Ghanaian British. This made it difficult to relate to and made the ‘Caribbean’ parts of the book feel forced. There was a section that had definitions of ‘patois’ and for me, defining words like ‘yute’ and ‘ting’ tells me that your target audience isn’t black people at all.
My biggest gripe with this was the section on Stephen Lawrence - there was a lot about what happened to him and why, including the n word on the pages of a book marketed towards 12 year olds.
A Musical History.
We can’t really complain about things like ‘Of Mice and Men’ being read in schools with teachers/students being given a pass to say the n word if we’re going to introduce books like this into schools and continue to perpetuate these oppressive narratives.
There are so many positive things about Black British music and how it has evolved over the years and I just think that the angle this was written from came across as quite negative, so I didn’t enjoy reading it. There was a lot of political information that didn’t feel needed; black boys being excluded from schools because of racism (no mention of girls though), the civil rights movement in the US and black people being hanged from trees.
This book isn’t really black British; it would be better categorised as Nigerian/Ghanaian British. This made it difficult to relate to and made the ‘Caribbean’ parts of the book feel forced. There was a section that had definitions of ‘patois’ and for me, defining words like ‘yute’ and ‘ting’ tells me that your target audience isn’t black people at all.
January 20, 2022
This is a book is an ode to black British music and it’s influence. I have always loved how Black British music constantly reflects the creators and the wider British society.
I have always known music is a great tool to bring people of different communities together and the author Jeffrey Boakye articulates this perfectly.
The Book mirrors my own musical education, with a few extra gems that I hadn’t heard of before.
Each chapter is about a song and it's historical context. Spanning multiple genres, from ragtime, calypso to grime. The book is almost like a dj set as he gives hints of upcoming songs in following chapters similar to a dj giving you a snippet of what’s to come but in this case with words. Each mention igniting excitement in the reader if they are familiar with the song.
The authors writing style is sympathetic, clear and compassionate. The book has been written without an expectation of the readers understanding of black British history or music, which makes it accessible to a younger or foreign audience.
I have always known music is a great tool to bring people of different communities together and the author Jeffrey Boakye articulates this perfectly.
The Book mirrors my own musical education, with a few extra gems that I hadn’t heard of before.
Each chapter is about a song and it's historical context. Spanning multiple genres, from ragtime, calypso to grime. The book is almost like a dj set as he gives hints of upcoming songs in following chapters similar to a dj giving you a snippet of what’s to come but in this case with words. Each mention igniting excitement in the reader if they are familiar with the song.
The authors writing style is sympathetic, clear and compassionate. The book has been written without an expectation of the readers understanding of black British history or music, which makes it accessible to a younger or foreign audience.
October 10, 2023
This was a really fascinating history of modern black Britain with a unique twist as it tells history through songs and the artists. I loved hearing the context of some well-loved songs that I grew up listening to and learning about some songs totally unknown to me. I used the soundtrack on Spotify to listen along as I read and came back to parts of songs that Boakye referred to. It added so much meaning to the songs.
Boakye explains the history and the reasons for the song choices really clearly for his young target audience and includes personal anecdotes too. It made for uncomfortable reading at times, and packed an emotional punch especially in the silent chapter in memory of Stephen Lawrence.
I'd definitely recommend reading (or listening to the excellent audiobook) for anyone looking for a thorough description of music, its influences, how different cultures impact one another, and all about the recent history of Black Britain.
Boakye explains the history and the reasons for the song choices really clearly for his young target audience and includes personal anecdotes too. It made for uncomfortable reading at times, and packed an emotional punch especially in the silent chapter in memory of Stephen Lawrence.
I'd definitely recommend reading (or listening to the excellent audiobook) for anyone looking for a thorough description of music, its influences, how different cultures impact one another, and all about the recent history of Black Britain.
April 2, 2024
Phenomenal.
This book is so well-executed my high achieving 9 year old young cousin who also loves writing (like me :) )could read this. Also, my Uncle who loves music and especially loves Tolkien could read this. Beyond that, it’s educational without smacking you in the face with it. I should know that all too well. My grandparents were great lovers of buying me dry educational books for Christmas. Whilst some kids in the nineties grandparents gave them hot wheels cars… (I wish)…. I got pyjamas and an encyclopaedia, or a map, or a book about the Incas. So… suffice to say, when someone writes something I genuinely love—music, AND educates me at the same time. That works better every time for me. Hands down. Thank you. Also, I remember meeting this marvellous guy and they signed my copy but I didn’t have the heart or courage to tell them when I said: ‘I like to be called Em’ that I meant - E.M and not just M that they penned out on the front-page. Next time…
This book is so well-executed my high achieving 9 year old young cousin who also loves writing (like me :) )could read this. Also, my Uncle who loves music and especially loves Tolkien could read this. Beyond that, it’s educational without smacking you in the face with it. I should know that all too well. My grandparents were great lovers of buying me dry educational books for Christmas. Whilst some kids in the nineties grandparents gave them hot wheels cars… (I wish)…. I got pyjamas and an encyclopaedia, or a map, or a book about the Incas. So… suffice to say, when someone writes something I genuinely love—music, AND educates me at the same time. That works better every time for me. Hands down. Thank you. Also, I remember meeting this marvellous guy and they signed my copy but I didn’t have the heart or courage to tell them when I said: ‘I like to be called Em’ that I meant - E.M and not just M that they penned out on the front-page. Next time…
March 4, 2022
I'm finding this to be an interesting read.
It's aimed at children though I'm nt sure exactly what age group.
I'm finding it interesting that I'm not seeing comment made about the idea of this being a children's book.
I do like the way in which the writer is broaching the subject of racism and several other related things.
I did notice a couple of things that I as a music nerd or whatever would notice and others might not. Musical Youth's Pass the Dutchie was a cover for one thing.
& my big music era is the 60s which is probably at least a bit subjective and the author who was born in the 80s has one tune from that era.
Anyway I as an adult am finding the way this covers things interesting. Hoping that it is somewhat representative of the way the subject is covered elsewhere but not really in a position to find out too thoroughly.
Good book though, do wish it had more 60s stuff in but that's subjective innit.
It's aimed at children though I'm nt sure exactly what age group.
I'm finding it interesting that I'm not seeing comment made about the idea of this being a children's book.
I do like the way in which the writer is broaching the subject of racism and several other related things.
I did notice a couple of things that I as a music nerd or whatever would notice and others might not. Musical Youth's Pass the Dutchie was a cover for one thing.
& my big music era is the 60s which is probably at least a bit subjective and the author who was born in the 80s has one tune from that era.
Anyway I as an adult am finding the way this covers things interesting. Hoping that it is somewhat representative of the way the subject is covered elsewhere but not really in a position to find out too thoroughly.
Good book though, do wish it had more 60s stuff in but that's subjective innit.
July 25, 2022
What better way to learn about history than chronologically through song?
I learned a lot from this book, about a range of artists I wasn't so familiar with as they were before my time, so I'd heard of them and knew their songs but not necessarily what they stood for, or the historical context of the time, so it was really interesting to learn about that.
With students, I recommend reading a chapter and following it up by playing the song. We played a game from the Hay Fest resources where students write words from the song that jump out at them, then discuss what that tells us about the song and how that links it to the historical context.
Finally, if you get a chance to see Jeffrey speak: go! He is so inspiring, knowledgeable, engaging and funny!
I learned a lot from this book, about a range of artists I wasn't so familiar with as they were before my time, so I'd heard of them and knew their songs but not necessarily what they stood for, or the historical context of the time, so it was really interesting to learn about that.
With students, I recommend reading a chapter and following it up by playing the song. We played a game from the Hay Fest resources where students write words from the song that jump out at them, then discuss what that tells us about the song and how that links it to the historical context.
Finally, if you get a chance to see Jeffrey speak: go! He is so inspiring, knowledgeable, engaging and funny!
June 26, 2021
Unputdownable! I started before bed then finished it the next morning. It was excellent. I hadn't realised at first that it was written for young people; what an excellent, and musical, introduction to Black British history. I highly recommend reading while listening to the accompanying playlist! I learnt lots, including more about the music that my own students were listening to, and creating, when I taught in north London a decade ago. I've passed the book on to my nephews. Thank you Jeffrey Boakye!
September 10, 2022
👏 I devoured this in a couple of sittings - absolutely loved it and I really hope it can be found in many school libraries. Definitely not just for kids either, Boakye has a brilliant way of wording complex ideas succinctly and with power. I’m thinking of buying a copy for my workplace where I work with many older people and institutional racism unfortunately festers. (Just yesterday I was debating with them as they were disagreeing about the intrinsic racism of the royal family. I feel leaving this book out for them to browse might help open their minds.) Thank you for this gift of a book 🙏
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September 25, 2022Brilliant, just brilliant. When I started teaching, Jeffrey Boakye was one years old and so presumably missed the chart sensations that were Musical Youth. My own Year 7 form group in West London were scathing. They were all Reggae fans of an altogether purer dimension- half reggae they called the boys derisively. And yet without MY and Bob Marley, people in less diverse parts of the country had never heard Reggae. This book took me on a journey too, back to artists such as Lord Kitchener who were before my time. A must read for any music fan...
June 21, 2023
Boakye cleverly walks us through modern Black British history via a playlist of songs from popular artists as varied as Winifred Atwell, The Specials, New Order, Ms Dynamite, and Stormzy. He uses the 28 tracks to explore facets of empire and post-colonial Britain in a really accessible way. There's also a link to a YouTube playlist so you can listen to the songs as you read.
This deserves to be in all school libraries.
This deserves to be in all school libraries.
January 3, 2022
Jeffree Boakye has again written an exciting, fresh, conversational book that draws you in. Musical Truth is definitely geared towards a more youthful reader (teenager/young adult) however if you’re just starting your journey into learning about British Black history this is a brilliant book to enter with. Paired together with Natives by Akala and followed up with Black and British by David Olusoga, the 3 books make quite the dream team.
October 16, 2022
Black British history in 28 songs.
An important read so beautifully written. A proper History lesson with a soundtrack. I am going to ask this is brought for our school library!
Everyone should read this.
If you love music, most of what you listen to has direct influences from Black culture & don't ever forget that!
I impressed myself with still knowing all the words to Buffalo Stance! Love that song.
An important read so beautifully written. A proper History lesson with a soundtrack. I am going to ask this is brought for our school library!
Everyone should read this.
If you love music, most of what you listen to has direct influences from Black culture & don't ever forget that!
I impressed myself with still knowing all the words to Buffalo Stance! Love that song.
September 29, 2021
I’ve read this during DEAR time at school. The chapters were the perfect length for the 5/7 mins I’d get to read and I occasionally read bits and listened to the songs with whichever class was with me at the time. Aimed at YA but an informative and important read for anyone. It’s staying in my classroom.
April 21, 2023
Had me up until Ed Sheeran his inclusion may have been a publishers decision but felt uncomfortable given the fact he hardly needs the elevation or exposure. I understood the point tyring to be made about him but he is one of countless artists of European descent that could have been included and he took k up too much space imo.
June 14, 2024
I highly recommend reading this book as a listen-along: read a chapter, then immediately listen to the song that goes with it. It makes the reading an immersive and deeply moving experience.
I’m now collaborating with our music teacher to see if there’s a way we can incorporate this into library and music lessons during our Grade 5’s history unit. Very exciting stuff!
I’m now collaborating with our music teacher to see if there’s a way we can incorporate this into library and music lessons during our Grade 5’s history unit. Very exciting stuff!
February 14, 2025
What a great concept - each chapter is based on a particular song that you can listen to as you read! A really informative read about black history in Britain, a lot of which I had no idea about. It's also clear that Jeffrey is a teacher from the clear and concise way he describes difficult concepts and ideas.
October 3, 2021
Readable, kid-targeted introduction to black Britain through music. All the big acts - So Solid, Dave, Stormzy, The Specials, Soul II Soul - and some smaller ones (Derek B, especially) come together, and are linked by Jeffrey's warm prose.
August 5, 2022
There is a lot about this book that is great and I learned a lot. Unfortunately, without the music under discussion, it fell flat. If the lyrics had been included it would have been much more powerful. An audio version that included the actual music would be brilliant.
June 15, 2021
Read as part of the ★ 2021 AROUND THE YEAR IN 52 BOOKS ★ challenge
24. A book about racism or race relations
24. A book about racism or race relations
June 18, 2021
Wow. Buy this for a young person you know, but read it yourself too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews