Coming to England
on Goodreads (577)
What’s inside...
Dame Floella Benjamin's classic childhood 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.
Age
9-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Floella Benjamin
Floella's Father
Floella's Mother
Discussion points
How did Floella's journey from Trinidad to England make you feel? What challenges did she face?
Why do you think friendship and kindness are important in Floella's story?
What similarities and differences do you see between your life and Floella's life? How does that make you feel?
How did Floella’s experiences change her? What can we learn from her resilience and hope?
What does 'home' mean to you, and how does this compare to Floella’s concept of home in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a relaxed and open atmosphere. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts without interruption.
Relate the discussion to your child’s experiences. For example, ask if they’ve ever felt like an outsider and how they dealt with that feeling.
Highlight Floella's emotions throughout her journey. Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding others' feelings.
Use the book’s illustrations to help your child visualize the story and deepen their understanding of the different settings and cultures.
Encourage your child to think about ways they can show kindness and be inclusive to others, inspired by Floella’s story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book portrays Floella Benjamin's own journey from Trinidad to England and the challenges she faced adapting to a new environment, facing racism, and struggling to find her identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their personal challenges, whether it’s moving to a new city, starting a new school, or dealing with bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Floella emphasizes the strength she drew from her family and the Caribbean community in England. Their support was crucial in overcoming obstacles and finding success.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to lean on their family and friends for support during tough times and to recognize the value of a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: The narrative brings to life the rich cultural heritage that Floella brought with her from Trinidad and how it shaped her life and others in England.
Real-World Application: This promotes respect and appreciation for different cultures among children, encouraging them to be open and inclusive in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of ambition and setting goals
Explanation: Floella's achievements, despite numerous setbacks, illustrate her drive and ambition. Her story is a classic testament to the saying, 'where there is a will, there is a way.'
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to set their own goals and work persistently towards achieving them, understanding that success is possible with determination.