The Story of Britain's Black Airmen
What’s inside...
Explore the fascinating, rarely heard stories of Black airmen during the First and Second World Wars. The Story of Britain's Black Airmen celebrates the inspiring contributions of people of African descent to British aviation. From pilots to ground crew, and with tales from across the globe, the story of Britain’s Black airmen is an important part of the history of flying. By aiming for the skies, many of the airmen helped to bring about changes that will one day make our world a better place. Includes inspirational key figures such as Cy Grant, Errol Barrow, Sam King and John Henry Smythe. With full-colour illustration by Grenadian illustrator Elizabeth Lander. For readers aged 8+.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges do you think the Black airmen faced during their service, and how did they overcome them?
How did the contributions of Britain’s Black airmen impact the outcome of the wars they fought in?
Why is it important to recognize and celebrate the diversity in history?
What qualities do you admire most about the figures highlighted in the book, and why?
How can we apply the lessons learned from these airmen’s lives to today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the stories and characters, fostering a deeper empathy for the experiences described.
Utilize maps or historical timelines to provide context and help your child visualize the story settings and historical periods discussed.
Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion, relating them to the child’s school or community settings.
Highlight the virtues of resilience and courage demonstrated by these airmen, prompting your child to reflect on how they can exhibit similar qualities.
After reading, consider watching a documentary or visiting a museum to further explore the historical context of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays the challenges and tenacity of Britain's Black airmen as they overcome racial prejudice and adversity during wartime.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, understanding that hard work and determination can lead to success even under difficult circumstances.
Example Lesson: Equality and inclusion
Explanation: The story highlights the contributions of Black airmen, promoting the message that everyone, regardless of race, can make significant contributions to society.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to value and respect diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The book shares vivid accounts of bravery displayed by Black airmen in combat, showing that courage is not limited by one's background.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of courage in everyday life, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and others, and to face new challenges without fear.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: By learning about these significant yet often overlooked figures in history, children gain a deeper understanding of the diverse narratives that shape our world.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children develop a more comprehensive view of history and its complexities, enhancing their critical thinking and empathy towards others.