The Story of Windrush
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
The book narrates the story before the Windrush scandal, celebrating the inspiring legacy of the Windrush pioneers. In June 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush arrived in London with hundreds of Caribbean men, women, and children, marking the beginning of modern Black Britain. The book combines historical facts with voices from the Windrush Generation and sensitively tells their inspiring story for younger readers. It features easy-to-read text, beautifully illustrated with a wide range of photos, maps, and artwork to aid understanding and heighten interest in the topic. This book is suitable for children who are confident readers, enjoy facts, and are ready to tackle more complex information.
Age
7-12
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think people from the Caribbean decided to move to Britain after World War II?
What challenges do you think the Windrush passengers faced when they arrived in Britain?
How do you think the contributions of the Windrush generation have shaped modern British society?
Can you imagine how you would feel if you moved to a completely new country?
What qualities do you think are important for building a new life in a new place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by giving a brief background about the Windrush generation to provide context to the child.
Encourage the child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, which can deepen their empathy and understanding of the story.
Discuss the similarities and differences between the child's life and the experiences of the Windrush passengers, highlighting the historical and cultural context.
Ask open-ended questions that allow the child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing their critical thinking skills.
Relate the story’s themes to the child’s experiences at school or with friends to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases the perseverance of the Windrush passengers as they overcome various challenges in their journey and settlement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face difficulties in their own lives with courage and determination, understanding that obstacles are part of growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The book highlights the cultural diversity the Windrush generation brought to Britain and the importance of accepting and embracing different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and accepting towards individuals from different cultures, promoting a harmonious and inclusive environment in schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: Through the narrative, children gain insights into post-war British history and the significant role immigrants played in rebuilding the nation.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children develop a deeper appreciation of history and the contributions of diverse groups, fostering a sense of respect and historical responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As children read about the experiences and challenges faced by the Windrush passengers, they learn to empathize with people in similar situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to support peers who might be new to their community or facing their own set of challenges, developing stronger, empathetic social bonds.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and community support
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes how the Windrush community banded together to support each other through their transition and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of community support and courage, encouraging them to participate in community activities and to stand up for what is right even when it is difficult.