Ava is to dress up as someone she admires for school. When she asks her Granny for help, they open a special trunk full of memories and smiles.
In the trunk is a sparkly necklace, just like the one the famous Winifred Atwell wore when she took to the stage, regaling audiences with her songs on the piano. Granny then showed her a red scarf, the same colour as the one the legendary Mary Seacole wore when she tended to the soldiers during the Crimean War. Rosa Parks also wore a similar jacket to Granny’s when she sat on the bus, not giving up her seat for a white person, which changed the world forever.
At the bottom of the trunk, Granny and Ava found a cardboard case. Inside it were items that were a huge part of Granny’s journey to Britain on the Empire Windrush. As Granny told her all about her month-long travels across the water and her experiences over the years since she landed, Ava learned about not only her family history but the effort made by her Granny and everyone who came on the ship, for acceptance and a sense of belonging.
Ava knew then that she wanted to go to school as someone special, someone she admires the most and loves with all her heart. Her Granny.
Patrice Lawrence has written a heart-felt take on what was a monumental change to the lives of everyone who journeyed on the Empire Windrush. A moment in history that must never be forgotten for the hardship and sometimes unforgiving world these amazing people were greeted with when they arrived on Britain’s shores. Granny’s delve into her own past raises much-needed awareness for all readers, from young children like Ava and beyond.
‘Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush’ should be in every school, nursery and on every bed side table. It’s the perfect example of acknowledging historical facts that have shaped the communities in Britain ever since the ship docked all those years ago. Marvel at the illustrations created by Camilla Sucre and jump into a story that is both heart-warming and informative.
Most importantly, find the person you admire and tell the world all about them!
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