This book explains civil rights and the history of slavery in an accessible way for younger readers.

The book includes a foreword by Arike Oke, who is the Managing Director of Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London.

A chronological selection of key civil rights moments and movements in the story of slavery is explained in a child-friendly way. This book examines some of the history of how and why millions of people were enslaved. It looks at historical examples, such as the Vikings and the Silk Road trade routes. It explores the topic of the Atlantic slave trade and the underground railroad, along with modern examples of the slave trade today in farming, fishing and manufacturing.

Prominent civil rights campaigners and figures are featured and a timeline helps readers to see at a glance how the fight to end slavery has evolved over time. Sensitive illustrations illuminate the text and help readers to understand some of the harder concepts. Death and violence are mentioned, but are wholly in context and are written about in a non-alarmist way with the age of the reader very much in mind.

The Civil Rights Stories series is a vital resource for younger readers aged 7+ who are being introduced to these topics, are interested in anti-racism or are studying these topics in school.

Titles in this series:

Human Rights

LGBTQ+ Rights

Racial Equality

Refugees and Homelands

Slavery

Women’s Rights and Suffrage