Author/Editor Benjamin, Floella
Floella Benjamin describes her life in Trinidad and how she came to Britain as a child. She shows how she faced rejection and unhappiness, soon realising that the only way to survive was to be twice as good as anyone else.
KS2
Puffin Books, 1997, ISBN 0140380817

Author/Editor Wilkins, Verna
This book profiles the life of entrepreneur Jim Brathwaite. He grew up in Toxteth, Liverpool, loved sport, studied science at University, had a successful career in marketing and set up his own business which earned millions. Written for 9+ age group.
KS2
Tamarind Books, 2000, ISBN 1870516478

Author/Editor Benson, Michael
Tells of the life of the singer Gloria Estefan from her early days in Cuba, her family's flight to the US, and her involvement in other areas of American political life.
KS3
Lerner US, 2001, ISBN 08225969

Author/Editor Wilkins, Verna
A sensitive, well-written profile of Stephen Lawrence, brutally murdered in April, 1993.
KS2
Tamarind Books, 2001, ISBN 1870516583

Author/Editor Wilkins, Verna
Samantha Tross is an orthopaedic surgeon. This profile tells the story of her life and successful career from her childhood in Guyana, the journey to England and her studies and work.
KS2
Tamarind Books, 2000, ISBN 1870516486

Author/Editor Holland, GiniDetailed biography of African American broadcaster and actress Oprah Winfrey. Includes analysis of how she has been perceived over time, key dates, and a glossary.
KS3
Heinemann, 2002, ISBN 0431086486

Author/Editor Wilkins, Verna
This book portrays the life of poet Benjamin Zephaniah. Brought up in Birmingham, Zephaniah has struggled against the odds to become Britain’s unofficial black poet Laureate.
KS2
Tamarind Books, 1998, ISBN 1870516486

Author/Editor Wilkins, Verna
A biography of Malorie Blackman, the author of many popular children's books. Born in the UK, her parents were from Barbados. On becoming a writer she consciously set out to challenge the lack of Black characters in children's literature.
KS2
Tamarind Books, 2000, ISBN 1870516494

Author/Editor Schlesinger Minky
Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a singing superstar, more popular than Madonna. This biography documents her early life in Soweto and her rise to fame.
KS3
Viva Books, 1993, ISBN 1874932026

Author/Editor Nazel, Joe
An detailed biography of basketball superstar Magic Johnson, and his first year playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
KS3
Holloway House, ISBN 0870678442

Author/Editor Kuklin, Susan
An account of the life and work of Iqbal Masih, a 12 year old from Pakistan who fought against the injustice of child labour, bringing his cause to Europe and the US, and who was killed in 1996.
KS3
Henry Holt & Co, 1998, ISBN 0805054596

Author/Editor Lazo, Caroline
Detailed biography of Alice Walker tracing her childhood, the development of her writing career and her involvement in Civil Rights, feminism and humanitarian causes.
KS3
Lerner Publications, 2000, ISBN 0822549603

Author/Editor Hughes, Libby Tiger Woods rocketed to fame in 1997 after his spectacular victory at the Masters Golf Tournament.
KS3
Genesis, 2000, ISBN 1585710032

Author/Editor Zephaniah, Benjamin
Strictly speaking not a book about black pioneers, but a lovely example of how children’s life-stories can be used to demonstrate diversity.
KS1/2
Frances Lincoln, 2002, ISBN 0711217645