Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation

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Some of Coming to England is really upsetting, particularly the racism you experienced. How did you decide what to leave out in the picture book, and what to keep in to tell the same, but slightly different, story? Children should be of all cultures in stories because that's the society we live in, and this is especially true of picture books. With non-illustrated books for older children you can imagine what you like. But in a picture book you must spell it out. Probably now the book that first springs to mind when people think of Windrush novels. A book, a TV series, and most recently a play at the National Theatre, Andrea Levy’s novel is wide in its range, showing the viewpoints of four main characters over several years and three continents. To achieve what she does without the novel feeling over-long is a feat of genius in itself. Yes, there are a couple of handy coincidences, but the pay-off warrants it and I defy you not to cry at the end. A book that I have re-read many times for the wonderful characters. Floella’s ambition was always to meet the Queen. When she was all grown up, she did. She became Dame Floella, working in the House of Lords to help others.

BBC iPlayer - Coming to England BBC iPlayer - Coming to England

Floella's dad was a musician who played the saxophone in a jazz band and when Floella was a teenager she started singing in the band, which she loved. It was important to have someone who has gone through some aspect of what I was writing. When you have that personal experience, it's great to get an opportunity to share it with society through a book and make a difference.I learnt that the time zones changed as people sailed to England to find work. Floella took every opportunity, tried her best, worked hard and, as she became a politician in the House of Lords, she met the Queen!

Coming to England by Floella Benjamin is a biographical story Coming to England by Floella Benjamin is a biographical story

Is there anything you did not like about this book?I didn’t like the children who wouldn’t play with Floella. Was the plot exciting, thought provoking, serious or light hearted?It was a serious, interesting book about Floella going to England. Do you know how many days it took in 1960 to travel to grey, dark England from vibrant, warm Trinidad?

Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2022-03-19 22:35:27 Bookplateleaf 0002 Boxid IA40404523 Camera Sony Alpha-A6300 (Control) Collection_set printdisabled External-identifier As well as being a writer, can you remember any of the other jobs Floella has had? (Singer, actor, TV presenter and TV producer, writer of children's books, businesswoman, politician) Did you learn any new words or facts as a result of the story?I learnt that meeting new people is very hard but you always have to keep going and never give up. The story of a young girl who did not lose hope fills me with admiration. She found a way to achieve her ambition. Her ambition led her to the House of Lords and the Queen! I would like to know more, I hope there’s a more detailed autobiography.