Coming To England

Coming To England
by Floella Benjamin

"Coming to England" is an inspiring autobiographical picture book by Baroness Floella Benjamin that tells the story of her journey from Trinidad to London as part of the Windrush generation.

The book recounts Floella's experience as a 10-year-old girl who, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, sailed from Trinidad to London to reunite with the rest of their family. The journey was not what young Floella had expected - she spent two weeks alone on a huge ship and arrived in a cold and unfriendly London.

determination. It showcases Floella's trademark optimism and joy as she navigates the difficulties of moving to a new country and making friends. The story is both deeply personal and universally relevant, as many young children can relate to the experiences of relocating and adapting to new surroundings.

Illustrated by Diane Ewen, the book brings Floella's story to life with lively visuals that make it accessible to children aged 3 to 6. The narrative is clear and direct, addressing challenging ideas in an age-appropriate manner.

"Coming to England" is not just a personal account but also a celebration of the Windrush generation. It demonstrates how courage and determination can overcome adversity, inspiring young readers to face their own challenges with resilience.

The book has received critical acclaim, with The Guardian praising its ability to convey big, challenging ideas with assurance. It serves as a condensed version of Floella Benjamin's autobiography for younger children, making her remarkable journey from Trinidad to the House of Lords accessible to a new generation of readers.

Author: Floella Benjamin

Floella, Baroness Benjamin, OBE, DL (born 23 September 1949) is a Trinidadian-British actress, author, television presenter, singer, businesswoman and politician. She is known as presenter of children's programmes such as Play School, Play Away and Fast Forward. On 28 June 2010, Lady Benjamin was introduced to the House of Lords as a Life Peer nominated by the Liberal Democrats with the title of Baroness Benjamin, of Beckenham in the County of Kent.

Book Details:

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Format: Paperback
Print length: 32 pages
Dimensions: 24.99 x 0.25 x 27.99 cm
Reading age: 4-8 years old
Publication date: 15 April 2021
ISBN: 978-1529009422

Read alongside these topics:

Where I Live

How can the book Coming To England help when teaching the KS1 topic Where I Live?

Using Coming to England by Floella Benjamin can significantly enhance the teaching of the KS1 topic "Where I Live" by providing a rich, personal narrative that connects students to themes of migration, identity, and cultural diversity. Here are several ways this book can be integrated into the curriculum:

Cultural Understanding

Historical Context: The book tells the true story of Benjamin's journey from Trinidad to England during the Windrush era, offering students insights into the experiences of immigrants and the historical context of post-war Britain. This can help children understand the diverse backgrounds that contribute to their own communities.
Discussion on Diversity: It serves as a springboard for discussions about different cultures, encouraging students to share their own backgrounds and experiences, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.

Literacy Development

Engaging Text: The narrative is engaging and relatable for young readers, making it easier for them to connect emotionally with the content. Teachers can utilize this engagement to enhance reading comprehension skills through discussions and reflections on the text.
Vocabulary Building: The book introduces children to new vocabulary related to migration and cultural identity. Teachers can highlight unfamiliar words and phrases, helping students expand their language skills while discussing their meanings and contexts.

Creative Activities

Role-Playing: Activities such as hot-seating (where students take on roles from the story) can deepen empathy and understanding. Students can express feelings and thoughts as characters from the book, which aids in developing emotional intelligence and communication skills.
Artistic Expression: Students can create art projects based on their interpretations of the story or their own experiences of where they live. This encourages creativity while reinforcing lessons about identity and belonging.

Cross-Curricular Links

History and Geography: The book provides opportunities to explore historical events related to immigration in Britain, linking history with geography as students learn about where they live in relation to these events.
Social Studies: Discussions about community, belonging, and acceptance can be integrated into social studies lessons, promoting critical thinking about societal issues related to migration and identity.

In summary, Coming to England not only enriches literacy skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and historical context relevant to the KS1 curriculum topic "Where I Live." The personal narrative encourages empathy, discussion, and creative expression among young learners.