Nigerian writer, Atinuke has been announced as the winner of the category, Book of the Year (Children’s Non-Fiction) of the British Book Awards, with her book, Brilliant Black British History, illustrated by Kingsley Nebechi, a Nigerian-British artist, illustrator and graphic designer.
Brilliant Black British History tracks a timeline of Black lives from Africa ‘more than 300, 000 years ago‘ to modern day. An eye-opening story of Britain, focusing on a part of our past that has mostly been left out of the history books: the brilliant Black history of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. From science and sport to literature and law, the book celebrates the brilliant Black people who have helped build Britain.
Atinuke was born and raised in Nigeria. She shares with children all over the world how modern life is in Africa, how amazing African traditions and cultures are, and how our human joys and sorrows are the same. She also tells traditional African stories which make her international audiences laugh and cry. Her books have been published in the UK, USA, France and Japan and have won lots of awards including Cybils Award for Short Chapter Books in 2011, ALSC Notable Children’s Books in 2022 and a whole lot more!
The British Book Awards or Nibbies are literary awards for the best UK writers and their works, administered by The Bookseller. The British Book Awards is a celebration of books and all who make them. It affirms, connects and energises the world of reading by showcasing the authors and illustrators who have stirred our hearts and imaginations, and the industry behind the scenes who have brought them to readers. Above all it celebrates the intimate connection between the books, their makers and their audience.
Congratulations Atinuke!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
