Description

A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords.

When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn’t at all what Floella had expected.

Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella’s experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy. This is a true story with a powerful message: that courage and determination can always overcome adversity.

Publisher Review

Floella Benjamin's superb autobiography Coming to England (Macmillan) is condensed for younger children and made still more accessible by Diane Ewen's lively illustrations. When Floella and her siblings follow her parents from Trinidad to Britain, they hope the Queen will be there to meet them - but their welcome is colder than expected. Gradually, they settle in, until one day Floella really does meet the Queen. Clear and direct, the book conveys some big, challenging ideas with assurance. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *