MCB lands ‘major’ book on black history by Olusoga and siblings Yinka and Kemi

Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) has acquired a “major” new non-fiction title by historian, broadcaster and bestselling author David Olusoga and his siblings Yinka and Kemi.

Black History for Every Day of the Year will be written by David and Yinka, and illustrated by Kemi. World rights in all languages were bought by Gaby Morgan, associate publisher, and Cate Augustin, senior commissioning editor, from Charles Walker at United Agents.

The book will be published in hardback in September, supported by a major PR and marketing campaign of high- profile media interviews, festival appearances and partnerships. The publisher said: “It will be a fantastic gift title for Christmas with appeal to David’s fans of all ages as well as history lovers and those wanting to learn more about Black history.

“David and Yinka, a lecturer in education at the University of Sheffield, give a unique take on Black history, using the popular Every Day of the Year format to bring this to life in an accessible and immediate way. The text is complemented by Kemi’s black and white line drawings throughout. The siblings have worked together, sharing concepts, ideas, writing and research.

“This is a truly global book, sweeping through the ages to include histories of both well-known figures and events as well as unsung heroes. With 365 entries, ranging from the Nubian kingdoms to the present day, the book is full of history, culture, sporting achievements, scientists, politics, music, writing and activists. The book will sit within MCB’s unique strand of author-led non-fiction that aims to inspire and motivate children of all ages.”

David Olusoga’s books include Black and British: A Forgotten History (Pan), which won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize and the Longman-History Today Trustees Award, The Kaiser’s Holocaust (Faber & Faber) and The World’s War (Head of Zeus). His first book for youngers readers, Black and British: A Short Essential History (Macmillan Children’s Books), was shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize. In 2019 he was awarded an OBE for services to history and community integration.

He said: “Yinka, Kemi and I have had an enormous amount of fun working on this project together, both researching lesser-known figures as well as finding out more about landmark events. We hope the book will be enjoyed by families and teachers alike who are keen to find out more about our shared history.”

Yinka added: "As we have worked together on this book two themes have really shone through. They are the support and connection that many people in Black history have given each other, and the richness and ingenuity of the cultural contributions of Black people. As well as presenting a story about Black history each day of the year, we have included themes in Black history that children, parents and teachers can explore."

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, Macmillan Children’s Books m.d., said: "We are very proud to publish David at Pan Macmillan and are delighted to be welcoming Yinka and Kemi to the Macmillan family. It is another thought-provoking and transformative read and I hope it reaches the hands and minds of as many families and children out there as possible."