Zephaniah writes 'powerfully moving' Windrush picture book for Scholastic

Benjamin Zephaniah is writing a “powerfully moving” picture book about the voyage of "HMT Empire Windrush" to be published by Scholastic UK in April 2022. 

We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me will be illustrated by Onyinye Iwu and promises to “express the hopes, dreams and bravery of the 'Windrush' generation” through the real-life experiences of Trinidadian musician Mona Baptiste.

Leah James, executive editor, secured world rights from Emily Talbot on behalf of Jodie Hodges at United Agents. Andrew Biscomb, creative director, acquired illustration rights from Caroline Sheldon at the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency.

Zephaniah’s picture book will be his second title published with Scholastic on the topic of the "Windrush". In 2020 Scholastic released his children’s novel Windrush Child which went on to win at the Diverse Book Awards and was shortlisted for Books Are My Bag’s Indie Book Awards.

He said: “I grew up listening to the stories of people of my generation talking about their 'Windrush' experiences, and I am delighted to write a new book that celebrates their legacy for Scholastic.”

James added: “Following on from the fantastic success of Windrush Child, we couldn’t be happier to collaborate with Benjamin on bringing the stories of the 'Windrush' generation to younger readers.”