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38 Books About Race In Britain To Add To Your Anti-Racist Reading List

Books to help readers learn about the history of racism & anti-racist activism in the UK, as well as what it looks like today & how to become a better ally.

by Alice Broster

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: June 2, 2020

Books About Race In Britain To Add To Your Anti-Racist Reading List

Bonnier Books Ltd / Harper Perennial

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

May 26, 2021, marked the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police. In the days, weeks, and months following, demonstrations took place in the U.S., the UK, and across the world calling for an end to police violence, united under the message that Black Lives Matter. The world changed. Alongside campaigning, allies learnt that one of the first steps they needed to take was educating themselves on the issues at hand. Reading about racism here in the UK will not be a comfortable experience, but with so many informative books about the topic, there are no excuses not to be doing it.

This list was first put together in June 2020. Since then, conversations about race and racism in the UK have evolved, with activists looking to the future and continuing to push for a fairer society. I hope the updated list below reflects this. It includes books that will help readers learn about the history of racism and anti-racist activism in the UK, as well as what racism looks like today and how you can actively become a better ally.

These books predominantly focus on Black British experiences and histories, but there are works featured for those looking to read more widely about the issue of UK racism, xenophobia, and white supremacy. I have also included novels and non-fiction books written by people of colour that deserve your attention.

This list is by no means exhaustive or definitive, it is simply a starting point for those looking to educate themselves.

The History Of Racism & Anti-Racist Activism In The UK

‘Voices of the Windrush Generation’ by David Matthews

In Voices of the Windrush Generation, David Matthews has collected together first-hand accounts of what it was like to arrive in the UK as part of the Windrush generation. From families who sought out work and a different life after the war to the hopes of young people who were ready to start a great adventure, Matthews explores how they were treated when they got to the UK and how they shaped Black British culture.

'Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire' by Akala

BAFTA- and MOBO-award-winning political commentator Akala explores Britain's imperialist history. Natives reveals that the UK's reluctance to confront its racist past is one of the key reasons why prejudice attitudes are still being accepted as the norm.

'Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race' by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race, written by British journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge, analyses the discussions that are had around racism and race, pointing out that white people’s contributions can often do more harm than good. Eddo-Lodge last year posted on Twitter to ask anyone considering buying a copy of the book in the wake of the George Floyd killing to match what they paid with a donation to the Minnesota Freedom Fund if they are able to. She also suggested borrowing a copy from a friend or local library and donating what you would have spent.

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'Memoirs Of A Black Englishman' by Paul Stephenson OBE

Starting in the 1960s, Paul Stephenson OBE dedicated his life to challenging racist practices, advocating for the lack community in Bristol, and working alongside politicians to petition for change. He documents his life's work in Memoirs of a Black Englishman.

'Black & British: A Forgotten History' by David Olusoga

Black and British by David Olusoga fills in the blanks that the UK national curriculum omits (or, in some cases, suppresses), teaching readers about Black people’s role in building this country from the Roman Empire onwards.

'Mother Country,' edited by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff

In Mother Country, Charlie Brinkhust-Cuff edits together 22 remarkable stories from people of the Windrush generation as well as their children and grandchildren. These are stories span seven decades and includes entires from David Lammy, Lenny Henry, and other famous figures.

‘Kill The Black One First’ by Michael Fuller

Michael Fuller was Britain's first ever Black Chief Constable. Kill The Black One First is a memoir that outlines what growing up as a Black man in the UK is like and details his ambition to create change from within. He experienced racism from his co-workers but was determined not to walk away.

‘The Louder I Will Sing’ by Lee Lawrence

In Sept. 1985 Cherry Groce, Lee Lawrence’s mother, was wrongly shot by the police. The bullet shattered her spine and it changed their lives forever. Lawrence was only 11. The incident triggered the Brixton uprising and for Lee it triggered a fire within him to find justice for his mum and others like her. You can read an excerpt from the book and Bustle’s interview with the author here.

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‘Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture’ by Emma Dabiri

Twisted mixes deeply personal essays with broader reflections on how Black hair is perceived and has been appropriated. Emma Dabiri talks about her relationship with her own hair, the first time she straightened it, and the charged meanings behind treating your hair. Through looking at the receptions to Black hair, Dabiri lifts the lid on the coded racism attached.

Racism As It Looks In The UK Today

‘Black and White’ by Alexandra Wilson

Alexandra Wilson is a criminal and family law barrister. She was compelled to join the profession after one of her childhood friends was murdered when they were teenagers. She wanted answers. In Black and White, Wilson explains what it’s like being a young, mixed race female in a profession that is predominantly white and male.

'The Good Immigrant,' edited by Nikesh Shukla

The Good Immigrant brings together 21 insightful voices from members of the BAME community to speak truthfully about what it’s like to be a first, second, or third generation immigrant in the UK today.

‘Mixed/Other’ by Natalie Morris

In Natalie Morris’ brilliant debut book she asks important questions like, ‘how does it feel when your heritage isn’t listed as an option on a form?’ or ‘what’s it like to be the only person in your family who looks like you?’ As the mixed race population is the fastest growing in the UK, Morris opens up the conversation to expose how problematic and repetitive people’s understandings and attitudes can be.

'Brit(ish)' by Afua Hirsch

In Brti(ish), journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch examines the roots of the question “where are you from?”, revealing the extent to which Britain’s imperialist past informs its present.

'Black, Listed' by Jeffrey Boakye

In Black, Listed, Jeffrey Boakye takes an in-depth look at the ways in which Blackness has been appropriated and othered in every industry from art to sport and the impact this has had on education inequality and the criminal justice system.

'Superior: The Return of Race Science by Angela Saini'

In Superior: The Return of Race Science Angela Saini lifts the lid on one of racism’s most terrifying facets, highlighting the political groups and individuals who are using junk science and debunked genetics and medical theories to perpetuate ideas of racial hierarchies.

'Shame On Me' by Tessa McWatt

In Tessa McWatt's memoir Shame On Me, ideas of race are interrogated through the lens of the author’s multi-cultural ancestry and through a close examination of her own body. McWatt analyses her nose, lips, hair, skin, and eyes as well as bones and blood to hold up a mirror to the way we read bodies in terms of race.

Books From UK Writers On How To Be Actively Anti-Racist

'What White People Can Do Next' by Emma Dabiri

What White People Can Do Next acts as an extended essay from bestselling author Emma Dabiri. In this book, Dabiri offers a clear insight into what allies need to action now. She’s practical and doesn’t beat around the bush. From putting a stop to denial to interrogating capitalism, she sets out a roadmap to follow.

'Me & White Supremacy' by Layla F. Saad

Me & White Supremacy is a guidebook on how white people can dismantle their privilege without causing more trauma, whether it’s intentional or not. With the use of anecdotes and other resources, Saad highlights how you can show up and educate other white people on how to be a better ally.

'White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society' by Kalwant Bhopal

White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society examines how policy-making over the last few decades has further entrenched bias against people from non-white backgrounds. If you don’t understand the link between privilege and politics, Kalwant Bhopal’s book is a must-read.

'It's Not About the Burqa' edited by Miriam Khan

Racial stereotypes are pushed and perpetuated in almost every aspect of society from politics to entertainment and social media. It’s Not About The Burqa brings together 17 Muslim women to talk openly about the hijab, faith, love, feminism, queer identity, and sex. This book also sheds light on the difficulty of dealing with both a disapproving community and a racist country.

'How to Argue with a Racist: History, Science, Race & Reality' by Adam Rutherford

In How To Argue With A Racist, Adam Rutherford exposes the hypocrisies at the heart of racism and offers ways in which readers can dismantle racist sentiments in themselves and others. Rutherford makes clear that racism isn’t just perpetrated by overt bigots, highlighting the ways in which well-intentioned people submit to racist norms, behaviours, and traditions without questioning the status quo.

‘The Power of Privilege’ by June Sarpong

In The Power of Privilege, June Sarpong outlines how institutions and systems in the UK are built against Black people so white people can thrive. She outlines how to recognise privilege and, more importantly, what you can do to fight against this system. She offers practical steps to build a fairer society.

Novels To Read

'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernadine Evaristo

Through the stories of 12 protagonists, Booker-prize-winning author Bernadine Evaristo explores what it means to be Black in modern Britain. Discussing their relationships, beliefs, and expectations, the characters in this book move you through time and across countries to outline their personal histories. See Bustle’s interview with the author here.

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'Rainbow Milk' by Paul Mendez

Rainbow Milk is the debut novel from Paul Mendez. A coming-of-age story about a Black gay man growing up in the West Midlands during the 1950s, this book weaves together questions about race, class, sexuality, and religion with a poignant, personal tale.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

It’s impossible not to connect, cry, and laugh with Queenie. Candice Carty-Wiliam’s novel is relatable for all women on some level, but offers specific insight into what Black woman may face when it comes to their relationships at home, work, on dating apps, and with friends and partners.

'The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney' by Okechukwu Nzelu

Nnenna Maloney is a young, mixed race girl trying to learn more about her Igbo heritage but coming up against obstacles, including her own mother, who will not speak about her Nigerian father Maurice or his Nigerian heritage. This poignant narrative is interspersed with moments of comedy. A crucial coming-of-age tale.

'Ordinary People' by Diana Evans

Ordinary People is set in South London in 2008. Following the lives of two couples with their children, this novel highlights how nothing is ever as it really seems. An onlooker would think Damian and Stephanie were living in marital bliss but their marriage under immense strain after the death of Damian’s father. Meanwhile Michael and Melissa are drifting apart, questioning whether this is really what they wanted. Ordinary People illustrates how unsettling the notion of settling down can be.

'Love In Colour' by Bolu Babalola

Taking stories from ancient Greece, West Africa, South Asia, among others, Bolu Babalola has rewritten some of the most beautiful love stories, folklore tales, and myths in ways that you’ll never have seen before. This novel will be released on August 20, 2020, but if available to pre-order now.

'LOTE' by Shola von Reinhold

Pages Of Hackney

Set in the 1920s, LOTE follows Mathilda, a “bright young thing” who is on the cusp of her life beginning. After finding the artwork of Hermia Druitt, a Black modernist poet, Mathilda becomes obsessed with the notion of living life in all its fullness. She moves to an artist's residency and soon finds herself emerging in the artistic elite.

‘The 392’ but Ashley Hickson-Lovence

Set on the London bus, from Hoxton to Highbury, The 392 tells the story of people living in the same city, relatively close proximity, but leading completely different lives. From Londoners, born and bred, who are trying to recognise a city that’s ever changing, to the school children who are just looking for some fun, The 392 is a picture of the city.

‘The Returnees’ by Elizabeth Okoh

25 year old Osayuki Isahosa has just come out of a relationship and needs to catch a break. Drawn from London to Nigeria she takes a new job and while in the airport she meets two strangers who will change the course of her life

Non-Fiction To Read

'Slay In Your Lane' by Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke

Slay In Your Lane is an unfiltered handbook for Black British women. Packed full of interviews from seriously inspirational individuals as well as anecdotes and practical advice from authors Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke, this book is a joyful tool for young Black women and an educational read for non-Black people.

'Taking Up Space: The Black Girl’s Manifesto For Change' by Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi

Cambridge graduates Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi know what it feels like to be the minority in a room. They wrote Taking Up Space to validate and empower Black women at work and at home. Again, although written for a Black female audience, this book is a helpful tool for non-Black folx to educate themselves on being a better ally.

'I Will Not Be Erased' from gal-dem

Award-winning online magazine gal-dem has brought together 14 writers who provide pieces of writing from their young years (think diary entires, poems, and chat histories) ands them as a springboard to write letters to their younger selves offering advice on growing up as a person of colour in the UK.

'Don't Touch My Hair' by Emma Dabiri

In Don’t Touch My Hair, Emma Dabiri puts Black hairstyling under the microscope, exploring its history and its importance in Black culture. 'Don’t Touch My Hair’ exposes the ways in which European standards of beauty still dominate.

'I Am Not Your Baby Mother' by Candice Brathwaite

Candice Brathwaite started writing about parenting and motherhood after flicking through parenting magazines only to be confronted with almost exclusively white faces and white experiences. I Am Not Your Baby Mother is a guide to juggling motherhood and raising children while navigating micro-aggressions, systematic racism, and white privilege.

‘Raceless’ by Georgina Lawton

In Raceless, Georgina Lawton asks the question, “what do you do when your heritage or parentage has been obscured in a complex web of deceit?” Growing up with two white parents, her Blackness was never something that was focused on. But when her dad died, she went on a journey to find out more about who she was. In Raceless, Lawton explores what it’s like to have your heritage erased or denied.

Poetry To Read

‘Poor’ by Caleb Femi

Pages Of Hackney

Poor is a memoir in the form of images and poetry. In the collection, Caleb Femi explores what it was like growing up as a Black boy in Peckham. He talks about how ingrained the policing of young Black boys in south London is from such a young age and the ways ideas are formed and spread based on perceptions. It’s tribute to where he came from and the people who shaped him.

This article was originally published on June 2, 2020