To Be Young, Gifted and Black

‘This exceptional book, written with a mother’s love for her seven creative children, sensitively offers profound and original insights and perspectives that enrich our culture. I feel so much wiser for reading it.’ —Bernardine Evaristo

'An original book about creativity and race in the 21st Century. Beautifully told by the author the mother of seven exceptional classical musicians, who have already at a young age made their mark it is an important and relevant read.' — Nicola Williams, judge for the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction 2026

'A graceful, dignified and impassioned defence of Black excellence in the arts, which attempts to find a hopeful future for Black artistic self-expression.' —Caroline Sanderson, Bookseller, editor's choice

'She writes stirringly about her various selves, what it means to be Black and Welsh, and the complicated issue of Englishness or Britishness (not, as she indicates, the same thing) while also writing with grace on encountering various forms of racism and microaggressions... Reading like a fascinating conversation with Kanneh-Mason, this is a lovely and gorgeously written meditation on creativity, raising children, identity, and self-acceptance.' —Booklist, starred review

'[Kanneh-Mason's] perceptive new book about the complexities of what it is to live – and excel – in contemporary Britain as a Black artist... a series of essays that deftly weave together personal accounts with broader political commentary. As a former academic, Kanneh-Mason’s analysis is sharp and nuanced, while her writing often zings with poetry. A powerful, commendable book.' —BBC Music Magazine, ????