BOOKS TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

This year’s theme is Proud to Be, and to mark this important month, here are some of my favourite key reads (blackhistorymonth.org.uk; 1-31 October).

Making It: How Love, Kindness And Community Helped Me Repair My Life by Jay Blades (Bluebird, £16.99)

From the innocence of growing up on an east London housing estate to the racism and brutality Jay encountered as a teen, this is his journey to the man we’ve come to love on TV show The Repair Shop. Full of positivity and kindness. Out now

Not Without A Fight: 10 Steps To Becoming Your Own Champion by Ramla Ali

(Merky Books, £16.99)

Boxer, model and activist Ramla talks about her arrival in the UK as a war refugee and her secret boxing training, which led to her becoming the first female boxer to win an international gold medal. It’s packed full of honesty and urgency, empowering readers to be their own champ. A truly inspirational woman. Out now

Maybe I Don’t Belong Here: A Memoir Of Race, Identity, Breakdown And Recovery by David Harewood (Bluebird, £20)

Successful actor David Harewood, MBE, best known for his roles in Homeland and Supergirl, details his breakdown at 23 and the impact racism had on his mental health in this powerful memoir. Out now

You Are A Champion: How To Be The Best You Can Be by Marcus Rashford (Macmillan Children’s Books, £9.99)

The England footballer’s campaigning against food poverty galvanised a nation during lockdown, and this wonderful book is packed full of touching stories and brilliant advice for all members of your family. Whether you’re nine or 90, there’s something here for everyone to be inspired by. Out now