5 stories about people of the past

Read all about some of the inspirational figures who have shaped our world.

Bright Stars of Black British History by J.T. Williams.

Illustrated by Angela Vives (Thames & Hudson)

Discover 14 black Britons from history, such as Tudor musician John Blanke and Notting Hill Carnival founder Claudia Jones. Packed with beautiful illustrations, this new book tells the stories of fascinating people who made a mark on our history.

Fantastically Great Women Artists by Kate Pankhurst (Bloomsbury Children’s)

Anyone with a love of art will enjoy this book from the fun Fantastically Great Women series. Through comic strips, family trees, maps and more, you can explore the stories of some of history’s most talented female artists, including Frida Kahlo, Faith Ringgold and Laura Knight.

It’s Her Story: Marie Curie by Kaara Kallen. Illustrated by Rosie Baker (Phoenix International)

This series brings together the life stories of inspirational women, told in the form of graphic novels. Here, you’ll learn all about the life of Marie Curie, the groundbreaking scientist. Look out for other books in the series, which focus on aviator (pilot) Amelia Earhart, civil rights leader Rosa Parks, famous singer and songwriter Dolly Parton, and many more.

Spies by David Long. Illustrated by Terri Po (Faber & Faber)

Uncover the exciting, dangerous lives of spies and secret agents in this book by an award-winning author. Focusing on 27 brave spies from history, it includes Britain’s first female spy, a spy who sang for Hitler and author Roald Dahl, who was once a secret agent.

Great Lives in Graphics: Leonardo da Vinci (Button Books)

Leonardo da Vinci is famous for painting the Mona Lisa – but did you know he also came up with the idea for an early version of a helicopter? Part of the Great Lives in Graphics series, this book explores the life and work of the artist, inventor and genius through facts and infographics.