I've had the adult version 'Empireland' of this book on my shelves for months and haven't gotten around to reading it but this children's version is fascinating and so accessible - definitely a must read for adults as well as children!

This is a great summary for children of what the British Empire was and the impact it has had on Britain today. It was really thorough and interesting, with lots of interesting information that would really engage young people and it was presented in a particularly engaging way. It came across as a very balanced and fair account, explaining that we cannot change the past but it is our job to learn more about it and take that into account with what we do.

A really important book that I'll be buying lots of copies of for my friends and family - one that is a must for every school curriculum!

I have heard and read the author before, so was aware of the general themes which also feed into this book. Which is an attempt to write an accessible, informative title for children in an 'entertaining', interesting way yet based in the facts of empire - what it was, what effects it had for UK and elsewhere in the world, and how the impacts resonate today.

It works very well. A mix of broader context and personal experience, with aspects of history in each section fed in through short sections on events, people, etc.

As the author notes this is not an area that is well covered in educational contexts, and this one good step to fill that gap.

Clear and informative young person's introduction to Empire.

And just to be clear - I picked up a few snippets I didn't know before! Adapted from the author's adult title on the same subject, it's rewritten for an under-18 audience, and he does cover more than just the slavery you might think would be the heart of this. "It explains so much about us as a nation, including where lots of our money comes from, the stuff we find in our museums, the reasons the country is home to citizens of all different races and backgrounds, the food we eat, the words we use..."

It does that. I learned about the meaning of the Scouts 'dyb dyb dyb', about persons in history I'd never heard of (Charles Sancho), a life size statues of a Prince of Wales on a horse - made out of butter!

The book takes questions and runs with them - what was the British Empire, why we don't know more about it, are things in our museums stolen, how did the Empire shape our towns and countryside, why are British families from so many different places. Children are not talked down to when it comes to terms and ways of thinking that may be uncomfortable: jingoism, exceptionalism. And the author uses contemporary and comparable examples that today's young people will be able to picture and use to help them understand such terms.

Yes, it covers slavery, but only as a smallish part of the bigger whole. And yes, the worst atrocities of the slave trade aren't dwelt on, but that is perfectly acceptable in a book of this nature.

The book moves quickly and assuredly through multiple times and places, covering shampoo, tea and curry houses along the way. It brings a lot of concepts and questions together and makes it make sense for someone who knows little about the subject except for a lesson or two on slavery in school.

So a 'well done' to Sanghera, whose Wolverhampton origins I share, and whose fiction I've previously enjoyed. A very accessible and re-readable starting point for a young person to consider their own place and opinions on a shared history.

For ages 10 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Sathnam Sanghera has adapted their adult title Empireland for a younger audience and has produced a book which is an excellent, measured, explanation and history of the British Empire and its legacy.
I usually shy away from reviews that say "I wish this book had been around when I was at school" or "This book should be required reading for all secondary schools" but actually, this time I would agree with both statements!
And the book could be enjoyed by and, more importantly, could teach, a whole lot of adults.
I reckoned I knew a lot about British Imperialism and its less than glorious history but this excellent children's history taught me a great deal more I was particularly struck by the final, thoughtful chapter on what we can all do to combat the legacy of prejudice which still prevails in this country.
A title to recommend to all
Thanks to NetGalley and Puffin for an e arc for this title.

Sathnam Sanghera is renowned for the powerful and incredible Empireland and now he has written a book aimed at young readers 9-12 explaining in a clear , non-patronising and highly effective manner as to how to understand the effects and legacy of the British Empire. The text is fascinating and concise and is ideal for young people to understand and use this knowledge in discussions and questions. If there was a way that every teacher in the country could have a copy of this book to open up this vital area of historical knowledge for pupils then it would be incredible. This is a book that is so needed at this point in time with a new generation wanting to understand the actions of the past, make amends and finding pathways forward to a better and fairer world . ( Actually, this is also a great read for all the family- all generations) I’ll go as far to say that this should be a set text in the curriculum. A brilliant book

‘Stolen History’ is thorough, fascinating and concise. The subject of empire is perfectly explained for a younger audience and is peppered through with lovely illustrations and broken up with short bursts of interesting facts and stories.