SuitabookComing to England
Floella Benjamin
- Reading
- Afterwards, discuss both unfair treatment and the family’s hopes for a new life.
- Themes
- Migration and belonging: Floella leaves Trinidad, travels to England and joins her parents in London as part of the Windrush generation. The story presents migration through one child’s family experience while also giving historical context.
- Racism and inequality: Floella’s classmates initially refuse to play with her because she is black, and the longer account describes racial intolerance. The rejection is presented as harmful and unjust, while the story invites discussion of equality and treating people kindly.
- Family separation and determination: Floella and her siblings spend time apart from their parents while the parents set up home in England; the children later travel to join them. Separation is presented as painful, while the family’s move and Floella’s response are also framed through hope, reunion and determination.
- Worth knowing
- Be ready to pause around the children’s separation from their parents and the rejection Floella experiences because she is black. Ask what feelings are shown and allow space for a child’s response.