Windrush Child: The Tale of a Caribbean Child Who Faced a New Horizon

Internationally acclaimed poet John Agard recalls the journey made by the thousands of Caribbean children and their families who traveled to Britain between 1948 and 1971 as part of the Windrush generation.

With one last hug, Windrush child says goodbye to his grandmother and the shores of his Caribbean home before embarking on an adventure across the ocean—under a sky full of promise—to an unknown horizon. With sensitivity and tender lyricism, world-renowned and multi-award-winning poet John Agard narrates the epic story of a child's voyage to England aboard Empire Windrush. Joyous illustrations by debut artist Sophie Bass richly evoke the changing landscapes and the uncertainty, courage, and hope of those who step into history—and travel far in search of home.

John Agard is a poet, playwright, and short story writer who grew up in Guyana, where his love of language was sparked by listening to cricket commentaries on the radio. He has won many prizes, including a CLPE Poetry Award, the Queen’s Medal for Poetry, and a BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been a writer in residence at the BBC; the Southbank Centre, in London; and the National Maritime Museum, in London. He tours widely, giving performances and speaking to students. John Agard lives in England.

Sophie Bass is an illustrator of mixed British and Trinidadian heritage. Her work draws inspiration from music, social justice, mythology, and symbolism. She works by hand, employing traditional techniques with gouache and pen to create contemporary images characterized by strong figures, vivid colors, and a distinctive style. She lives and works in London.