An educational book to celebrate the Windrush Generation
An educational picture book inspired by the Windrush generation and the wider story of migration, belonging and new beginnings.
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A New Life shares the true journey of Winston and Mavis, who travelled from Jamaica to London in 1958 in search of opportunity and hope. Through the eyes of their great granddaughter, Tahlia, young readers are introduced to a story of courage, sacrifice and legacy that shaped generations to come.
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Written in honour of Sharlene Monique’s grandparents, the book gently explores themes of identity, resilience and family heritage in a way that is accessible for children aged 3 to 7. While rooted in the Caribbean diaspora experience, its message resonates with families of all backgrounds who carry stories of movement, settlement and building a future in a new place.
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A New Life has been embraced by schools and families alike as a meaningful resource for World Book Day, Black History Month and conversations around migration and cultural history. It encourages children to ask questions about their own stories and recognise the strength woven into their family journeys.
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Praised by Serlina Boyd, founder of Cocoa Girl/Boy magazine, as “a beautiful picture book that tells the story of the brave arrival of Tahlia’s great grandparents embarking on their new life in Britain. A wonderful read for the whole family.”
My Grandparents Story (watch in full screen)
Click the photo to download a sample of the book
TikTok video of Winston & Mavis
Viewed over 500,000 times
Reviews From Educators
'A New Life by Sharlene-Monique is a fantastic educational resource and beautiful way to share the history of those from the Windrush generation.
This wonderful book plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of the Windrush for the generations to come'
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Farriea Fernandes, KS1/KS2 teacher,
Haseltine Primary School
'A fantastic story following the Windrush hero’s. Perfectly written for EYFS/KS1/KS2 children. “A New Life” is a brilliant educational book for story time'
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Kelisha Tuck - KS1/KS2 teacher,
Bessemer Grange Primary School
“A New Life: Tales of the Windrush Generation' is a brilliant book for our young readers, capturing the Windrush generation's journey through the engaging story and vivid illustrations. As a primary school principal, I'm impressed by its ability to both educate and captivate, offering lessons on resilience, diversity, and history in an accessible manner”.
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Beverley Trotman, Principal
Hazel Leys Primary school
Listen to Sharlene's song 'Thank You, an Ode to the Windrush Generation
For the days when life feels heavy, complicated or unclear, 31 Diamond Thoughts offers short, grounding reflections to help you reset your perspective.
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Covering relationships, marriage, friendship, grief, race, boundaries and the everyday emotions we do not always talk about out loud, each thought is concise, direct and rooted in lived experience. Some will comfort you. Some will stretch you. Some may gently call you higher.
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This is not a book about pretending life is easy. It is about navigating it with intention, gratitude and self awareness, one thought at a time. Read it daily over a month or return whenever you need clarity, courage or a steady voice in the noise.
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‘Honest, direct and plainly written, what Sharlene manages to do is give us all hope. She lets us know that we can do it, whilst making it clear that she herself is still on her journey’.
Karen Gibson MBE
