Hear Our Voices: A Powerful Retelling of the British Empire through 20 True Stories

by Radhika Natarajan, Chao Tayiana, Alexander Mostov (Illustrator)

This compelling and important history of the British Empire, told from the perspective of 20 people who lived through it, tells the story of one of the largest and most powerful empires in human history.

At one time, the British Empire ruled over almost a quarter of the world’s population. Men, women and children from all walks of life and from across the globe were affected in big and small ways, from the clothes they wore, the food they ate and the languages they spoke to the work they did and the rights they held. This legacy and impact is still evident all over the world today.

This book shines a light on the human aspects of the ‘Empire where the sun never sets’ , introducing readers to a host of figures, both powerful and modest, who lived through, challenged, and influenced the course of the British Empire. But how did this empire come to be? And what happened to the people whose lands were colonised?  The people whose lives were touched?  This book tells their stories and reclaims this chapter in history by giving voice to 20 real figures whose perspectives have often been ignored, overlooked or sidelined .

Their stories are told in a first-person narrative style , allowing readers to see through the eyes of these inspiring history-keepers . From  leaders and activists to poets and freedom fighters , the book features a range of figures from across five continents , shining a light on the human aspect of the British Empire.

Meet Queen Nanny, the escaped slave who led a fight for freedom against the British in Jamaica. 

Hear the story of Rani of Jhansi , a key figure in the Indian resistance movement against British colonial rule. 

Learn about  Tejonihokarawa , the Mohawk leader who travelled to London on a diplomatic mission.  These engaging true stories of resistance, community, struggle and hope  will spark conversations, foster a broader, decolonized understanding  of the reaches and impacts of colonialism and ultimately leave readers inspired . After all, understanding our past and its echoes in our lives today is a step towards a better future.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

64 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiddo (9) is really getting into history right now and so he devoured this account of the British Empire and how it affected people in various colonies. We read it as a bedtime book (yes, it was a bit heavy for that, and I would probably recommend reading at a different time, but once we started he wouldn't hear of stopping.)

I really like the way it is laid out. The introduction introduces the concept and evils of empire and general issues created by the British Emipire in particular. The rest of the book is divided between 20 different historical figures, one from each of the 20 featured British Colonies. Many I had not heard of before, so I learned a lot while reading as well.

Each page introduces a new historical figure and tells the story of their life and how they were affected by the British Empire and how they fought back. It doesn't go into too great detail, but it doesn't sugarcoat things either. It was never too much for my kiddo, but it definitely made an impression. Based on his reactions, I think it has the perfect amount of information for maximum impact.

Each page also has a very appealing layout with a lot of color and breaks up the text into easily digestible chunks that are scattered around the page. I really liked that they are numbered, which makes it easy to follow.

Overall it was an excellent and fascinating and sobering read, that really made us both appreciate things that had been a bit abstract before about the truth of empire and the way it impacts the world today. I wish I had had it and books like it when I was growing up. I might have developed more of an interest in history. (Kiddo has branched out and is now devouring everything he can get his hands on about the American Revolution, which follows nicely from this book.)

*Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto, and Wide Eyed Editions for providing an early copy for review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hear Our Voices: A Powerful Retelling of the British Empire through 20 True Stories is a completely necessary book and one of the best biography collections I've read in awhile. This middle grade nonfiction book tackles what empires are, what the British Empire was specifically, how far it reached, and the damage it's done. Once it gets that intro out of the way (and yeah, all of that is just the intro!), it gives us twenty biographies (two page spreads with full illustrations and fairly detailed and accessible text) about different people who fought the empire, colonialism, and colonialist standards in their lives. There are figures from across the history of the British Empire (stretching from the seventeenth century to figures who are still living) and across the distance of the British Empire (including countries like Canada, Kenya, India, Ireland, Australia, Trinidad, China, Nigeria, and more), and it really gets into a lot of meaty ideas in a very accessible way. The art and the layout make it an appealing read that isn't too challenging, but the content covers a lot of information in a surprisingly limited amount of time.

This is essential reading for anyone middle grade and up looking to gain a better understanding of the history of anti-colonial and anti-imperial efforts, especially for folks living in the UK or former British colony. It's a great place to start learning and gives lots of information that could lead you down other learning paths. I highly recommend it.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a very monumental book and very well done. It should be noted for the age group this is aimed at that the majority of missionaries were often violent in their activities. Many people were forcefully converted whether through food coercion or other violent means. Those people forced into conversion were beaten, abused (of all kinds) and had their cultures, traditions and ways of knowing ripped away from them. It also worth noting that mental Empire still exists almost as strongly as the former Empire itself, which is a great many British people believe that the Empire was a good thing and good things came from it. In short, they are very, very wrong to hold these views.

[Lais · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! It's really informative about different types of fights against the british empire. Some people were more famous but others I didn't know about, like Anna Mahase (and her fight for education), Lakshmibai (a Queen and warrior), Te Rangitopeora. The book has a glossary about especific terms, like pan africanism, and words. The illustrations are great too and helps in the reading.process.

*Thank you Netgalley and Wide Eyed Editions for this ARC*

[Alex Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

"By understanding our place in history, we can help shape the future" 💙💙💙💙

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: Racism, misogyny, xenophobia, slavery, grief, colonialism, references to: residential schools, lynching

[Melissa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear Our Voices is a refreshing book on the British Empire from the point of view of those who suffered at the hands of it. The book is therefore not an unbiased, see-it-from-both-sides information book, but instead offers us a collection of stories with an undercurrent of anger, pain, betrayal and loss running beneath them. They are illustrated well, although sometimes the information boxes were out of what felt like a
I think the stories give the right amount of information for children, with the pages at the beginning and the end of the book giving a detailed introduction to and conclusion after. I feel this books needs to read in a situation or environment where discussion is available, as a child reading it alone may have a lot of questions about how the British are represented. I'm not saying that they are represented unfairly or inaccurately at all. However, for those where this is their first introduction with the atrocities created by empire, and in this case the British empire, I feel that adults should be present in some capacity in order to answer questions, etc.
Overall, this is a great book that shows the extent of the British Empire from the point of view of those impacted negatively. An unbiased view of historical events is necessary in education and this book, while not unbiased itself, adds a much-needed voice that counteracts and attempts to balance out the history already told.
I think this is a really important book for schools and I was glad (but ashamed) to learn about aspects of the British Empire I had no idea about.
Thank you, Quarto Books and NetGalley for allowing me an advance read in exchange for an honest review.

[Misse Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative!

Hear Our Voices is an informative retelling of the rise of the British Empire told from the perspectives of 20 people who lived through it all. What I really enjoyed most was that these stories were untold, overlooked and undervalued. They are rich and diverse and all from varying viewpoints and give voice to the human aspects of the Empire including the voices who challenged it the lost. Thank you to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

The illustrations that accompany this set of stories is incredible and I appreciated the thoughtful selection of the voices we hear from, including Queen Nanny, who escaped slavery and led a fight for freedom against the British in Jamaica. As well, it included the story of Rani of Jhansi who was a critical force in the Indian Resistance Movement against the British. Many of them, I had not heard of yet and were a special treat in that regard. I think this is a really good set of engaging stories and one that will be good for most ages.

Hear Our Voices releases on October 17, 2023.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to #Netgalley and #Quarto publishing for giving me access to this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Hear Our Voices is a diverse collection of people's stories who challenged the colonialism of the British Empire. These incredible people stood up for the rights of indigenous people, challenging the authorities, peacefully, and campaigning for equality for all.
What they went through is a casebook demonstration of the arrogance and supremacy of Imperialists, negating the rich and diverse cultures, religions, languages and customs of the indigenous and inflicting their 'superior' way of life, thereby civilizing and subjugating them.
Radhika Natarajan and Chao Tayiana have written a beautiful book respecting those heroes and what they stood for as individuals. The illustrations are beautiful too.
This book is very engaging and an eye-opener into the people fighting against oppression. It is a very good base for further reading and discussion.
Highly recommended.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compilation of the stories of various people who spoke up for the rights of marginalized groups within the British Empire. The stories were very short telling only a few facts about each person's life. This was a good overview of some of the people who fought for the rights and freedoms of the people who were oppressed under the regimes of the British Empire throughout history. I was expecting the stories to be a bit more fleshed out, but it was a good start, for kids to learn a little about a variety of people. There were a variety of men and women from around the world included which was also nice. The stories were accompanied by well-done illustrations both of the people themselves, as well as a major event in their story.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Gisèle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I'll admit that I'm writing this part of the review by impulse and may retract my statement as I go forward. The Agents of the Empire are evil people with no care for human life, and this is not acknowledged on the page. I understand it's about facts and all that, but one of these fiens indirectly murdered 19300 humans with families and sent tens of thousands more into slavery. I think every way he was not an empathic man would be something!!! I will now return to the book.

I finished the book and really enjoyed how easy it reads and how factual it is. Wonderful research toll.

I, however, greatly despise the Agents of the Empire

[Carol Keogh (Goodfellow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book written with young people in mind, the book is so good that it should be on the National Curriculum. Exploring the colonising of large parts of the world by the United Kingdom and the effects this period had on those countries and the people, Hear our Voices is a vital addition to the discussion on the pros and cons of being suppressed by a different culture. The book is well written and easily understood, which for a subject like this is a great coup! I could even recommend this book to a fair few adults also. The perspective of the colonised has always been dismissed except by those peoples themselves, I suggest that this book be read by the colonisers to better understand the issues raised here. A solid 5 stars for this exceptional book.

[Jenna Stensland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. This is a great introduction to the British empire from the perspective of those impacted by it. So many books feature the same people over and over again! This great Their stories of activism and positive change were inspiring. The illustrations were also very well done. This is a great nonfiction book for any family and I highly recommend it for any homeschool families like ours when studying that period of history or Britain.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Rosemary Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book to give children an insight into the gaps in history from traditional curriculum history. We need these types of books in education. The children will love the layout and illustrations. Must have class read.

[el ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4) ARC given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This is an informative, yet relatively simple book, and is easy to follow. I liked how it focuses on individuals, whilst giving enough context to properly understand. This a great book for children to have, and would be amazing for assisting learning and lessons.

[Janet Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read , with lots of facts and eye catching illustrations. This would be a great addition to Upper Key Stage 2 book shelves.

[Priscila Vera Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always liked history lessons... and this one was awesome.
If we had books like this to learn at school, I think most people will love the subject.

[larrio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy!

This was a really interesting and educational read. We need more books that show the true and real history. Cant wait to have it on my shelves! :)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is told in the voices of those affected by British colonization worldwide. It's an eye-opening historical account of the reach of the British Empire and its effect on these cultures.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells some hard truths. It is too grown up for K but should be a part of all schools' libraries.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting collection of twenty people and their stories.

[Palloma Araujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s go Radhika!!!! Sorry for fucking up my cover letter so I couldn’t work with you to promote it, but I finally read it in full! So that must mean something.

[Lucia Graziano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uno dei modi più intelligenti che io abbia mai visto (e non solo in un contesto di divulgazione per l'infanzia!) per dare immediatamente al lettore un "colpo d'occhio" su cosa e QUANTO esattamente sia stato l'impero britannico, negli anni del suo massimo splendore.

Al di là delle storie selezionate (tutte quante molto gradevoli e interessanti, mai banali), quello che colpisce a prima vista è realizzare quanto davvero grande sia stato l'Impero, abbracciando aree del mondo che sono letteralmente agli antipodi l'una dall'altra. Le illustrazioni vivaci riescono a rendere ancor più vivido questo colpo d'occhio; e poi ci sono le storie, naturalmente, tutte quante molto educative - e narrate, io direi, con molto garbo. Un grazioso libro per il nipotino appassionato di storia - meglio se accompagnato dall'avviso per cui è bene che la lettura sia guidata dai genitori, per chiarire domande che inevitabilmente si affacceranno (ma vabbeh, credo che questo si possa dire per qualsiasi libro per bambini dedicati a temi difficili, come il colonialismo).

[Una copia di questo libro mi è stata omaggiata da Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions, tramite Net Gallery, in cambio di una recensione]

[Ravenclaw Library Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hear Our Voices by Radhika Natarajan & Chao Tayiana is a book about the history of the British Empire and also those that protested and resisted. I liked that this was both informative and also that they were people talked about that I didn't know about. The illustrations were beautiful and I felt that they added to the story.

[Nette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embark on a fascinating journey through time with “Hear Our Voices,” a book that uncovers the incredible stories of real people who lived during the British Empire. Imagine a time when a powerful empire touched the lives of men, women, and children from all corners of the world, leaving its mark on everything from the clothes they wore to the languages they spoke.

But this isn’t just any history book – it’s an adventure introducing you to 20 remarkable individuals who experienced the British Empire firsthand. From leaders and activists to poets and freedom fighters, these are the history-keepers who shaped the world we know today.

Some of the people you will read about are Payamataha, Sophia Duleep Singh, Queen Nanny, and many more.

Book Review of “Hear Our Voices”
I had never read a book like this before. “Hear Our Voices” is educational for both adults and children. The amount of research that went into writing this book is evident through every single story that is shared. The voices of these people are heard loud and clear, thanks to Radhika Natarajan and Chao Tayiana, we now can understand how the world came to be the way it is.

Have you ever wondered how the British Empire came to be? Or what happened to the people whose lands were colonized? “Hear Our Voices” has the answers! Through the eyes of these inspiring figures, you’ll discover tales of resistance, community, struggle, and hope – all told in a way that makes history come alive.

So, get ready to explore the ‘Empire where the sun never sets’ and meet the incredible people who played a part in its story. “Hear Our Voices” is not just a book; it’s your ticket to understanding the past, sparking conversations, and building a better future. Are you ready for an adventure in history?