My Books & Writing
Books
I'm an accomplished author whose work has inspired readers around the world, with a focus on Black history. My book, Timelines from Black History, published by Dorling Kindersley, has sold over 50,000 copies since 2020. I've been fortunate to have my work featured in outlets like Sunday Times Culture, TODAY.com, Sade Magazine, Daily Skimm, Scottish Book Trust, The i, Thrive Global, and Fun Kids Radio.
I’ve also contributed to three children’s history books published by Dorling Kindersley: Timelines of Everyone, The Black History Book, and Migrations. Through these works, I aim to enrich the lives of young readers and broaden their understanding of history and the world we live in.
Beyond children’s literature, my essay “Why Passivity Will No Longer Do” was featured in the feminist anthology This Is How We Come Back Stronger, edited by Feminist Book Society and published by And Other Stories (UK) and Feminist Press (US). A portion of each book sold supports the charities Women’s Aid and Imkaan—something I’m deeply proud to be part of.
My voice also extends beyond the written page. I've been featured in inspiring books such as The Epic Mentor Guide (Simon & Schuster) and Change Makers: A Woman's Guide to Stepping Up Without Burning Out at Work by Katy Murray (Kogan Page). These opportunities have allowed me to serve as a mentor and advocate for work-life balance and women’s empowerment.
Currently, I’m working on my next children’s book with Nosy Crow, set for release in 2027, which is all about Caribbean history.
With over ten years of writing experience, I have contributed to a wide range of high-profile online and print publications, including Glamour, British Vogue, Good Housekeeping, Digital Spy, PORT, Today, Clash, and Push. In 2024, I won the ‘Best Opinion and Comment’ Award at the Write to End Violence Against Women Awards, for her Glamour piece, “Why does Cassie's trauma need to be seen to be believed?”. My versatile writing style spans across various topics, from fashion and lifestyle to entertainment and culture.
I have written a number of pieces for ERIC on creative power couples, who helps actors reach their fame, how to break into the creative industries, the worst British buildings, how to make your festival tent feel like home and creative role models. I have also been featured in Reader’s Digest, Sade Magazine, Thrive Global, Bustle UK, VICE UK, The Independent, Inside Hook, POPSUGAR, AnOther, ELLE Australia, Mashable, Dazed Digital, Metro UK, PAPER, Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, SELF (here) and (here), HITC, Mental Health at Work, Violet Simon, Bedford Independent, MOCHNI, Teen Librarian and Penguin.
why does cassie’s trauma need to be seen to believed, glamour (winner of best opinion at the write to end violence awards, 2024)
with her free books campaign, sofia akel is working to create a world where reading isn’t a privilege, but a right, british vogue
if you want to be anti-racist, this non-optical allyship guide is required reading, british vogue
do i need a sensitivity reader? the importance of authenticity editing, the novelry
the syllabus: three greats, three great books, big black books
bad form: caribbean literature - guest editor letter, port
11 little-known Black history facts to teach your kids, today
book industry experts share the reads they’ll be gifting this christmas, good housekeeping
10 of the best books for teens, good housekeeping
books for your beach bag, a small world
an ode to deptford, token
7 Black women who are rocking TV in 2018, digital spy
how sisterhood helped me to heal after an abusive relationship, violet simon
curly treats festival and why the hair and beauty industry needs to do more for Black consumers, lapp the brand
the rise continues at stormzy launches #merkybooks, a nation of billions
why stormzy's #merkybooks imprint is going to shake up the publishing industry, lapp the brand
why literary festivals need to be diverse and inclusive, lapp the brand
why we have to do some something about the deportation of british-caribbean citizens, lapp the brand
beyond radar: how radio has and continues to exploit Black culture, lapp the brand
the colonial deal collection: does italy’s fashion industry have a problem with race?, lapp the brand
why I’ve had enough of brands using race as a marketing tool, guap
why aren’t we talking about what can be done to combat knife and gun crime?, lapp the brand
Writing
interview with d double e, wordplay magazine
interview with pip millett, wordplay magazine
read about bbz, london’s most exciting party-people and curatorial collective, nataal
interview with cassie rytz, wordplay magazine
interview with snoh aalegra, wordplay magazine
next wave #904: 303 (in association with tommy hilfiger), wordplay magazine
interview with ravyn lenae, push magazine
next wave #878: kara marni (in association with tommy hilfiger), clash
interview with shay d, wordplay tv
interview with xamvolo, wordplay magazine
interview with louis vi, wordplay magazine
interview with mahalia, wordplay magazine
interview with bossy ldn, push magazine