Jamaican legends Marcus Garvey and Mary Seacole are set to leap from the pages of history and into young hands with the release of two graphic novels from Blue Banyan Books, the award-winning independent Caribbean publishing house producing diverse, entertaining, and intriguing books. Both books will be officially released on September 15, 2024.

Award-winning author Geoffrey Philp authored My Name is Marcus, while Tanya Batson-Savage penned My Name is Mary. Both graphic novels were illustrated by teams of Jamaican illustrators. My Name is Marcus was illustrated by Shaquille Crosse, Marcel Hemmings, Mykel Miller, Richard Kentish and Davia Morris. My Name is Mary was illustrated by Tahja Winkle and Davia Morris.

The launch is a pre-publication event, as both books will be officially released on September 15, the birthday of another Jamaican icon — Claude McKay. Interestingly, Garvey had published McKay’s early work in his newspaper.

Described as a bold move to ignite young minds, these vibrant graphic novels are set to transform these distant historical figures into relatable heroes for today’s children. The groundbreaking biography is set to captivate readers aged eight to12 years and breathe new life into Jamaica’s rich cultural legacy.

Marcus Garvey was a key figure in the global fight for racial equality and Jamaica’s first national hero. Mary Seacole made history through her work in the Crimean War. Both graphic novels make their accessible to the young and visual learners. It is a welcome addition to the canon of Caribbean children’s literature.

The graphic novels take readers on colourful, inspiring journeys from their childhood in Jamaica. The stories are visually stimulating and make complex historical events and ideas relatable.

Philp, the recipient of a Silver Musgrave Medal in Literature, explains a part of his mission is to present a clear look at Garvey’s life and the obstacles he overcame. “I wanted to show him as a kid who loved cricket, swimming, and running. I also wanted to highlight his doubts and moments of loneliness, especially during his time in prison. Despite all the obstacles, Garvey never gave up because he had a clear purpose.”

My Name is Marcus and My Name is Mary provide a valuable resource for parents and educators looking to introduce important topics to young readers. The Jamaican novels tackle racial justice, heroism and creating social change.

“This is the perfect time to bring Garvey’s message of perseverance, purpose, and self-reliance back into the spotlight,” Philp said. “We’re still grappling with issues of ‘mental slavery’ in our society, and with social media platforms like TikTok constantly grabbing kids’ attention, Garvey’s inspiring story might get lost in the shuffle.”

“These inspiring stories must be told to a new generation, and I think it’s particularly important that we tell our own stories,” Batson-Savage, a film-maker, former journalist and author of the children’s book Pumpkin Belly and Other Stories, added. “As Garvey himself said, our children, must know their history. These stories are written and illustrated in ways that allow them to resonate with children but can also be enjoyed by adults.”