This week sees the release of a brand-new novel about Betty Campbell MBE (1934-2017). Believe – The Story of Betty Campbell is a fictionalized retelling of the early life and experiences of Betty Campbell, living in Tiger Bay in the 1930’s. It looks at the time she spent at Aberdare as an evacuee, her subsequent remarkable journey to become Wales' first black headmistress, and how this brought about giving all her pupils a multi-cultural education.
The book was written by Casia Wiliam in collaboration with Betty Campbell's family. The book was first published in Welsh in September – Y Lliwiau i Gyd – Stori Betty Campbell.
Elaine, Simon, Anthony and Stuart, Betty and Rupert Campbell’s children said:
“Mum was an inspiring teacher and headteacher, she loved supporting children to read and to think, to be bold and ambitious about their future. We think she would be extremely pleased that it is now possible for children all over Wales to read her life story, hoping that they will be inspired to follow her example by learning about each other, and celebrating our diverse country and its people."
The cover and illustrations are the work of Lewis Campbell, Betty’s grandson. Lewis said:
“Illustrating Betty Campbell as a child growing up in Tiger Bay, on her way to becoming an inspirational teacher has been an occasionally daunting, often emotional, and hugely enjoyable experience. My hope is that the artwork reflects the playful yet poignant nature of the book.”
The novel is based on historical events from Betty's life and the wider society of the time.
“I would have loved to have met Betty,” said Casia Wiliam, the author. “When chatting to the family and others who knew her, watching videos of her, and hearing so many stories about her as a teacher, it is clear that she was an incredible woman, passionate about everything she did.
“I am very grateful to the family for trusting him to write her story, and grateful to Ali Yassine for his careful advice as a consultant on the novel.
“I am hopeful that Believe will do what Betty was passionate about, which is to motivate children to learn about each other's backgrounds and culture, to respect and celebrate these differences, and to be ambitious for their future.”
In a review of the novel, author Malachy Edwards said:
“While representation is an important part of the curriculum, it is also important in literature, and it is to be welcomed that this readable and informative book has brought the inspiring story of one of the greatest Black people of Wales of our time alive for children and young people in Welsh and English.”
The book was launched during October at Mount Stuart School, where Betty taught for years. The target age range is 8-12 for independent reading, though it could be used in a supported reasoning context with younger age groups.
Believe is for sale in bookshops across the country, online at Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, www.carreg.gwalch.cymru and on the Book Council’s website, www.gwales.com