Claire Linney

I run workshops around uncovering hidden figures from Black British history and creative storytelling with the power of Time Travel

www.clairelinney.com/school

Booking enquiry

Available for

Workshop, Talk, Reading, Interview

Audiences

Age 7 to 11

Genres

Fiction, Historical fiction, Science fiction

Book types

Fiction 8-13

Awards

Shortlisted SELFIES Children's Book Award 2025
Ink Book Prize - best debut novel

Organisations

Royal Society of Authors
Black Writer's Guild

Details

Thank you for clicking on my profile. I love going into primary schools as it combines two of my passions - increasing representation and diversity in children's literature and raising the awareness of Black British history for the next generation. As a school governor in East London I also know how important reading for pleasure is and I know that author visits can have a huge contribution in inspiring a love of reading and to ignite the curiousy and creativity of students.

So what can you expect from one of my school visits? I've worked in marketing for 25 years and I was also a very avid musical theatre performer in my spare time before becoming a mum, so I'm a very experienced presenter, speaker and entertainer. I run workshops or assemblies of around 45-55 minutes that include a book reading and a Q&A. There's lots of interaction and the assemblies usually end with a students vs teachers quiz.

I can focus visits around using time travel as a storytelling device, the Black British history figures from my books and beyond or how you become an author. Or a little of all three. I'm happy to deliver online or in person events.

Feedback from Schools

“Claire was absolutely fantastic. Her assembly captured the children's attention through a variety of photos, multiple choice questions, a reading from her book and ended with a popular children v teachers quiz. The children left the assembly more knowledgeable about key figures in Black History, knowing more about being an author and most importantly, excited to read Claire's book. The writing workshop was very well received by the children and school staff with some amazing outcomes produced. I would highly recommend Claire for school events and we hope to invite her to visit our other partner schools in the future.” Tara Coffin, Director at Learn to Love to Read

“The children were absolutely bowled over by your visit and left feeling truly inspired by your stories and insights. It's not every day that they get to meet a role model like you, and your words made a lasting impression on them. Thank you once again for sparking the imaginations of our young readers and writers. We hope to welcome you back in the future!” Brennan Millen, Deputy Headteacher, The Winns Primary School

“Thank you again for a wonderful presentation. All the teachers came and told me how much they and their students enjoyed it. I heard feedback about how prepared you were, students were very engaged, and many students now feel inspired to write. One teacher quickly caught up with me and borrowed my personal copy of your book to read to her class at the end of each day. The pages you read had them eager to know more.” Megan Martin, Teacher Librarian, Nakusp School, Canada

“Claire visited our school to talk to year 4 and really engaged the year group with her talk. It was a great introduction to Black Tudor history as well as lots of fun creative detail around time travel. There was lots of great of interaction (especially the teachers vs pupils quiz at the end) and I would definitely recommend her as a visiting author to any school.” Richard Hodkin, Assistant Head Upper School, Park Primary

Books by Claire Linney

The Time Tub Travellers books are fast-paced adventure stories that shine a light on the untold stories from Black British history. My interest in Black British history began when I read Miranda Kaufmann's brilliant Black Tudors: the Untold Story. I had no prior knowledge to people of African descent as part of the fabric of everyday Tudor life in Britain. I wanted to bring to life some of these characters as well as fascinating figures from other periods of history, in fun, adventure packed stories that kids would enjoy.

9781738526307

On author's website

Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief

When Zula’s aunt's antique bathtub turns out to be a Time Machine, she and her best friend Milo find themselves trapped 400 years in the past. Excited at the chance to show her history teacher, there are Black people in Britain’s past, she pulls Milo deeper and deeper into the dangerous world of Tudor London. History is about to get real in ways Zula never imagined. Will Zula prove her teacher wrong and get herself and Milo safely back to their own time?

W

Waterstones

9781738526314

On author's website

Time Tub Travellers: Circus Mystery

Zula and Milo are back on another thrilling, time travelling adventure as their magical bathtub catapults them to the year 1845. Here they meet trailblazer Pablo Fanque, the first Black circus owner and master equestrian, and are plunged into a vibrant world of Victorian acrobats and daring lion tamers. But a series of puzzling events threaten to destroy Pablo’s circus dreams, putting the entire performance - and Zula and Milo’s return home - at risk. With the clock ticking down to opening night, can Zula unravel the mystery in time?

W

Waterstones

Photos and videos

Keywords

ADVENTURE BLACK CHILDREN'S DIVERSITY FICTION FRIENDSHIP HISTORY KS2 LONDON TIME-TRAVEL