It’s not always easy talking to children about black history.

Some parts of it are very grim and it can be hard to know what to reveal and what to hold back until the child is more mature.

But historian Melodye Micere Van Putten says there is also lots to celebrate, something often forgotten by school text books.

To help empower parents, historian Melodye Micere Van Putten has written Ashay! Bermuda History Stories for Children.

Do a lot of parents have difficulty discussing topics such as slavery with their children?

Yes, that’s one of the reasons I wrote this book. It is directed at parents and grandparents, because this is no casual book. It is very serious and needs adult guidance. So far, Bermuda schools haven’t been doing a very good job of teaching black history, in the areas of sensitivity and plain old fact.

When should you start talking to children about black history?

Start right away, but you don’t need to tell a four-year-old about enslavement. In my introduction I ask parents to read the book first and then decide which stories are age appropriate for their children or grandchildren.

There are stories in there about things like empires that are appropriate for younger children. Maybe save some of the other topics for when children are a little older.

How did this book come about?

Seven years ago I was on a committee to assess what books were available by Bermudians for Bermudians. We found there was a real lack of books for children in terms of Bermuda’s history and culture. I decided to write some books pertaining to that. I already write poetry and curriculum for Ashay University.

Why so long in the making?

At first I shopped the idea around but no one was interested in helping me publish it. After three years, I shared it with Mark and Tina Nash, and they offered to pay for the initial cost. It still took another three years because I couldn’t drop everything I was doing and immediately begin to write.

What do you want young people to take away from the book?

I want black children to know a truthful rendition of their history. I want them to know that although their ancestors found themselves in that unfortunate situation they did not give up. They fought and they struggled. They did everything they needed to do so that we might be here. I want kids to realise that they should not waste their time. I don’t want them to waste their genius, talents or opportunities.

• Mrs Van Putten will sign copies of Ashay! Bermuda History Stories for Children on Thursday from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Bermuda National Library. The book is available for sale at Brown & Co for $55