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_basicbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This a a powerful novel written in verse about the last Africans illegally brought to American as slaves in 1860. African Town follows the journey from the ship to be enslaved, to freedom where they settled in a community they called African Town. This book has 14 POVs - all based on real life people.
This is such an important topic, and I love that it was written in a way that also makes it accessible to a younger audience - I can see this book being an integral part of high school classroom libraries and discussions. While there is much heartache and struggle that goes with telling this story, this book is also one filled with hope. I loved how intentional the authors were - even determining what style of poetry would be used to each character and providing an explanation for why they chose to write that character in that way. It was clear this book was well-researched and written with intention. My only hesitation with this book is that of the two authors, one is Black and one is white, neither of them are descendants from the survivors. While they do share additional resources, I have seen many reviews wondering if this was their story to tell or if it would be better told by someone with a more direct connection, especially since there are not yet many books on this topic. That being said, this is such an important topic and this book was eye-opening in many ways.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
This is such an important topic, and I love that it was written in a way that also makes it accessible to a younger audience - I can see this book being an integral part of high school classroom libraries and discussions. While there is much heartache and struggle that goes with telling this story, this book is also one filled with hope. I loved how intentional the authors were - even determining what style of poetry would be used to each character and providing an explanation for why they chose to write that character in that way. It was clear this book was well-researched and written with intention. My only hesitation with this book is that of the two authors, one is Black and one is white, neither of them are descendants from the survivors. While they do share additional resources, I have seen many reviews wondering if this was their story to tell or if it would be better told by someone with a more direct connection, especially since there are not yet many books on this topic. That being said, this is such an important topic and this book was eye-opening in many ways.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
otterlyreading's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
African Town is a story about the middle passage when the Africans of Dahomey were sold by their king to the Americans. It tells the story from multiples view points, even the ship, Clotilda which was a nice addition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Violence and Rape
nancyreads's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely heartbreaking and stunning. This is a story about 110 Africans who were taken as slaves after slave trading was deemed illegal in American. I can feel that this is a story that is going to stick with me for a very long time. It is told in BEAUTIFUL verse and the characters are so beautifully written. I cried, I swore. I think this is a MUST read for all. Absolutely stunning.
khernandez99's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
esorensen22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kristensreadingnook's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Thank you to Penguin Random House audio for a complementary audiobook.
Thank you to Penguin Random House audio for a complementary audiobook.
kristensreadingnook's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you @prhaudio for a complimentary audiobook.
In this unique historical fiction novel-in-verse, we hear from multiple different perspectives, including the ship that brought the last group of enslaved people from Africa to the plantations of the US, even after importing slaves was outlawed. After the Cicil War was over, a village called African Town was formed, which is where the book derives its name.
With a full cast of characters, the audiobook really brought the story to life.
4.5 stars
In this unique historical fiction novel-in-verse, we hear from multiple different perspectives, including the ship that brought the last group of enslaved people from Africa to the plantations of the US, even after importing slaves was outlawed. After the Cicil War was over, a village called African Town was formed, which is where the book derives its name.
With a full cast of characters, the audiobook really brought the story to life.
4.5 stars
molly_dettmann's review
3.0
This was an interesting read because I had never heard of African Town and while there were a ton of characters, I felt like the authors did a good job of giving each of them a distinct enough voice to differentiate. It was kind of dense and should’ve just been a prose novel instead of verse. There were only a few of the characters that really felt verse. A hard, but important read for what it is.
kiperoo's review against another edition
5.0
This book shares history I had never learned from deep in the points-of-view of those experiencing it. The poetic voices are so unique and immersive. Highly recommend!
mamabirdgraph's review against another edition
4.0
I love a book in prose form. A little hard to follow at first. Multiple POVs. But the stories were worth the read.