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maureen_fox's review
4.0
Great variety - even individuals I've never heard of before. The mix of poetry, primary source documents, and prose was enjoyable, refreshing, and will make a worthy addition to classroom libraries
xxpumpkincatxx's review
5.0
This was a cute and informative way to learn about important moments in black history. Perfect for children and adults! The artwork is stunning and goes directly which each moment.
turrean's review
5.0
A splendidly collage-illustrated collection of 28 (or is that 29?) two-page descriptions of important men and women who changed the course of black history. The descriptions are a blend of historical text and a variety of verse forms.
Truly, the most beautiful is the poem on Marian Anderson's 1939 performance on Easter Sunday.
Truly, the most beautiful is the poem on Marian Anderson's 1939 performance on Easter Sunday.
smw33's review
3.0
I can't even begin to describe the beauty of this book. The illustrations are engaging and illuminating. The writing expresses information in an endearing way that's also educational. It made me cry. I'm speechless.
shighley's review
4.0
One of my favorite parts of this book was the "Note from the Author". I agree that during Black History Month, many of the same people are highlighted year after year. As a librarian, I have strived to include some different individuals, especially scientists, as I have collaborated with science teachers to spotlight African American inventors/scientists. Often, it was very difficult to find books that include these individuals (for example, Robert Hale Williams), and I had to resort to collected biographies or other sources before the rise of electronic databases.
I was not familiar with Robert Smalls or Henry Johnson. I was a little disappointed that the now disproven idea of quilts giving directions for the Underground Railroad was included. A few of the poems seemed a little disjointed (Oprah, Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson), but, overall, a lot of information was included. The way the poem for Obama was created with the names of the others before him was well done, and the illustrations are wonderful. (One of my favorites for the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration.) There were some times I wished that a few more details have been included (Bessie Coleman; I have always been intrigued by her story, including her death).
This book would be ideal for Black History Month, reading one story a day, and encouraging students to add more individuals.
I was not familiar with Robert Smalls or Henry Johnson. I was a little disappointed that the now disproven idea of quilts giving directions for the Underground Railroad was included. A few of the poems seemed a little disjointed (Oprah, Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson), but, overall, a lot of information was included. The way the poem for Obama was created with the names of the others before him was well done, and the illustrations are wonderful. (One of my favorites for the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration.) There were some times I wished that a few more details have been included (Bessie Coleman; I have always been intrigued by her story, including her death).
This book would be ideal for Black History Month, reading one story a day, and encouraging students to add more individuals.
djlanatron's review
4.0
I loved the different styles of poetry included - would make this book great for ELA with children.
readingthroughtheages's review
5.0
I was so thrilled to finally get my hands on this book. What a wealth of information and just beautifully written.
mjoylewis's review
5.0
I think this book could be an excellent starting point for research for students. It would be great way to incorporate African American culture, role models, and research. I think it would benefit students greatly, especially for students who are unaware of those who have come before them and impacted the world in amazing ways. It was also not an overwhelming "facts" book which is why I think it would be great as a starting point for research, merely to peek the interest.
jbrooxd's review
5.0
Would make a great daily read aloud for Black History month and/or a jumping off point for further learning about the contributions of African Americans. What else can students discover about the people named here? Who else can they find whose story should be known and shared?