Reviews

An American Story by Dare Coulter, Kwame Alexander

dawsonscreek's review

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emotional hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.25


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rainbowbookworm's review

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5.0

Brilliant, necessary, and relevant.

The author’s note added to my appreciation.

library_kb's review

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challenging informative reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

This is such a well done book--one of those picture books that is just as much for adults as it is for kids. I'm not the biggest fan of the artwork in this one, though I do think it is reminiscent of Harlem Renaissance sculptors' styles. The text though, is what I find very powerful in this book--both simple and gracious and yet clear and strong. It does not hide from the hard parts of the story of slavery and clearly states how wrong slavery was but also makes space for hope and recognization of the strength and resilience of those who were enslaved and a way to learn and grow as a country. Highly recommend for all. 

sbcrra's review

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

4.0

m2deloria's review

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challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

mariahtexidor's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

An absolutely stunning picture book that handles such a tough subject excellently. Dare’s mixed-media illustrations are breathtaking and used so beautifully to craft this story with the perspective of a teacher educating their students on the unfortunate history of this country and the slave trade and their impact on the Black community. Simultaneously though hope and resilience are also woven through. This book is such a great conversation starter for teachers, parents, kids, etc.

kacyhelwick's review

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emotional inspiring reflective

4.5

intensej's review

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dark emotional reflective sad

5.0

Stunning illustrations and sculptures. The publisher recommends this book for ages 4-8. The book discusses serious topics such as slavery in an appropriate manner for a young audience.

 

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livthebooknerd's review

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dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.75

mellambert's review

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challenging fast-paced

5.0

This was a great children's book for American history. I'll be adding it to my collection.