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A review by id_rather_be_reading_
An American Story by Dare Coulter, Kwame Alexander
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
A place to begin...that's what this book is. I am a Black woman. I am the mother of Black sons. I am an educator of Black children. I need this book in my classroom because it is a place to begin a conversation that has to be had. I am firm a believer that our history should not ever begin with slavery because we existed and thrived long before it. However, when the time comes to talk, teach and answer questions about the origins of the United States, the evils of slavery and how its effects are still impacting the treatment of Blacks in this country today...we need a starting point.
Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter have created a book that does not shy away from what slavery was and is and the uncomfortable feelings and emotions that are bound to come up as you venture into the topic. The book begins by posing a question giving the reader permission to have questions as well as they continue with the text. Interspersed in the powerful words and artwork are images and excerpts of a conversation between children and a teacher who are clearly struggling with the subject matter. It's a very realistic portrayal of what happens in classrooms all across this nation whenever slavery comes up. Some would have us not discuss it at all...but this book is as I said earlier is a place to begin. Take the first step...read it...and then start talking to your children, your students and one another.
Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter have created a book that does not shy away from what slavery was and is and the uncomfortable feelings and emotions that are bound to come up as you venture into the topic. The book begins by posing a question giving the reader permission to have questions as well as they continue with the text. Interspersed in the powerful words and artwork are images and excerpts of a conversation between children and a teacher who are clearly struggling with the subject matter. It's a very realistic portrayal of what happens in classrooms all across this nation whenever slavery comes up. Some would have us not discuss it at all...but this book is as I said earlier is a place to begin. Take the first step...read it...and then start talking to your children, your students and one another.