  | Before the ships : the birth of black excellence Author: Oso, Maisha | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
A powerful and poetic celebration of the early roots of Black history.
| Illustrator: | Bradley, Candice |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.80 Points: .5 Quiz: 556484 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (07/15/24)
Booklist (+) (06/01/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2024 *Starred Review* This lyrical and reaffirming picture book seeks to give young readers a sense of Black history far beyond the limits of standard school curricula that start with the slave trade and concentrate on African interactions with Westerners. Before the Ships makes references to the highly sophisticated cultures that historically thrived throughout the continent of Africa, referencing expansive empires, impressive feats of architecture and engineering, societies that teemed with skilled doctors, mathematicians, astronomers, explorers, and artists, plus shoutouts to great warriors, including Hannibal, the great general of Carthage, to Amanirenas, the warrior queen of Kush. All this information is delivered in spare, carefully crafted lines that occasionally rhyme and always effortlessly flow in pleasing cadences reminiscent of traditional griots and folktellers. The latter part of the book shifts to modern images of Black people, offering assurances that they have always been limitless thinkers and leaders and outstanding, strong individuals, no matter the circumstances. The satisfyingly detailed illustrations are rendered in muted hues that effectively portray both ancient regimes and scenes from present day, supporting the dreamy, thoughtful sense of history passing by. This offers an accessible and fresh perspective and should be considered for most collections. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
