5 stars
An absolutely fantastic read. Right from the start, the story begins with a powerful basis. One that is sadly relatable for many in America. When presented with an assignment to “trace your roots” and draw the flag of her ancestral land, the narrator is unable to do so. She goes to her grandmother who tells the story of her ancestors.
The book starts with life in Central West Africa. It shows a range of cultures with their own traditions, clothing, and the day-to-day activities. In much of mainstream American culture, Black history starts during slavery. It starts when their lives intersected with white people, completely omitting the lives, stories, and traditions that stretch much farther back. This book helps bring this lie to light by showing the time before, the one that is often left out, the joy, the sense of home and belonging.
From there, the poems take on a darker tone. They recount the Middle Passage and slavery in America. Even during these difficult times, the people find ways to survive and keep their pasts alive. Even in the darkness, there is hopefulness and strength.
One aspect I especially enjoyed was the way the words and illustrations play off each other. Smith brilliantly captures the tone of each poem in his illustrations. Some are bright and joyful, some are filled with fear and sorrow, others show struggle and resistance. Before reading the poem, you already know the mood just from the illustrations. The artwork helps bring the words to life, giving them even more power.
A fantastic read that travels through history, from the joy of home to the darkness of separation to the power of resistance and making a place for oneself and one’s people. A powerful book that presents difficult truths. It helps provide a history for those whose history has often been erased and demonstrates how they have shaped America.