ofloveandlayovers's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
intensej's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful illustrations and a powerful story. A must read.
acarman1's review against another edition
5.0
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The story of a family descended from the first Africans to be enslaved in America does not shy away from the horror endured and the hypocrisy of a nation that claimed freedom only to offer slavery and death to whole generations of people. At the same time it ends with an upbeat note as the child learns she is American through and through and her people are the people who built this nation and won their freedom (it was not given--since when do people in power give anything?) by their own hard work and determination. It reads like a song and should be required reading for school children and for elected leaders who differentiate between African Americans and "Americans" as if there is something different. One of my own students' grandmother gifted my classroom this book. I am very grateful for it.
winley's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
pamiverson's review against another edition
5.0
A child’s school assignment makes her realize she knows nothing of her family beyond three generations back. These poems are her grandmother’s retelling of her ancestors being captured in West Africa and being forced into slavery in this country. It stresses that people had culture and full lives in Africa and were able to do what they needed to survive and thrive. A wonderful affirmation!! Not just for kids.
worldlibraries's review against another edition
5.0
This book belongs in every single USA classroom, school library, and public library. This is the origin story of a new people, African-Americans. Born on the Water answers an age-old classroom question posed to students, 'where did I come from?' Frankly, I'm a bit in awe of Nikole Hannah Jones and Renee Watson answering this question so masterfully by writing an actual origin story. I think they have made the invisible visible with this book. Prioritize the well-being of every single Black child in the USA by having this book accessible to them. This book is also an important read for white children because it shows them why their country is so racist and why so much healing needs to be done. Each white child will need to ask themselves a question: am I going to be part of the solution or part of the problem? We need them to choose the former so that USA citizens can become one people. This book has gravitas.
ryodragon20's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
katievh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced