The People Remember by Ibi Zoiboi and Loveis Wise - ESSENTIAL

The People Remember by Ibi Zoiboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise. PICTURE BOOK Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins), 2021 $20.00 9780062915641 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Using the principals of Kwanzaa, Ibi Zoboi lyrically tells the story of African Americans. Beginning in Africa (with an amazing poem for two voices)she writes about the slave ships, the ocean, the plantations, Harriet Tubman, emancipation, the great migration, celebrations, religion, and community. She mentions historic figures in industry, music, civil rights, literature and politics, and continues through today, recognizing the recent victims of violence. 

Zobois' debut picture book is magnificent. Like Kwame Alexander's "Undefeated", this is an important book - the histories are very brief, it is beautifully illustrated and will be a terrific addition to my picture book section. A great read anytime of year , but certainly one I will pull out with the Kwanzaa books in December.

:Lisa Librarian