Reading Metrics
Description
When a young student receives a family tree assignment at school but can only trace her family back three generations, she asks Grandma for help. Grandma gathers the whole family and tells the student about their ancestors who were stolen from Africa in 1619 and brought to America as enslaved people. The picture book, written in verse by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson, chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States.
Quick Summary
A curious young girl unravels a family mystery when her grandma shares the story of their ancestors, stretching back to before slavery and forward through generations of Black resistance in America. Kids will love the poetic dual-language text that switches between English and Kongo, the vibrant artwork that shows strength and joy, and the way the story makes them feel proud to discover where they come from. If your kid connects with "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson or "We Are Water Protectors," they will find a similar heart in this story about standing tall in your identity. Perfect for kindergarten through third grade, this book sparks meaningful family conversations and helps young readers see themselves in American history.