★ “Celebratory and reverent; visually dynamic and emotionally resonant….An elegant homage to African American contributions; hand this to everyone you know.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Weatherford’s poem is lyrical, cohesive, and richly evocative, weaving history and emotion into an immersive narrative. Christie’s Acryla gouache illustrations are bold, layered, and visually commanding….This ode to Black excellence is a tribute to brilliance, resilience, creativity, and generational power.” —The Horn Book, starred review
“Readers will be eager to point out figures like Mae Jemison and Martin Luther King, Jr., and will perhaps be inspired to learn more about others they do not yet know by sight…..An inspiring celebration of how Black hands have always woven essential parts of the American tapestry.” —Booklist
“The evocative language, layered illustrations, and purposeful historical framing make this a valuable anchor text for conversations about history, identity, and contribution.” —School Library Journal
“Boston Weatherford and Christie present a history, both passionate and sobering, of how the African diaspora has shaped America.” —Publishers Weekly
“With graceful, poetic text and striking illustrations, Weatherford and artist Christie trace the contributions of Black people to the growth of the US….an excellent choice to broaden the wealth of patriotic offerings that will be on hand for the nation’s 250th celebration.” —The Bulletin
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