The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
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Web ID: 117738895 reviews
An ABC Book for Everyone
The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez and illustrated by Lauren Semmer is a colorful alphabet book that is packed with history from A to Z. It begins with the Black National Anthem and mentions movements like the Great Migration, Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights along with figures like Ruby Bridges, Jean -Michel Baquiat, Queen Nandi and Malcolm X. The artwork takes you on a visual journey from one letter to another. This amazing children's alphabet book has so many layers of goodness packed between its covers! I loved the way Black children are represented as well as the diverse set of historical figures that are mentioned that goes beyond the super famous few and challenges you to think about historical figures that don’t get mentioned as often. I got way more than what I expected in a children’s book about Black history. It starts with ABCs and Black History, but it also includes vocabulary, rhyming/poetry, and so many research and field trip opportunities. I will read this with my own little children and I would recommend this in the classroom. Even as an adult who thinks they know a decent amount about Black history, I learned quite a few new things. For elementary kids, you can explore the rhymes, the alphabet, the images and vocabulary along with the history. For older kids, you can push them into an inquiry stance and ask them which historical figures mentioned in the book they would like to learn more about. This is supported by the both the Explore Page in the beginning of the book and the Terms & Figures section in the back of the book that gives additional info on the history that is mentioned with each letter. Thanks to Workman Publishing Company for providing a digital arc.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Not your typical ABC book
The ABCs of Black History has the substance and impact to be read over and over. This is not your typical kindergarten ABC book. The people, places, events, and concepts chosen to represent each letter of the alphabet are varied and complex. Terms are included like Diaspora, Great Migration, Hurston, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Panther, and Tuskegee. This will surely spark questions and discussions between young readers and the adults who love them. Written in a 2-line rhyming verse, the ABCs move along in a sing-song rhythm sure to delight and engage all. Bold, bright illustrations, reminiscent of folk art, fill the pages edge to edge. The book includes a section called More To Explore - a list of books, websites, etc. that relate to the topics included in the book. A 9-page endnote section, called The ABC's of Black History: Terms and Figures, gives more information on every word highlighted in the book. I highly recommend this book as a stand-alone read or as a jumping-off point to investigate and learn more about Black history in our country. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Love this for kids
Wow. This book. I love it so much. From the words to the pictures, this book is so awesome. First of all, it covered a lot of black history, some of which is widely taught, and some of which is lesser known. It’s also very child friendly. I love that some recent information and people are included in the illustrations. This is what our children are growing up with, and what they need to be exposed to and aware of to be informed citizens one day. I will definitely be buying this book for my daughter as soon as it comes out in December. It’s very well done, and I think it should be on every child’s bookshelf!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A Must-Own
This is a must-own book for me. It is bright and colorful and features many very dark-skinned characters which are often absent from picture books. The poetic and engaging text teaches about important people and events in Black history. What I think is this book's best feature is the opportunities it presents readers to go beyond the book and do their own further learning about key concepts such as the Great Migration, Juneteenth, the Black Panthers, and so much more.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A Fun way to Learn Black History
The ABC’s of Black History is not only a fun book to read. It is full of knowledge and pride. Rio Cortez tells the story of many influential individuals throughout Black History. Royalty, athletes, artists, writers, musicians, and activists are just some of the people you will meet and learn about on your journey through the ABC’s. Lauren Semmer will take you on a visual walk through history. The pictures depict historical Black figures and events that made them exceptional. This book reads like a poem with a section at the end named Terms and Figures. This glossary of sorts goes into detail about the people Mr. Cortez writes about and the definitions of words used in the poem. The ABC’s of Black History is an excellent read for readers of all ages.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com