Bound for America: The Forced Migration of Africans to the New World [Hardcover]

James Haskins (Author), Kathleen Benson (Author), Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 20, 1999 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Between 1500 and 1850, millions of Africans were captured and transported across the Atlantic to become slaves in the New World. This book closely examines every aspect of the journey slaves would have faced.'

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-Seldom has the plight of the African natives who were sent into slavery in the New World been more clearly and effectively presented. This combination of clear text and judicious use of primary-source material makes crystalline the inhumanity and commercialism that kept the trade in slaves alive for 350 years. Eighteen brief chapters illustrated with period and contemporary art cover the history of slavery in general; European and African society in 1492, when Columbus's contact with the New World precipitated the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade; the mechanics of the slave trade from capture to delivery; conditions on slave ships; mutinies; and what slaves could expect at the end of their journey. The volume includes a time line, a list for further reading divided between works for adults and for young people, and a sound index. Cooper's oil-and-wash paintings are exceptional, their impact resulting largely from the artist's ability to capture the suffering and stoicism of his subjects. Following on the heels of Haskins's and Benson's African Beginnings (Lothrop, 1998), this volume successfully continues the exploration of the history of people of African descent. Narrower in scope than Milton Meltzer's The Black Americans (HarperCollins, 1987) and Julius Lester's To Be a Slave (Dial, 1968), it shares their predilection for primary-source narrative. An excellent companion to Paula Fox's The Slave Dancer (Dell, 1975), this book will provide ample opportunity for thought and discussion.
Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-This engrossing and detailed account of the Middle Passage evokes powerful images through full-page oil paintings, riveting reproductions, and maps. A moving story told with authority and sensitivity. (Jan.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (January 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688102581
• ISBN-13: 978-0688102586
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,140,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Children's Books > History > Africa

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars a history lesson for all., December 30, 2011

By 

herbB - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bound for America: The Forced Migration of Africans to the New World (Hardcover)

A great read for all ages. I highly recommend this for educators, parents, and students to include this book in their library of African American history.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Age Appropriate Introduction to the Slave Trade, November 6, 2011

By 

Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bound for America: The Forced Migration of Africans to the New World (Hardcover)

Explaining the forced migration of Africans to the New World to an eight year old is a difficult thing to do. It was a brutal and shameful practice that nevertheless informs our common history. If you are going to teach your child history, you are bound to teach both the good and ignoble aspects of that story. "Bound for America" tells this story in an age appropriate fashion. The authors are honest about the horrors of the middle passage but are not sensationalistic. The illustrations by Floyd Cooper are well done and help explain the slave experience in an appropriate way. This is a well done book that can help introduce young children to a difficult aspect of our common history. Recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bound For America: The Forced Migration of Africans to the New World, August 26, 2006

By 

Robert L. Hooker "Bookworm" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bound for America: The Forced Migration of Africans to the New World (Hardcover)

"Bound For America," is one of the most complete and inspiring books that I have read. I am using it at the presence in completing a thesis. It serves as a poignant reminder of the soul
of a people and the resilience of anyone of African descent. It also gives,with historical accuracy, important information as to the contributions of Africans and African Americans to the New World and the entire World.