D Is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet (Discover the World) [Hardcover]

Nancy I. Sanders (Author), E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Discover the World

The tapestry of American history is made up of countless threads marking the contributions of people from many different backgrounds and cultures. D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet showcases many of the remarkable achievements of and contributions from African Americans throughout our history. Evocative watercolor paintings from acclaimed artist E. B. Lewis perfectly capture the spirit of each letter topic’s poem and expository text.

D is for Drinking Gourd,
and the North Star that led through the night
from station to station on the Underground Railroad,
escaping on a dangerous flight.

From the bravery of the early abolitionists to the cultural legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, D is for Drinking Gourd illuminates the amazing and ongoing role the African American community has played in the shaping of our country.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

A is for abolitionists. P for politics. R for roots. X for Malcolm X. Each letter is presented on a double-page spread with a four-line poem; a long, informative historical note; and a beautiful watercolor painting that evokes the period and people. The historical sequence isn't chronological, but each page includes plenty of discussion material. True to each time period, the stirring illustrations, many in sepia tones with occasional bright colors, are packed with emotion, from the close-up of a woman stitching a beautiful quilt at home to the overview of the famous March on Washington. The unforgettable painting of the Great Migration evokes old photos of a family leaving home, unsure but brave and looking forward. An excellent reference list includes up-to-date books and Web sites. Rochman, Hazel

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (October 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158536293X
• ISBN-13: 978-1585362936
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOW, YA WANNA KNOW HOW TO WRITE AN AWARD WINNER?, September 16, 2007

By 

Reginald D. Garrard "the G-man" (Camilla, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: D Is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet (Discover the World) (Hardcover)

From time to time, an individual comes upon a work that goes above and beyond the requirements for a good children's book. "D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet" is an example of children's literature that is, most definitely, a candidate for both Newberry and Caldecott honors.

It exceeds expectations in a BIG WAY!!

It takes the young reader on a history lesson with a combination of simple poetry and more informative prose as it teaches the alphabet order, as well as facts on such diverse fare as politics, the military, entertainment, migration, and familiar, as well as not so familiar, important historical figures.

Though I purchased the book solely on my familiarity with the superb artwork of E. B. Lewis, I am glad to have made this discovery. My niece, the intended recipient of the gift book, will have something that she can share with her children and grandchildren.

Isn't that the purpose of quality literature, anyway?

4.0 out of 5 stars One misstep dropped my rating, December 21, 2011

By 

Harriet34 - See all my reviews

This review is from: D Is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet (Discover the World) (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book for everyone of all ages. Even non-readers will enjoy listening to it and looking at the exciting illustrations. But because the passing on of traditions is of great importance when teaching children, I must point out a glaring error in the illustration for K, Kwanzaa. The seven Kwanzaa candles are inaccurate in color and placement according to tradition. These seven candles, one for each of the seven principles (the Nguzo Saba), are placed in the candle holder as follows: 3 red on the left, one black in the middle and 3 green on the right. The colors hold important symbolism for African Americans as expressed by the great Marcus Garvey in the 1920s. The Nguzo Saba is the heart of Kwanzaa. If they are not presented in an accurate manner, the meaning and the spirit of the Kwanzaa celebration is marred.

5.0 out of 5 stars What is a Drinking Gourd?, May 20, 2010

By 

Donna M. McDine - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: D Is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet (Alphabet-Arts & Culture) (Paperback)

Without the steadfast belief of abolitionists to end slavery the United States of America would not be what it is today. D is for Drinking Gourd - An African American Alphabet brings forth the journey of freedom and accomplishments through the alphabet and rhyme. Each keyword featured is accompanied with a historical description to the particular era, teaching about this pivotal time in American history.

From abolitionists to Zion the reader will find themselves soaking up all that history has to offer in this delightful combination of history and illustrations.

The mesmerizing words of Nancy Sanders and awe inspiring illustrations of E.B. Lewis will have you reading D is for Drinking Gourd - An African American Alphabet over and over again. Run, don't walk and purchase your copy today to find out what is in between A and Z.