Customer Reviews

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

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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?

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.

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.

I picked this up for Black History month and actually had a student request it for story time the moment it arrived. The illustrations are beautiful, and the terms for each letter were well-thought-out to be meaningful. Excellent for historical/cultural perspective as well as the wonderful beauty and history of all that this encompasses.

This is a great book to read to a child of any cultural background. You can read just the ABC part to 1st and 2nd graders, and read the longer parts on the side to end of the year 2nd graders and 3rd graders. As children get older they can read the book to you. The amount of knowledge in this book is amazing, and children can research more about a topic they find interesting whether its's Black Universities, Black soldiers, etc.

This book has two types of stories. The simple text that is wonderful for younger children. With more detailed text for older children. I have read this book during Black History Month to first graders as well as to third and forth graders. There are many facts about Aferican Americans I didn't know. Children will discover that it wasn't until recently that an Aferican American won a Winter Olimpic Gold Medel. My kids are ages 8, 9, 12 and 14 they have all read and love this one.