Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans (Paperback)

~ Roland Laird (Author), Taneshia Nash Laird (Author), Elihu "Adofo" Bey (Illustrator), Charles Johnson (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This updated volume recounts the story of African-Americans in the United States from the year 1619 through the election of Barack Obama, and it's a compelling (if dense) chronicle of this incendiary period, from the indentured servitude that morphed into chattel slavery, emancipation, the civil rights movement and beyond. The comprehensive text may be worth a read, but the entire book is marred with amateurish artwork. Artist Bey displays only the most rudimentary of basic visual storytelling techniques; the layouts are haphazard, with the figures' hands and heads often cut off, and the grafittiesque/cartoony art style is inappropriate for the material. It's disappointing that a historical work with the potential for crossover appeal gets poleaxed by subpar visuals that trivialize the text. Parts of the book bear so little visual gravitas that it comes off as a black man's struggle coloring book, and that's a shame. (Feb.)
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Product Description

Still I Rise is a critically acclaimed work with an impressive scope: the entire history of Black America, told in an accessible graphic-novel form. Updated from its original version—which ended with the Million Man March—it now extends from the early days of colonial slavery right through to Barack Obama’s groundbreaking presidential campaign. Compared by many to Art Spiegelman’s Maus, Still I Rise is a breathtaking achievement that celebrates the collective African-American memory, imagination, and spirit.

 

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (February 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402762267
• ISBN-13: 978-1402762260
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #99,814 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Necessity is the Mother of Invention, January 28, 2009

By	Beverly Jackson "avid reader" (Huntersville, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Still I Rise by authors Roland Laird and Taneshia Nash Laird and illustrator Elihu "Adofo" Bey takes us on a graphical journey of African American history from before slavery was formalized in this country until the election of the first African American President. The book starts off with a foreword by Charles Johnson discussing the challenges faced by black comic artists and the legacy passed on to future black artists. This sets the tone for the rest of the book. At the start of the graphical journey, the reader is introduced to two narrators who guide, educate, humor, and challenge each other, and thus the reader as the storyline progresses from 1618 to 2008.

As the storyline moves through the years, the reader is provided with an understanding of the historical period for the United States, the unique challenges faced by African Americans, and how the issues were addressed. The reader will gain knowledge of the economic, political, and social atmosphere for each era. This provides the context for understanding the need to keep "re-creating" solutions at times to solve continuing issues. The authors and illustrator are commended for providing a good balance of information for the wide time span presented. While the subject matter might be unpleasant at times, the book never falters in presenting a positive attitude along with hope and a strong urge to survive.

I recommend this book be used in schools as an aid to teaching history and should be included in all school library and public library collections. The graphical format of the book will appeal to most young readers and the presentation of the information will lead to many discussions. I also recommend this book for all African American homes as the unique format of the book will be enjoyed across generations.

Reviewed by Beverly
APOOO BookClub
January 27, 2009

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Done!, January 21, 2009

By	Phyllis Rhodes (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Still I Rise is a graphical novel (aka "comic strip" style) structured around the history of America and the complex, interwoven African American contributions and sacrifices to its success and greatness. Two unnamed characters remain prominent serving as narrators providing supplemental commentaries setting the stage of the eras' social and political climates enhancing the history lessons within the pages. Opening in pre-Colonial times, it traces the events and issues surrounding indentured servitude, greed, and racism that eventually lead to legalized and institutionalized slavery of Africans. It celebrates and recognizes countless unsung and infamous heroes and leaders (of all races) as it progresses through four hundred years. The courage of African Americans is not lost when the book covers America's battles with the English, Spanish, and French, and eventually itself, nor does it spare the ugliness of racism, and the struggle endured during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. At its core, it is a book that chronicles survival, faith, hope, and perseverance against insurmountable odds.

The collection is one that should be required reading for students (the graphics would appeal to even the youngest and/o r attention-challenged readers). I also highly recommend it for more "seasoned" readers as well because of its unique depiction of history. Even the forward by Charles Johnson remains in context and addresses the challenges black illustrators faced in the early 20th century. As a history lover, I loved learning "new" bits of info (the actual names of ingenious people and the rational behind some historical and political decisions) and revisiting all that I knew. I plan to purchase copies for my nephew and niece as it is a tool to initiate those much needed conversations.

Reviewed by Phyllis
January 20, 2009
APOOO BookClub

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Horse of a Different Color, February 22, 2009

By	OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!" (World Wide Web, USA) - See all my reviews

"Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans" aims high, and does everything right! It's a moving, entertaining and informative experience. It is unique in that it doesn't just focus on African American males and their achievements, but also focuses on women. In addition, it highlighted many others significant in the historical struggle that many may not be aware of. "Still I Rise" is well appreciated, outstanding and exciting. I felt like I was reading an episode but it's history. Very seldom do we find history from this standpoint. I encourage others to read it, particularly our youth. I would give it more stars if I could. Excellent read!

Reviewed by: Gail