A Kid's Guide to African American History (Paperback)

by Nancy I. Sanders (Author) "History is often silent about many things that happened long, long ago..." (more)
Key Phrases: drinking gourd, quilt block, African Americans, United States, Brer Rabbit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-A chronological look at the history of African Americans from the pre-slavery days in Africa through today's celebration of Kwanzaa. With a straightforward, readable text, one- to three-page topics, and simple illustrative drawings, even young children can participate in this activity-based title. Although mentioning the hardships and inhumanities of slavery and Jim Crow laws, the brutal details are left out. The emphasis is on the contributions of African Americans, their courage, creativity, and inventiveness. The easy activities described in detail include games, crafts (with patterns), songs, recipes, and stories. An extensive bibliography of books, articles, and Web sites is included.-Eunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-6. This large-format paperback introduces many aspects of African American history, from Africa to colonial America, from plantations to emancipation. There is also information about the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the achievements of black Americans, the civil rights movement, and hopes for the future. Throughout the book, crafts and other projects offer parents and teachers practical ways to involve children in African American heritage. Included are activities such as making a bead necklace, constructing a star-watching chart, and various recipes and crafts that revolve around the symbols of Kwanzaa. The pages are well designed, with illustrations in shades of gray and plenty of white space. A useful resource for library collections. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155652417X
• ISBN-13: 978-1556524172
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #716,553 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, November 6, 2000

By	Nancy I. Sanders (CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In reading "A Kid's Guide to African American History," I have learned so much about African American history that brought back memories of my grandmother teaching us. I remember my grandmother, Dorothy Coleman, telling us about our family history, about the struggles and triumphs, and how our great-great-great grandfather was Thomas Jefferson. The story brought amazement to our ears and a complete history to our family. I would give this book 10 stars, and I recommend it to everyone!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly useful book, January 18, 2008

By	Rebecca Haden (Fayetteville, AR) - See all my reviews

Chicago Review Press has a whole series of hands-on science and history books for kids, and all of them are chock full of useful and fun ideas. This book is no exception. Crafts, costumes, recipes, songs, stories, games, and more give a rich impression of both daily life and important historic events. This book is fun for homeschool families and very handy in the classroom.
The book is divided up into chronological sections, with additional information on African civilizations and Kwanzaa. Each unit has background information and activities. I like the fact that, while the historical events are not romanticized, daily life is as often the focus as the important historical events and individuals. The section on plantation life, for example, includes directions for making musical instruments such as a washtub bass and a tambourine, plus songs to sing and games to play.
This approach means that various activities can be pulled out for history lessons and for fun at home all year long.

3.0 out of 5 stars So-So, March 9, 2007

By	Triceei "triceei" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

I expected a little more than what was given in the book. I also thought the book would address more activities for a wide variety of children ages.