Nikkolas SmithCritiques

In this autobiographical picture book by acclaimed “artivist” Smith, a young artist learns to use his talent for social commentary.

A Black child who loves to paint and help the community sees problems in the world that make him want to act. Aware of issues that need to be addressed—an unhoused person and someone being prevented from voting are pictured—he decides to combine his identities as an artist and as an activist, to “take ACTION with my ART,” and be an “ARTIVIST.” His art shows what is broken and what might heal it. When his painting on a city wall catches the attention of news outlets, its impact multiplies. In the second half of the story, the text describes what an artivist does while the visuals show various activist-related art, from murals to protest signs, that inspire empathy and spark change. The intimate, first-person narration draws readers right into the story, and the protagonist’s heartfelt concern for justice keeps readers engaged through the hopeful ending message. Smith’s vibrant art, full of expressive strokes and effective use of color, light, and dark, complements the text beautifully; while his words are broad and general, the images depict specific issues facing contemporary society. This expression of active love, solidarity, and compassion will resonate with and inspire readers of all ages. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review

Gr 2–5—An illustrated work on the 1619 Project for young readers, this adaptation begins with a school assignment
and quickly immerses readers in beauty and terror. This stunning work offers a glimpse into the history of the Black
American experience before and after the slave trade; the elevated language and breathtaking artwork will have a
lasting effect.

K-Gr 4—It's the Confederate flag, a point of pride for one family, but tragedy and heartbreak for the other at the
center of Brown's book. How two children find the grace, good will, and courage to have a conversation is a lesson
that readers will not see coming. Important in a polarized world

Born on the Water is a beautiful book! The illustrations capture the content, tone, and emotions of the poetry so well. I thought the introduction to slavery and its trauma is honest, but sensitive to young readers. The accurate portrayal of the West African societies from which slaves were kidnapped gives all young readers, but especially young African American readers, an important context for those captured into slavery and the cultural influences seen among enslaved people in the United States and their descendants. This book also celebrates the determination, strength, and resilience of African Americans to create new lives out of such tragedy. Both authors note that they want African American readers to come away empowered and to reflect about their roots -- reading this book is a wonderful way to start such reflection.

I also see this book as important resource for teachers to use in the classroom, offering all students to reflect on the consequences of slavery in the United States, Black resistance and civil rights, and what it means to call oneself "American".

This book is a retelling of the traditional narrative of the slave trade, told in verse and accompanied by glorious and dramatic illustrations. While this is aimed for readers in grades 2 through 5, I absolutely loved it! I stopped at every page to look deeper into the pictures.

I appreciate how intense yet open and honest this book is. It's heartbreaking, uplifting, and inspiring all at the same time!

Independent Reading Level: Grades 4th-5th
Awards: Pulitizer Prize (2020), Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award (2022)

Independent Reading Level: Grades 4th-5th
Awards: Pulitizer Prize (2020), Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award (2022)

Children's picture book about the Confederate flag, and why it is a symbol of racism and hate in this country, not a symbol of southern pride and culture.

I am not the right person to critique this book. I liked this book. It’s part of the 1619 Project about the history of Black Americans and how they came to be in this country. What is unique about this book is, it’s all poetry that creates one story. This is normally found in much bigger longer works. The illustrations are strange, but beautiful. They put emotion to the paper to match the words. I can fully say that I thought this book was fantastic, but also realize that I am in no place to critique this book.

The confederate flag, or “that flag”, is a symbol of hate in our nation that people insist is just a symbol of heritage. But it’s a symbol that hurts. This book illustrates such story as two girls learn what that symbol means, and how our heritage informs our modern, and how that needs to change. This book was heartbreakingly real. It is fantastic in the way it portrays a modern story that plays out in schools now.

The transition between "And They Danced" to "Stolen" to " is amazing. The colorful page to a blue and black to a red and black one truly conveys the emotional turmoil. I'm interested on why the illustrator decided to leave a dash of green. Plus, as the author mentions, it is not an immigration story. My favorite page is the last one, where she draws the US flag to show that her ancestors built this county so she is able to take pride in the fact that she is from here. I loved the illustrations

A MUST read to talk about topics like the Confederacy, "Southern heritage" and symbols of hate. It is SO beautifully and tastefully done. Indeed some people do not fully grasp the meaning behind symbols and to call out in a way that doesn't completely vilify the South.....yes yes yes

I'm a fan. And I will recommend. And I will talk with Audrey one day about it.

This book is about African Americans who came to the US in 1619 to African Americans in the US today. This story shares the African community's determination to help America become what it is today. I think this book would fit well in a 4th grade classroom. I think I would use this in a lesson about what experiences some people go through and also to show my students what slavery looked like.

This book could be used as a read aloud for intermediate aged students.
This book is about the history of African Americans in America from 1619 to present day, and how they built America to be what it is today.
It is a book that can be used to show African American history in America, and what they went through as slaves and how they persevered.

Keira and Bianca are "almost twins," the same in so many ways - except for their skin color. Keira is Black, and Bianca is white - and her family flies a Confederate flag in front of their house, which means Keira isn't allowed over there, so they are only friends in school. When their class goes on a field trip to the Southern Legacy Museum, Keira's dad comes along; he and Keira see the "Stars and Bars" exhibit, and that evening, Keira's family has a conversation that leaves her feeling mad and sad. But Bianca wasn't affected the same way, and Keira wonders if they are really so alike, after all - and if they can even be friends. When terrible news appears on both their TVs (their families watch different channels, so the same footage is described differently in the crawl), both families attend a vigil, and Bianca's family takes down "that flag." There might be a path back toward friendship for the girls after all.

Back matter: About the Confederate Flag, author's note, illustrator's note, sources.

"We hope the words and images in this story foster transformative conversations that lead to change" -at the top of the title page

Such care was taken in the presentation of this story, from the precise word choice to the details in the illustrations - both what was included, and what was blurred or omitted. I read this with my 7yo and as soon as we finished she wanted to read it again. Beautiful, powerful, essential.

Keira and Blanca are best friends at school but not at home on their street. Blanca's family has a Confederate flag flying at their house and Keira's parents specifically instruct her never to go to Blanca's house. On a museum trip with her father, they view an exhibit about the Confederate flag which includes disturbing historical photographs. Keira understands better now what the flag really stands for and questions her friendship with Blanca.

Great book that gives history and supports family heritage. Does not ignore the harsh truth of this history and can get students thinking. I do think that it is a tough history to view though, so probably better for upper elementary. Maybe 5th grade.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think it really supported learning about your heritage and your family tree and learning about the history behind all of that.½

Incredible!!!! Powerful!! A must read.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning and it is an important story to tell. The author does a good job of not shying away from the harsh reality of this history, but at the same time introduces this information in what feels like a safe way. I would be fascinated to know how children respond to this book.

This is a beautiful picture book about a young girl that recieves a family tree assignment at school and is stumped because she cannot think farther back then her grandparents. Her family discovers that they came from a slave trade many, many years back that brought many African Americans to the Unite States in 1619. This is a wonderful story for fifth graders who can have a intellectual discussion on the significance of this book. This book may not be appropriate for young readers who are sensitive to these historical books.

This is a beautiful book written in poem form, and the main character's grandma is telling her the story of their ancestors. The illustrations help tell the story in an engaging way and it is very informational for young readers. I would say that the book would be a great way to introduce poetry to intermediate readers, and the themes may be easier for them to understand.

In "Questions," a young Black girl's teacher assigns her students to "trace your roots. Draw a flag that represents your ancestral land." The girl goes home and tells her grandmother she's ashamed; Grandma says, "Come, let me tell you our beginning. Let me tell you where we're from." The creators tell the story of "the rich cultures of West Africa" and the strength of those who survived the Middle Passage. In "Legacy," the authors tell of "generations of / teachers and librarians, / scholars and authors... / healers, / pastors and activists, / doctors and counselors... / They wrote songs, / created jazz and hip-hop, / rhythm and blues. / They became / inventors and athletes, / nurses and cooks, / pilots and architects, / farmers and housekeepers, / singers and artists, / dancers and poets, / mathematicians and scientists..."

The final poem is called "Pride," and is accompanied by the same girl from the beginning, now smiling and drawing an American flag. "Never forget you come from a people / of great strength," Grandma says. "Be proud of our story, your story."

Authors' note, illustrator's note. Educator materials at 1619books.com.

See also: The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander & Kadir Nelson½

I thought this book was a very insightful children's book that is incredibly important for everyone to learn.

This is a beautifully told story about what African Americans endured as slaves. It goes over historical events in chronological order and informs readers of the gruesome things that happened to African Americans and slavery. It is very well written and does not filter the hard truth about what happened, but at the same time, it does keep it appropriate for children to understand. This would be a book for intermediate to advanced students. It is a very long read but a good one!