A very powerful story and beautiful and impactful illustrations paired with it

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.

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)