Our Story Starts in Africa

August 1, 2022
Grades K-3 Paloma is excited to be visiting her family in Trinidad, but her cousins aren't making her feel very welcome. Because she speaks differently from how they do, they question whether she is from the Caribbean. Tante Janet pulls the dejected girl aside to tell her the exciting story of the family's roots, which go all the way back to Africa! Paloma learns about ancient Kush, how afro picks were used back in ancient Egypt, and how the stories of African people can be found in historical artwork, carvings, and kente cloth. Tante Janet also tells Paloma about how rich Africa was before raiders took the wealth and many people from the continent. Indeed, the slave trade is how Paloma's family came to Trinidad. Lawrence does a fantastic job of blending a fiction story with nonfiction elements for children, gently introducing lessons on colonialism, slavery, and cultural pride. The illustrations' vivid colors bring the island setting to life, while sepia tones define the historic scenes from Tante Janet's story. An author's note, Q&A, and recommended reading list conclude.

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Starred review from October 1, 2022
One child's journey to taking pride in and inspiration from her African heritage. Paloma, a little Black girl with a curly Afro, visits her relatives in Trinidad and is eager to spend time with her three cousins. But they won't play with her because her accent sounds so different from theirs. She instead spends time with her aunt, Tante Janet, who informs her that while their family may be different, they all have common roots in Africa. Tante Janet unwraps her headwrap to undo her cornrows while telling Paloma about historical African arts; the warrior Queen Amanirenas, who fought Romans 2,000 years ago; techniques Africans used to document their own history and culture; the slave trade; and more. In the yard, they pick limes for their ginger beer, and when Paloma asks Tante Janet about her cocoa pods, Tante Janet tells about other natural resources, like frankincense and ebony, which made some African rulers successful and rich. Paired with Lawrence's enlightening text, Gonzales' bright, colorful illustrations of Paloma's world emphasize the verdant flora of Trinidad; by contrast, the scenes depicting African history have more of a sepia tone. The text never identifies Paloma's home, stating only that she was not born in Africa, which suggests that her belonging to the African diaspora is more important than where in the diaspora she comes from. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An informative, visually rich picture book that personalizes African history and entices readers to learn more. (more information on Africa, further reading) (Informational picture book. 4-7)

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