libraryemma's review

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5.0

Absolutely loved how this beautiful book tells a story of black history from the perspective of, and with the focus on the the strengths of the enslaved. Highlighting their strength, courage, intelligence, perseverance, and community, and the ways these strengths have been passed down through generations, all the way to "you!"

Definitely a book for children who are a bit older, as the text and context is more advanced.

bookishrealm's review

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4.0

This is a constant reminder of how important it can be to include picture books into your monthly reading. I remember ordering this specific title for the collection at my library so I made sure to grab a copy as soon as it came in. Your Legacy is a love letter to all Black children in hopes of helping them look at the legacy of their ancestors in a different way. Black people including Black children are constantly bombarded with the trauma based narratives of our history. Ask people to say the first things that come to mind when they think of the words "slave" or "slavery" and there will be few positive and/or empowering responses. This book attempts to reclaim those narratives and highlight the many ways that our legacies are beyond pain and suffering. Even the art speaks to this message with it's bold colors and dynamic style. Every child and caregiver will be reminded of the strength, courage, integrity, brilliance, ingenuity, and intellect that lives within the legacy of Black people.

berlydawn2's review

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5.0

The author, Schele Williams, started with a question: how will I tell them about slavery. Discuss Africa before 1619 and how there were many nations and different languages. Black people are scientists, musicians, dancers and writers. This would be a great book to give to teachers and have the students research all of them.

charlotteccassidy's review

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4.0

Schele Williams writes a book for her children after a quest of a book about slavery to empower its descendents with the truth comes up empty. She empowers the spirit. The illustrations are gorgeous

tsudonkuwali's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

5.0

darshwriter's review

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5.0

Absolutely gorgeous and empowering.

brendangrant's review

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hopeful informative fast-paced

5.0

kidlitlove's review

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5.0

This is a book that you need to have in your classroom and/or in your home! The story is told to an African American listener and it points out that through the horrible history of enslavement, the enslaved people showed love, grace, brilliance, ingenuity, courage and more. The art is beautiful and alive.

erine's review

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4.0

A celebratory look at African-American history, from Africa through the slave trade, from innovators to civil rights fighters, from famous cultural icons to unknown names. I like the traits used as a chorus throughout the book, reiterating the inherent qualities of Black ancestors in order to balance out the traditional trauma-based narrative.

The biggest flaw is that despite lovely author and illustrator notes, there are no additional resources or sources listed. I wanted to find more information, especially about those lesser-known names of history.

beyondevak's review

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4.0

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