Books of Wonder

An American Story

An American Story - Main image
$14.24 $18.99 In stock

Category: Picture Books

*Winner of the 2024 Coretta Scott King Award!*

#1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history.

From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people's struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.

With stunning mixed-media illustrations by newcomer Dare Coulter, this is a potent book for those who want to speak the truth. Perfect for family sharing, the classroom, and homeschooling.

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Customer Reviews (5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Matthew W. ★★★★★

This book’s poetry is so powerful it made me tear up on the first read — the way it weaves history with hope is something special. My kids asked to hear it twice in one night, which never happens.

Benjamin L. ★★★★★

Gifted this to my nephew and we ended up reading it twice in one sitting — the illustrations alone sparked a whole conversation about history. Kwame Alexander’s writing has this rhythm that keeps even young kids hooked, and knowing it won the Coretta Scott King Award makes it feel extra special to s

Isabella I. ★★★★★

I read this aloud to my third-graders and the illustrations alone sparked a whole discussion about hope and resilience—the way the faces carry so much emotion without a single word. It earned that Coretta Scott King Award for a reason, and the spare text hits hard without being preachy.