An American Story

A teacher searches for the words to tell her class about American slavery, tracing the story from fireside tales in Africa through the Atlantic crossing to the fields of the South.

For families ready to open up a hard conversation together, this book offers the words when your own words run out.

• Big idea: Some histories are painful to tell but essential to know — and telling the truth is itself an act of honoring those who endured it.
• Vibes: Solemn, poetic, and ultimately hopeful — heavy subject matter carried by lyrical language and striking artwork.

• are ready to learn about difficult chapters in American history
• respond well to poetic, rhythmic language
• benefit from a classroom or family read-aloud on race and history
• are curious about where their questions about the past come from

• Story & framing: Why do you think the teacher in this book finds it hard to explain slavery to her students?
• Real-life connection: Have you ever had to talk about something that was hard to put into words? How did you do it?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think it felt to be taken from home and carried across the ocean, like the book describes?
• Imagination: What do you picture when you hear about the fireside tales told in the African village at the start of the book?
• Bigger picture: Why do you think it's important for all of us to know and understand this story?