  | Our story starts in Africa Author: Lawrence, Patrice | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
When Paloma goes to visit her family in Trinidad, she doesn't feel that she fits in. But Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years. Join Tante and her inquisitive niece as they share the story of how her family came to the Caribbean, through the dark days of colonisation and enslavement, to the emergence of a thriving, contemporary community of many faces, places and successes.
| Illustrator: | Gonzales, Jeanetta |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (10/01/22)
Booklist (08/01/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 08/01/2022 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. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
