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Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation

by Carole Boston Weatherford

A poetic picture-book tribute to African American contributions

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A poetic picture-book tribute to African American contributions

Spanning the nation’s history since independence, Black Hands brings together examples of African American contributions to culture, politics, the economy, and the country’s landscape. Its subjects range from building the White House and shaping jazz to spaceflight and campaigns for social justice. The book also acknowledges that these contributions have often been overlooked, placing achievement alongside the adversity African Americans have faced. Carole Boston Weatherford’s poetic approach makes this a broad introduction to a history told through many kinds of work and influence.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 exploring African American and U.S. history
  • Families and educators seeking a picture-book introduction to African American contributions across different fields

Themes

African American historyCultural and civic contributionsRecognition and historical visibilityAchievement amid adversity

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Commemorate the innumerable ways the African American community has shaped the foundation of the United States in this stunning, poetic picture book from the Caldecott Honor-winning team behind Freedom in Congo Square.

"A perfect complement to Weatherford's weighty words, Christie's art presents a wide range of color schemes. Each vibrant double-page spread contains movement, emotion and power." --The New York Times


Black hands molded clay, chiseled marble,
rendered portraits, and painted vistas.
Black hands penned literary testaments
that have stood the test of time.

Since the United States won independence in 1776, African Americans have contributed greatly to the nation's culture, politics, economy, and landscape. Black Hands celebrates the countless contributions of African Americans--from building the White House, birthing jazz, and landing a man on the moon to pushing for social justice. Black excellence, however, has too often been overlooked.

Black Hands reunites Newbery Honor winner Carole Boston Weatherford and Coretta Scott King award-winning illustrator R. Gregory Christie to chronicle the remarkable progress of African Americans, even in the face of adversity.
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