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The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers
The riveting story of the McKissack family—the founders of the leading Black design and construction firm in the United States, from its beginnings in the mid-1800s to its thriving status today—in a moving celebration of resilience and innovation.
Captured in his native West Africa and enslaved on American shores by a North Carolina plantation owner, Moses McKissack I began to build his way to emancipation right from the start. Becoming an enslaved craftsman, he picked up the trade his family would become famous for in the earliest years of the 19th century, passing his learnings down to his children and seeing them off to freedom after the Civil War.
The family would settle in Tennessee, getting its bearings in the building trades despite rampant discrimination, establishing a foothold that now sees its latest generations working at the absolute peak of its industry.
The family’s fingerprints have been left all across the United States, spanning from Reconstruction to contemporary times, through projects like the Morris Memorial Building, Capers C.M.E. Church, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Here, Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO and president of McKissack & McKissack, reveals the full fascinating story of her family. So much more than an exploration of architectural achievements, The Black Family Who Built America is also a compelling illustration of how history rhymes and reverberates, and a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and drive change. From Moses’s humble beginnings to Cheryl’s current role as a trailblazer and champion of diversity, the family’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and strategic vision in shaping a legacy that continues to inspire and impact the construction industry.
Captured in his native West Africa and enslaved on American shores by a North Carolina plantation owner, Moses McKissack I began to build his way to emancipation right from the start. Becoming an enslaved craftsman, he picked up the trade his family would become famous for in the earliest years of the 19th century, passing his learnings down to his children and seeing them off to freedom after the Civil War.
The family would settle in Tennessee, getting its bearings in the building trades despite rampant discrimination, establishing a foothold that now sees its latest generations working at the absolute peak of its industry.
The family’s fingerprints have been left all across the United States, spanning from Reconstruction to contemporary times, through projects like the Morris Memorial Building, Capers C.M.E. Church, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Here, Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO and president of McKissack & McKissack, reveals the full fascinating story of her family. So much more than an exploration of architectural achievements, The Black Family Who Built America is also a compelling illustration of how history rhymes and reverberates, and a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and drive change. From Moses’s humble beginnings to Cheryl’s current role as a trailblazer and champion of diversity, the family’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and strategic vision in shaping a legacy that continues to inspire and impact the construction industry.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 12, 2025
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2650 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 7, 2025
The thing with big ideas is that you need to give yourself time to really sit with them and break them down. Cheryl McKissack Daniel's The Black Family Who Built America has plenty of big ideas. Whether it's the story of her ancestors finding a way to make money off their own labor while being enslaved or the trials and tribulations of the current job market, Daniel brings the reader to the precipice of true insight, but unfortunately this book never finishes its own analysis.
For instance, there is an interesting point in the book when Daniel talks about going to an exclusive, predominantly White private school as she grew up. Her family was not rich but also not poor. Daniel talks about how much she and her twin sister hated the school because they felt they stuck out. She makes it clear that they were treated fairly by the teachers and administration, but that their peers clearly saw them as anomalies. This is very intriguing. I wanted so much more of this along with some explanation of exactly this behavior looked like and also how Daniel felt in her own Black community. However, in a book that is just a bit over 200 pages, Daniel quickly moves on without examining too deeply.
Each chapter has threads which would make for a great full-length book on their own. Her childhood hijinks are laugh-out-loud funny, but like everything else quite brief. Her business stories become a blur of names and move too fast to leave a strong impression. Very often, when I am left unsatisfied by a book it is because it overstays its welcome. Daniel needed to realize she could have done the opposite and stayed much longer.
There is still some very good stuff to be found in this book, but unfortunately, it doesn't land as well as it could have.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by Atria Books.)
For instance, there is an interesting point in the book when Daniel talks about going to an exclusive, predominantly White private school as she grew up. Her family was not rich but also not poor. Daniel talks about how much she and her twin sister hated the school because they felt they stuck out. She makes it clear that they were treated fairly by the teachers and administration, but that their peers clearly saw them as anomalies. This is very intriguing. I wanted so much more of this along with some explanation of exactly this behavior looked like and also how Daniel felt in her own Black community. However, in a book that is just a bit over 200 pages, Daniel quickly moves on without examining too deeply.
Each chapter has threads which would make for a great full-length book on their own. Her childhood hijinks are laugh-out-loud funny, but like everything else quite brief. Her business stories become a blur of names and move too fast to leave a strong impression. Very often, when I am left unsatisfied by a book it is because it overstays its welcome. Daniel needed to realize she could have done the opposite and stayed much longer.
There is still some very good stuff to be found in this book, but unfortunately, it doesn't land as well as it could have.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by Atria Books.)
July 13, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Black Family Who Built America, by Cheryl McKissack Daniel, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The McKissack family has come a long way, they started out as slaves, and ending up famous architects. I have never heard of this family before. This book is about a family rise from adversity.
September 5, 2025
I'm happy that I listened to this audiobook. It was really interesting to hear about the history of the McKissack family. I never knew about this family and their business that still runs today. This family had a history of being slaves and after slavery ended, they started this business. I'm happy I went with this on audiobook. It was well done. I loved learning about this part of US history. I think people interested in learning about a little part of US history that isn't well known would like this one.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Currently reading
December 25, 2025
September 27, 2025
A great addition to the canon of black excellence. This is the history of a multi-generational, minority-owned construction management company. Cheryl McKissack is the latest owner and describes her journey to being the current CEO. Laced with American history, the McKissack family is responsible for some of Nashville, TN most iconic and historic buildings at Fisk University, churches and, hospitals across the south. After the operation expands to Philly and New York City, Cheryl describes the non-linear path to becoming a world renowned organization.
August 3, 2025
Cheryl McKissack tells the story of her family business starting with her Great-Great Grandfather Moses who traveled during the Middle Passage to North Carolina. When he was freed slave he started a business called McKissack Contractor which was rare because most people did not hire black contractors during the recession. His two son inherited his business which is now McKissack McKissack. After they both died Cheryl's mother became the CEO and it eventually passed on to Cheryl. This company has been threatened with hard time several time throughout the years but it is still going strong. It has built a lot of the Churches in Memphis and many National Historical Sites. Through it all this is a story of how a black construction company endured both sexism and racism to be one of the prominent African America businesses in the country. Cheryl tell her story like she is sitting with you one on one recalling her family history along with the her own. We learn about her parents and her marriages. We learn how business is run in New York and how she has met all the movers and shakers in industry. She has learn the in and outs of how to be successful in New York. The only downside I can say is I wish she would elaborate more on the topics she discussed and she seemed to jump around from topic to topic. Overall, I found this to be very interesting memoir of her family. Thank you NetGalley for this free arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2025
The Black Family Who Built America by Cheryl McKissack Daniel is an extraordinary work of history, legacy, and truth-telling. This book traces five generations of the McKissack family, revealing how a formerly enslaved family built one of the most influential Black-owned construction and engineering firms in the United States — against overwhelming odds.
Daniel masterfully weaves together family history, archival research, and lived experience to show how the McKissacks helped physically shape America while being systematically excluded from its rewards. From post-slavery beginnings to major contributions across the South and in cities like New York, the book documents how their work helped build universities, churches, and landmark structures — including key buildings on Fisk University’s campus.
What makes this book especially compelling is its honesty. Daniel does not romanticize the journey. She addresses racism, exclusion from unions, financial barriers, and the emotional toll of being both highly skilled and deliberately overlooked. Yet the story never loses its sense of pride or purpose. Each generation adapts, perseveres, and innovates, turning barriers into blueprints for survival and success.
This book belongs in the same historical conversation as stories about the Fords, Rockefellers, and other industrial dynasties — not as a comparison, but as a correction. The McKissack family helped build America, and this book rightfully restores their place in that narrative.
Daniel masterfully weaves together family history, archival research, and lived experience to show how the McKissacks helped physically shape America while being systematically excluded from its rewards. From post-slavery beginnings to major contributions across the South and in cities like New York, the book documents how their work helped build universities, churches, and landmark structures — including key buildings on Fisk University’s campus.
What makes this book especially compelling is its honesty. Daniel does not romanticize the journey. She addresses racism, exclusion from unions, financial barriers, and the emotional toll of being both highly skilled and deliberately overlooked. Yet the story never loses its sense of pride or purpose. Each generation adapts, perseveres, and innovates, turning barriers into blueprints for survival and success.
This book belongs in the same historical conversation as stories about the Fords, Rockefellers, and other industrial dynasties — not as a comparison, but as a correction. The McKissack family helped build America, and this book rightfully restores their place in that narrative.
September 17, 2025
American history is always interesting, but Black history even more so. When you read this book you learn about the McKissack family and how they were instrumental when it came to being part of the fabric of what made this country.
With the author, Cheryl McKissack Daniel, recounting the history of her family, all while developing her own story, this story makes me think of aspects of my past. For example, her attending all white schools. I remember my senior year, and there were two other Black students besides myself, and I was the only Black graduate in my senior year. Definitely felt like a sore thumb, making me resonate with McKissack the more I read.
With her family coming to America as slaves, the literally came a long way. This is a family that more people need to learn about and I hope that through the pages of this book that they are able to do so.
Many thanks to Atria/Black Privilege Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
With the author, Cheryl McKissack Daniel, recounting the history of her family, all while developing her own story, this story makes me think of aspects of my past. For example, her attending all white schools. I remember my senior year, and there were two other Black students besides myself, and I was the only Black graduate in my senior year. Definitely felt like a sore thumb, making me resonate with McKissack the more I read.
With her family coming to America as slaves, the literally came a long way. This is a family that more people need to learn about and I hope that through the pages of this book that they are able to do so.
Many thanks to Atria/Black Privilege Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 1, 2025
I thought this book was very interesting, I just wished it talked more about the history of the McKissacks and how they got started. I didn’t know about the Birth of a Nation film being the foundation of Hollywood and that there hadn’t been a skyscraper built by a black person in New York until 2024. Overall I learned a lot about a family I hadn’t heard of before!
“If you plant seeds, what grows from those seeds is going to be based on what you planted.”
“If you plant seeds, what grows from those seeds is going to be based on what you planted.”
July 15, 2025
This book speaks a lot of the history of McKissack, but it does for the majority of the time follow Cherly, her story, of the struggles she had to go through with the business and having to learn first hand how to grow from mistakes as well as personal stories was intriguing. She was given a family business where she had to be the one to make sure it grew or that family legacy ended with her. I loved the chapters where she spoke of her personal experiences whether it’s having to survive an all white school or smoking with her mom. Her personality really shines through in those chapters, she is funny and brings the stories to life. The more technical sides when she speaks of the family business at times were not as engaging there were a lot of names of other business owners and people in that world that it got to be too much at time. I had to go back to make sure I was getting the names and their business right. One thing that is sadly still so prevalent today that she spoke of was the treatment of minorities, in this case, African Americans, in modern day she had to fight to continue doing business because of some rule invented to keep minorities from advancing much like what previous generations had to go through to build this business. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in modern days or the past it always seems POCs have to fighter harder to advance in society. This story though brought to light the fight the McKissacks put up to survive and build their empire. Thank you Atria Books for the arc as well as NetGalley.
November 15, 2025
The Black Family Who Built America by Cheryl McKissack Daniels, I love non-fiction books but do not like autobiographies. this one was a mixture of both and I found it entertaining and an honest betrayal by the author. She wasn’t boastful she was honest about everything from being uncomfortable around the white kids at her pre-K due to never being around them which I found to be a reasonable thing where a lot of authors would’ve slanted this to be a book about cruel white people she told the facts and if those were ugly facts that’s what they were she told the story of her family something you can tell she derives a lot of pride from and to think that a skill taught to slaves turned out to be a skill he took into his new free life and used it to build an empire. She talked about her and her twin sister Darrell and older sister growing up in a loving neighborhood it made me wish I could’ve put my white gloves on and went to dine at her uncles house once a month along with her. I loved everything from the history in this book to learning about her and her families modern day life not to mention she’s a black woman running a $1 billion business it really was a great book and an inspiration to many this should be given as reading homework to high school students. The book isn’t a long one nor does she delve deep into many subjects she brings up but just enough to get the jest of what she’s saying and I found it very interesting in a book definitely worth recommending. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #CherylMcKissackDaniels,#TheBlackFamilyWhoBuiltAmerica,
August 31, 2025
In this fascinating family history, readers discover the McKissack family’s story and how they became the founders of the top Black design and construction firm in the United States. Tracing the family’s journey from West Africa to enslavement in North Carolina and their relocation to Tennessee after the Civil War, the book highlights the family’s involvement in a variety of incredible projects around the country over the last three centuries. Told by current CEO and president Cheryl McKissack Daniel, this book really brings this powerful story about human achievement and hard work to life in incredible detail, and the family’s connections to various historical events and building projects highlight how people can make their place in history. Packed with details yet totally engaging, readers will enjoy the accessibility and readability of this book and McKissack Daniel’s awareness of her family’s history. This unique personal angle combines some fascinating topics which readers will enjoy, and the depth of detail and information makes this a thoroughly engaging read. Well-written, interesting, detailed, and fascinating, history and architecture fans alike will enjoy this book’s presentation of the McKissack family’s incredible history and relationship to some of the most iconic buildings and locations around the United States.
Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Black Privilege Publishing for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Black Privilege Publishing for the advance copy.
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August 8, 2025Cheryl McKissack Daniel's “The Black Family Who Built America” tells the remarkable true story of the McKissack family, whose work in design and construction has left a lasting mark on the United States. Starting with Moses McKissack I, who was captured in West Africa and enslaved in North Carolina, the book traces how skill, determination, and craftsmanship became an incredible family legacy. Over several generations, the McKissack family built their way from bondage and Reconstruction-era struggles to becoming leaders in their field.
Daniel, the current CEO of McKissack & McKissack, shares both the personal and professional history of her family, and shows how they overcame the systemic racism and economic obstacles that plague the U.S. to establish one of the most respected Black-owned architecture, engineering, and construction management firms in the country. The book highlights their contributions to projects ranging from historic churches to major landmarks such as JFK International Airport and Lincoln Financial Field.
“The Black Family Who Built America” is more than a story about architecture. It is about persistence, perseverance, vision, and the drive to create opportunities where none seemed possible. This book is both a celebration of a groundbreaking family and an inspiring reminder of the impact that talent and resilience can have across generations.
Daniel, the current CEO of McKissack & McKissack, shares both the personal and professional history of her family, and shows how they overcame the systemic racism and economic obstacles that plague the U.S. to establish one of the most respected Black-owned architecture, engineering, and construction management firms in the country. The book highlights their contributions to projects ranging from historic churches to major landmarks such as JFK International Airport and Lincoln Financial Field.
“The Black Family Who Built America” is more than a story about architecture. It is about persistence, perseverance, vision, and the drive to create opportunities where none seemed possible. This book is both a celebration of a groundbreaking family and an inspiring reminder of the impact that talent and resilience can have across generations.
August 13, 2025
"The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers" by Cheryl McKissack Daniel is an extraordinary masterpiece that vividly chronicles the incredible journey of a family whose perseverance carved a significant mark in American history. This book is not just a recounting of events; it’s an inspiring narrative that showcases the strength, determination, and resilience of the McKissack family across generations.
Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s storytelling is both engaging and enlightening. Her writing is excellently crafted, seamlessly weaving personal anecdotes with historically relevant context. The narrative flows effortlessly, making it an easy and compelling read for anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject matter.
What stands out most is how the book highlights the McKissacks' unwavering commitment to success amidst adversity. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and family legacy. It provides invaluable insights into America's history through the lens of a family that dared to dream and succeeded against the odds.
I wholeheartedly give this book 5 stars. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in American history, inspiring family legacies, or stories of triumph over adversity. Cheryl McKissack Daniel has truly gifted us with a gem that honors her family’s legacy while educating and inspiring readers.
Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s storytelling is both engaging and enlightening. Her writing is excellently crafted, seamlessly weaving personal anecdotes with historically relevant context. The narrative flows effortlessly, making it an easy and compelling read for anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject matter.
What stands out most is how the book highlights the McKissacks' unwavering commitment to success amidst adversity. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and family legacy. It provides invaluable insights into America's history through the lens of a family that dared to dream and succeeded against the odds.
I wholeheartedly give this book 5 stars. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in American history, inspiring family legacies, or stories of triumph over adversity. Cheryl McKissack Daniel has truly gifted us with a gem that honors her family’s legacy while educating and inspiring readers.
November 5, 2025
The Black Family Who Built America is an inspiring piece of history about the rise of McKissack & McKissack. McKissack & McKissack is the oldest minority and woman-owned professional design and construction company in the nation. Cheryl McKissack Daniel brings us the miraculous story of how her company was started and how it is thriving even today. She is the fifth generation of the McKissack family that runs this 200-year-old business.
This book also gives readers the McKissack family history from slavery to the present and how the construction business was born. The McKissack family is responsible for many buildings on Fisk University campus as well churches, and other projects in New York.The Black Family Who Built America shows that the McKissack family should be included in the same breath as the Ford’s, Rockefeller’s, and others of being one of the pioneers that built America.
This book also gives readers the McKissack family history from slavery to the present and how the construction business was born. The McKissack family is responsible for many buildings on Fisk University campus as well churches, and other projects in New York.The Black Family Who Built America shows that the McKissack family should be included in the same breath as the Ford’s, Rockefeller’s, and others of being one of the pioneers that built America.
July 28, 2025
A Powerful and Unforgettable Legacy
This book is both a historical treasure and a deeply personal journey that spans over 200 years of resilience, brilliance, and innovation. From slavery to modern-day leadership in architecture, construction, and education, the McKissacks’ legacy is not just told—it is honored.
What makes this book exceptional is its ability to interweave national history with family triumphs. It paints a vivid picture of what it meant to be Black builders in a country that too often tried to silence their contributions.
It educates, uplifts, and inspires, offering proof that Black excellence is not a modern invention but a deeply rooted tradition. A must-read for anyone who values truth-telling, legacy, and the power of Black perseverance.
Highly recommended for readers of history, architecture, and anyone who believes in the power of family and purpose.
This book is both a historical treasure and a deeply personal journey that spans over 200 years of resilience, brilliance, and innovation. From slavery to modern-day leadership in architecture, construction, and education, the McKissacks’ legacy is not just told—it is honored.
What makes this book exceptional is its ability to interweave national history with family triumphs. It paints a vivid picture of what it meant to be Black builders in a country that too often tried to silence their contributions.
It educates, uplifts, and inspires, offering proof that Black excellence is not a modern invention but a deeply rooted tradition. A must-read for anyone who values truth-telling, legacy, and the power of Black perseverance.
Highly recommended for readers of history, architecture, and anyone who believes in the power of family and purpose.
September 5, 2025
Excellent for individuals with an interest in American architecture and construction. I found the history quite interesting, but got bogged down by the all the time spent discussing contracts over the many years that Cheryl was in control of the company. I feel I would have been kept engaged more if it had spend a bit more time describing their many award winning builds or the features of their architecture, rather than the heavy focus on contracts and the process of dealing with government to procure said contracts. The main focus is about how Cheryl manages the company rather than architecture and the building of these iconic American structures.
Rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank-you NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Rounded up to 4 stars.
Thank-you NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
October 10, 2025
Loved It!
This book is so necessary and I am glad that it was written. I first saw Cheryl on the Earn Your Leisure podcast and since then I watched a few other interviews and became fascinated with her. Now this book is here and I learned so much about her family's history literally building up this country. Even though she had to go through struggles gaining contracts and going up against bigger companies she still persevered and kept the family business alive. I know I am proud of what has been accomplished this far by her and her family. Here's to 100 more years in business and beyond.
This book is so necessary and I am glad that it was written. I first saw Cheryl on the Earn Your Leisure podcast and since then I watched a few other interviews and became fascinated with her. Now this book is here and I learned so much about her family's history literally building up this country. Even though she had to go through struggles gaining contracts and going up against bigger companies she still persevered and kept the family business alive. I know I am proud of what has been accomplished this far by her and her family. Here's to 100 more years in business and beyond.
October 24, 2025
I enjoyed this book, largely because I had a construction contracting business at one time. But I think others (particularly women and blacks of both genders) will too. It traces the history of a 200-year-old business built by a family of history-making architects, engineers and entrepreneurs, now run by its 5th-generation CEO and president. There are interesting and revealing details about the business and its projects that one can learn from. (Cheryl wasn't afraid to name names either.) Within the mix of what some will consider technical industry jargon, she includes enough family lore and personal anecdotes to keep the reader moving along and entertained.
December 9, 2025
The Black Family Who Built America dives into the history of the McKissack family, owners and founders of the first Black architecture firm in America.
There were many aspects of this book I found interesting, and the author highlights ways that racism has and continues to affect them. My favorite sections were about the early years about the company’s founding. I found myself less interested in the nitty-gritty business details. It bounces back and forth between history and Cheryl’s life, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had done one rather than try to do both.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
There were many aspects of this book I found interesting, and the author highlights ways that racism has and continues to affect them. My favorite sections were about the early years about the company’s founding. I found myself less interested in the nitty-gritty business details. It bounces back and forth between history and Cheryl’s life, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had done one rather than try to do both.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 12, 2025
If goodreads had half stars this would be 3 and a half. It was a good interesting book, but it almost felt like it was 3 different books in one and they didn't always mesh well, and i don't think the jumping back and forth helped the flow of the book much. But it was a good story of a family business still standing today that started when Slavery ended by former slaves. Seeing all the struggles the business has faced throughout American history was very interesting overall it was a good 3 and a half star book.
November 22, 2025
As a retired government contractor familiar with design and build business developer/marketer and a certified program manager I really getting a glimpse "behind the scenes" of a construction company. it was very enlightening to read about this from a women's/head of the company's perspective. it was admirable that they kept themselves "clean" given all the illegal, greasing palm activities that go on in the industry. I learned a lot. It was hard to keep up on what year we were in because it was not necessarily chronological. Will be interesting to see what happens when "the boss" retires.
December 28, 2025
I was hoping for more on what is an incredible family story. The patriarch, Moses, arrives as a child victim of the slave trade to the "auction" in Charlotte, NC. Owned by the McKissack family, he is trained in construction. Several generations later, the family owned and operated construction business has been passed to Cheryl McKissack. A family owned business, McKissack & McKissack was initiated by a slave and is now operated by a woman. It should have been a great story, but it's very thin on information and moves around a lot for a 235 pg book.
July 14, 2025
This book was full of so many interesting stories and anecdotes but failed to really tell a comprehensive story of the McKissack famiy. I marked off several points to research later and enjoyed looking up a lot of the buildings mentioned but the book could have easily tied in more details. This book had great intentions and is an extremely interesting subject, it just lacks cohesiveness and direction.
July 16, 2025
An epic journey! So many are not able to trace their family history back to slavery and before. I loved the pride, detail, and caring that follows through the chapters. For me, reading the preface was the perfect back drop for the rest of the story. I would recommend to really start at the very beginning as it makes your heart sing as each chapter tells the story of a growing family and success. A good read.
August 8, 2025
Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s family history is incredible and her personal stories are full of personality and love. I laughed out loud quite a few times. But overall, the book felt rushed. There were so many great moments that could’ve been explored more deeply, but instead it jumped from topic to topic too quickly. I wanted more time with each story...
Thank you netgalley and Atria/Black Privilege Publishing for my ebook arc!
Thank you netgalley and Atria/Black Privilege Publishing for my ebook arc!
October 2, 2025
An important story of a successful black owned construction and architecture business which got its start when Cheryl's enslaved great great grandfather figured out how to use his skills on the ide to make money. I'd never heard of this family and it's successful which reminds me how little black history is included in our education.
I t think I would have preferred reading this to listening to it
I t think I would have preferred reading this to listening to it
November 6, 2025
I’ve known of Mckissack & McKissack and their work in NYC for years.
It reads like part Cheryl’s memoir, an homage to the Mckissack ancestors, and a tell all on the politics in construction industry.
The book gave interesting insight into the family’s history and legacy in America.
There’a a lot to enjoy and at times it feels like the book jumps timelines and perspectives- not easy fitting 200 years of history into one book while trying to keep the reader engaged.
It reads like part Cheryl’s memoir, an homage to the Mckissack ancestors, and a tell all on the politics in construction industry.
The book gave interesting insight into the family’s history and legacy in America.
There’a a lot to enjoy and at times it feels like the book jumps timelines and perspectives- not easy fitting 200 years of history into one book while trying to keep the reader engaged.
November 12, 2025
I won an ARC of this book from Goodreads giveaways.
The book follows a very interesting and inspiring story of the McKissacks family. I really enjoy these insights.
However I found the book pretty difficult to follow bc of the manner in which the author was continually jumping around a timeline and inserting random information on when and how people died. I felt that the author could have been clearer in her storytelling and also more reflective.
The book follows a very interesting and inspiring story of the McKissacks family. I really enjoy these insights.
However I found the book pretty difficult to follow bc of the manner in which the author was continually jumping around a timeline and inserting random information on when and how people died. I felt that the author could have been clearer in her storytelling and also more reflective.
July 12, 2025
This was a very interesting and insightful novel. This novel delivers the historical background of a family and the journey to rise to the national firm it is today. I found the behind the scenes information of contracts and construction of buildings fascinating knowing very little about the industry. It was a quick read that held my attention.
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