The People Remember

by Ibi Zoboi, Loveis Wise (Illustrator)

From author Ibi Zoboi comes her debut picture book that uses the principles of Kwanzaa to talk about the history of African Americans.

The People Remember tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It begins in Africa, where people were taken from their homes and families. They spoke different languages and had different customs.

Yet they were bound and chained together and forced onto ships sailing into an unknown future. Ultimately, all these people had to learn one common language and create a culture that combined their memories of home with new traditions that enabled them to thrive in this new land.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Holiday, African American

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2021

About the author

Ibi Zoboi's debut novel American Street was a National Book Award finalist. She is also the New York Times Bestselling author of Pride, My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich, and Punching the Air with co-author and Exonerated Five member, Yusef Salaam. She is the editor of the anthology Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America. Born in Haiti and raised in New York City, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

[Dinah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is important, and it is well executed.
The writing is lyrical, and the illustrations are stunning.
The colors and patterns are bold and beautiful.
The words transcend the page. They dance to a narrative that is 400 years in the making.
Read this book to your children so they, too, can be people who remember.

Zoboi takes readers on a journey that begins in "The Ashanti and the Fulani, the Empire if Mali, the Hausa and Ibo as well as the Kongo, the Yoruba and Akan, the Empire of Songhai, the Kingdom of Dahomey, the Mende and the Fon" because these are the places that African Descendants called home.
We follow the ancestors through their tumultuous journey of having been captives of war who are later sold to a foreign land.
Using the seven principles of Kwanza, the story goes on to methodically describe the history after the first ships arrive on the southern coast of America up until present day.
Transatlantic slave trade, the American Civil War, the Reconstruction Era, the Civil Rights Movement, BLM.
Some of the greats like Dr. King, Jimi Hendrix, Toni Morrison, and Barack Obama are even highlighted along the way.
There is an Author's Note included which gives some insight into her life and Kwanza. This addition, along with a glossary for the seven principles, the timeline of events, and the recommended reading list are all so interesting and add another level to the story. Explanations are crucial for understanding, especially for children. You know their favorite questions are "why?" and "how?" !

Souls have been lost so that other's may gain.
"But the people still remember that with each rising sun is a new day. With each new year is a new dream; a new seed of hope unearthed, dusted, and polished. The people know that there will be a time of peace."
We keep the faith and are hopeful for a kinder, more understanding, and compassionate future.
And always, the people remember.

You do not want to miss out on this book ! The publication date is set for 9/28.

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was.. everything.

it is so important, so beautiful.
ibi zoboi writes such powerful books. i learned so much about kwanzaa through this poetic and stunning book. <3

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is visually spectacular with vibrant illustrations and lyrical poetry - that explains the experiences of the African diaspora. I loved learning about this history.

Grab this book!

[Stephanie A-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An abbreviated history of Africans who would become African Americans and the 7 principles of Kwanzaa, this is a beautifully illustrated book that reminds the reader to never forget our strength and resilience.

[Celia Buell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through poetic text, Zoboi introduces a comprehensive (although not necessarily complete) history of black people in America. Starting with the slave trade, Zoboi describes how the people remember slavery and the greed of African kings, as well as the unity people had to embrace to force an end to slavery.

The people remember
this was a time of war.

The men with the guns,
skin like a pale sun,
the men with the whips,
the men on the ships

watched the people
leave their land,
never to return
as their bare feet
left footprints in the sand.

With each era in black history, Zoboi ends the section with one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The Ashanti and the Fulani,
the Empire of Mali,

the Hausa and the Ibo
as well as the Kongo

the Yoruba and Akan
the Empire of Songhai,

the Kingdom of Dahomey
the Mende and the Fon—

The people remember
they were now
all one.

UMOJA.
Unity.

This format continues, addressing slavery and escape (Kujichagulia - self-determination),

The people remember
...
they can change a time,
a today,
a tomorrow,
but never the past.

The people remember
that they have the power
to change this nation.

Reconstruction and the Great Migration (Ujima - collective work and responsibility), the beginning of de jure segregation and the self- and community-reliance and resilience of black communities North and South (Ujamaa - collective economics), the Civil Rights Movement (Nia - Purpose), the Black Power movement through activism and art (Kuumba - creativity), and the election of Obama and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement (Imani - faith).

The People Remember is a must-have for introducing Black History Month concepts in a classroom setting. It teaches history in a connecting and uplifting way that prioritizes movements and the idea of "the people" as a collective for change.

I do realize there are some things that are lacking, such as the black LGBT community and the representation of children in the movements in general, but overall this presents an excellent introduction to the connections that got us to where we are today in terms of race relations and the current movements. I think that with scaffolding or surrounding lessons both for text complexity and especially for content, The People Remember offers an overarching look at black history that students could comprehend at even a first or second grade level. Older students could use The People Remember as a jumping-off point for a research project on these different eras for black history month (or any time, but we all know how school systems work in terms of this kind of thing).

Overall, a definite 5-star read, and I'm definitely adding this one to the wish list.

*Read for: Children's Book group (Picture Book Club) - February 2023 Holidays Scavenger Hunt - Black History Month

[Jody Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly powerful. The writing by Ibi Zoboi is poetic and impactful. The art by Loveis Wise is gorgeous and moving. I don't even know what to say about this book other than it is quite literally a work of art.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetic look at African American history through the lens of Kwanzaa's principles.

[Sharon Velez Diodonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people remember
that like the rising and setting sun,
the winds turning from cool to warm.

they can change a time,
a today,
a tomorrow,
but never the past.

The people remember
that they have the power
to change this nation.

KUJICHAGULIA.
Self-determination.

Thanks to @harperkids for the gifted copy. I am always grateful for opportunities to read diasporic books. Reading The People Remember by Haitian author Ibi Zoboi and illustrator Love is Wise was a beautiful and immersive experience. It is always special when a book depicts true black history and fosters in pride our ancestral beliefs and practices. I learned so much but I also got reminders of how far black people have come despite America's history continuing to repeat itself. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the writing is full of rich history. I wish they had books like these when I was growing up. Seeing accurate history and diverse representation in literature in childhood can be transformative and helps with self esteem building, promotes community building and emotional intelligence, as well as builds empathy. I hope this book makes its way to every classroom library. I highly recommend everyone pick up a copy and share it with all the children in your life. Summary will be in the comments.

[I'mogén · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook, via Borrowbox.

The Details:
Read by: Robin Miles, afterword read by author.

This was so rich and lyrical. Despite listening to the audiobook and not having the illustrated physical book to hand, it still was so vivid in its language, which was very impressive.

There was a supplement enrichment PDF which gave some extra context and a taste of the stunning illustrations.

Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was special. This is a recounting of the principles of Kwanzaa in the most beautiful, clear, and succinct way I have read. It also was a gorgeous history of Blacks in this country and their arrival and survival. It also was full of hope and joy. It covered their arts as well as political history in the USA. I could go on, but I think I have covered the basics. This boils down to READ IT!

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so beautifully done! It highlights the amazing Black history of Americans without shying away from the truth or being too graphic. Super inspiring and essential for all ages. I am going to make a tradition to read every year for Kwanza 🙌🏽

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book 10 stars - It was an OUTSTANDING read, a story where the words are as vibrant as the illustrations!

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gorgeous. Beautiful words, stunning pictures.

I cried, it's fine.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully told

[The Rudie Librarian (Brian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing. A must own book that teaches about Kwanzaa and the history of African Americans from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to today.

[Shakira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

[This Kooky Wildflower Loves a Little Tea and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrate Kwanzaa. Celebrate the people. Celebrate this book. What a lovely, lyrical look at the holiday and the diaspora it commemorates.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember having a conversation about the need for some expanding books on Kwanza for our libraries. This book will help greatly.

[Katelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the art. Relates African American history of the seven principles of Kwanzaa but does not have to be a holiday read, great any time of year.

[Phobean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is epic. I've never seen anyone attempt to cover 400/500 years in a fiction book for small children, but Ibi Zoboi has done it. I, 43-year old me born to a revolutionary and hippie and raised on indie Black radio out of NY/NJ, learned some things about Black history in the us. The text is really lovely, poetic, and thoughtful, the illustrations are warm and vibrant. A good choice for any home library, as long as a parent or caretaker is willing to do some serious reading (or chunks the book up over a few nights.)

[Ahtiya (BookinItWithAhtiya) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gorgeous and beautifully written picture book chronicles the history of Black Americans from our ancestors’ beginnings in many different nations of Africa through the Middle Passage and chattel slavery into the Reconstruction Era and the Civil Rights movement and right into the modern day Black Lives Matter era. Interwoven through this narrative are the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how these principles have been a pinnacle in the Black community even before Dr. Maulana Karenga officially established Kwanzaa in 1966.

While the book does end a bit abruptly, I enjoyed the lyrical cadence and abstract yet poignant nature of the text and imagery. The artwork is beautiful, and I appreciate the historical timeline of Black people in the US that is in the back of the book. This is a great resource for further explaining the historical context to young children after or before reading. I loved the Author’s Note at the end that goes into Zoboi’s explanation of and connection to Kwanzaa, as well as the list of Further Reading at the back.

[LaQuisha Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read, read and reread by youth and adults together. The illustrations are magical!

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have needed this book for so long. Zoboi weaves together Black history in America, starting with the slave trade (so starting in Africa) and including the whole diaspora. As you read this gorgeous poem, take in the colorful art, you also learn the principles of Kwanzaa. It's amazing, I hope it sells out this holiday season and for years to come. What a joy to read.

[Patricia Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best black history book I've come across. Really glad Harper Kids had a video of Ibi reading it, I believe I got a lot more out of it by listening than I would have just reading it on my own.
Listen to Ibi Zoboi read her new book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWJIa...

[Sharri Not Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reminder of the great ancestors we come from, and the hope we carry because of them. I can’t resist anything penned by Ibi Zoboi, she is simply AMAZING!!! The illustrations are phenomenal; Loveis Wise is one to look out for in the future.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction picture book explores African American history by connecting it to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The book starts with Africa during a time of war when people disappeared or were sold. The history continues as they are taken into slavery, landing in places like South Carolina, Hispaniola and Brazil. Some escaped while those who could not escape found a common language and unity. People today remember the days of slavery, seeing that they have self-determination to change the nation. When slavery ended, the Great Migration came along with music on the streets and in churches, showing their collective work and responsibility. The history continues with examples of places that Black people created themselves and Black people who were successful, showing the principle of cooperative economics. Purpose came with voting rights, marches for civil rights, and the grief and hate of lynching. Creativity is shown again and again with music, dance, writing and more. The book ends with faith, a commitment not to forget and to carry forward with hope for change.

This Zoboi’s picture book debut. Her writing is exceptional, an ode to African Americans and their collective impact on the world. Using the Kwanzaa principles to guide the structure of the book works well, as the book naturally forms into seven sections. Zoboi uses a repeating structure of the various African tribes who were taken to America as slaves. In these sections and throughout, there is a call to Black pride, to seeing oneself as survivors and removing any shame from the narrative. Zoboi works to clearly draw the connection between history and today, showing the continuum that reaches backward and forward.

Wise’s illustrations are filled with lush colors, depicting connections between modern times and history. Their art is flat and graphic, almost poster like in its powerful simplicity. Each one could be framed and used to call out a movement or moment in history.

Powerful, unflinching and important. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A fantastic book that blends the principles of Kwanzaa, Black history, poetry, and breathtaking artwork.

Through moving verse, Zoboi takes the reader though time, recounting significant events in American history. The book remembers the joyful and freeing times as well as the dark and violent ones. From the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Jim Crow laws, and violent killings to the Reconstruction Era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the first Black president.

I love that the book doesn't just focus on traumatic events in history (slavery, Jim Crow), but also on the moments of joy, growth, and community within and around them. This includes music, dance, poetry, inventions, literature, and activism, showing people coming together to create and fight for themselves.

Wonderful artwork that perfectly captures the essence of the text.

The book is quite lengthy as it covers so much history, but can easy be broken down into various reading sections either by historical moments and events (roughly 1-6 page spreads) or by principle (2-6 page spreads). Other elements can be incorporated into these readings to better understand the information presented, such as learning the different dances, listening to specific songs and musical artists, and talking about historical figures mentioned in the text (Octavia Butler, James Baldwin, Madam C. J. Walker, George Washington Carver).

The backmatter is fantastic. There is an Author's Note about Kwanzaa and its connection to history, a breakdown of historical events and times in history, and a list of further reading.

A powerful read and wonderful way to learn and talk about history.

This is a fantastic book to read during Kwanzaa, Black History Month, and throughout the year to remember.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The People Remember by bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and illustrated by Loveis Wise is a beautiful written and illustrated book that tells the story of how Africans were taken from their home and tied together to sail on a boat to America. Some Africans made it to American while others tried to escape on the way. The book goes through history until present day how the African descendants have had to fight, and they are still fighting but the book tells of triumphs that have been made in all areas of life including politics, inventions, business owners, singers, families, activists, voters, musicians, president and more. The African descendants still remember what happened to their relatives and see it still happening in the modern world today.
This book is an amazing walk-through history and makes you feel the fight and struggles that African decedents went through and are still going through. The illustrations in the book are vibrant and add so many visuals to the pages. I think this book would be a great asset to any classroom library and could be use along with history lessons, civil rights lessons and all-around reading for knowledge and enjoyment. I think this book would be best for grades 3rd and up. There is a lot of information in the book and a lot of names that could be researched. I think students much younger may not understand the meaning behind the book. Although the book could be used for young students and the teacher could talk about the pictures and information in a way the students could understand. After coming across this book on Goodreads I knew I had to read it.

[Hiawatha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This free verse text is a brilliantly composed recollection of African American history structured around the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It starts with a highlight of the resilience of those enslaved then exploring the self-built communities of their descendants. This is supplemented by the survival that was essential for African Americans through these two hundred plus years. The illustrations are realistic yet go beyond the words on the page to carry the message by eliciting inquiry and discussion for the reader.

I have three suggestions for teachers deciding to include this text within their classrooms. First, the text is structured around the seven principles of Kwanzaa, but I would not limit the text to just this holiday. This text can be used over the course of the year to explore sections then discuss key events or individuals. Second, Families can read this text together to learn and explore each principle individually. I believe family exploration would allow for discussion about some of the events with more rich context and time for open discussion. Third, this text is a quick read, but it is full of deep content which could be spread over multiple days and spark reader interest to explore more. Teachers might use this as a spark to guide the inclusion of supplemental texts on individuals and historical events. Potentially this would provide students with questions to explore that can be addressed after reading a section. It might also be something that is used to guide a writing unit etc. Think outside the box when using this Coretta Scott King honor book.

[Tiffany (OomilyReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The People Remember written by Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise

PUB DATE: Sept 28, 2021

This incredibly stunning picture book is art itself. It is a powerful poetic tribute to African American history using the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

🕯️Umoja (Unity)
🕯️Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
🕯️Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
🕯️Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
🕯️Nia (Purpose)
🕯️Kuumba (Creativity)
🕯️Imani (Faith)

Author Zoboi & illustrator Wise takes us on a 400 year journey using lyrical prose & rich illustrations through African American History from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, American Civil War, segregation & Jim Crow laws, the Great Migration, Civil Rights movement, Black Power Movement and up until present day with the Movement for Black Lives. It highlights important black figures in history including MLK Jr & Obama.

It begins in Africa during wartime that many different Africans were taken from their homes. While these groups were from different nations, they were bound by the same chains & ultimately learning one common language & creating a culture that allowed them to thrive today in America. They connect through sorrow & joyful history including black culture, music & art.

I loved the Author's Note at the end and the explanations of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa & how it celebrates the identities of the African diaspora as a collective & honors the history & sacrifices of African ancestors.

The People Remember tells the journey of African descendents in America & reverently celebrates Black lives.