Up From the Ashes

by Hannibal B. Johnson, Clay Portis (Illustrator)

Tells the story of the Greenwood community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, its destruction in the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921, and its rebuilding

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There has been a flurry of books about the Tulsa Race Riot recently, so I was interested to see how this book approached the subject since it is a picture book intended for children. While it doesn't mince words in its presentation, it does so without gratuitous histrionics and ends on an uplifting note. It provides the pertinent facts through the eyes of a young boy who watches his community burn to the ground at the hands of an angry mob that had jumped to stereotypical and incorrect conclusions, and it doesn't avoid letting the blame lie where it should. I think it is an appropriate read for middle level elementary students if your goal is to provide them with a more accurate sense of history than they will get from most textbooks. My one disappointment in the book is in the illustrations; they were too comic-book-like for my taste. Others may find them perfect.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this children’s book, and I’m gifting it to my nieces. After recently visiting Greenwood in Tulsa, I’m curious about the other narrative which is that Dick and Sarah were actually a couple. This is not shared in this version. I love and appreciate that the story was written - the illustrations are lovely.

[Loree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children’s book about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The illustrations are very nice. There’s a lot of text so it might be too much for a younger child like 5, but would work for an older around 10.

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this gem at a bookstore in Tulsa during a recent trip. I immediately fell in love with the illustrations and couldn’t wait to share the story with my nieces. It is a beautifully written account of the events that took place in Greenwood in 1921, all through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy named James. The book was packed with historical information that is not too intimidating for children. It’s a wonderful educational source and I highly recommend!