The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones
A Review By: SY
The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse, adapted for audio, chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson.
A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders.
But before that, they had a home, a land, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived.
And the people planted dreams and hope,
willed themselves to keep
living, living.
And the people learned new words
for love
for friend
for family
for joy
for grow
for home.
With powerful verse and striking illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, Born on the Water provides a pathway for listeners of all ages to reflect on the origins of American identity.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renee Watson
“Who are you? Trace your roots."
"Draw a flag that represents your ancestral land."
This assignment is given by a teacher, and a young African American student has difficulty completing it due to the abrupt ending suffered by many African American family trees. The storytelling is heartbreaking and truthful, teaching young minds that the arrival of Black people in America was "no immigration story." Without being shocking, the 26-minute narrative is sharply honest, providing listeners with imagery of the atrocities forced upon Africans during their capture, transport and subsequent enslavement. At the same time, there are threads of resilience, strength and courage that accompany the tale, instilling a sense of pride in the Black experience and the power that resides in creating one's own origin story.
Despite many African Americans lacking specific details about family lineages that trace to Africa, the book does a beautiful job of describing the whole of African life before people were forced into captivity and enslavement. It was vibrant and prosperous with its own languages, cultural dances, cuisines and community.
The title issues a strong moral imperative, and the author/narrator Hannah-Jones, does a great job of delivering the history and hope to young listeners.
It is recommended that a trusted adult listen along with a child - some of the narrative may cause emotional responses or confusion, and handling those questions or emotions in real-time may be comforting.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? Human or animal loss, Physical abuse/violence
