The ABCs of Black History, Rio Cortez
The ABCs of Black History, Rio Cortez
List: $4.99 | Sale: $3.50
Club: $2.49

The ABCs of Black History

Author: Rio Cortez

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Unabridged: 55 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/15/2022


Synopsis

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“In rhyming couplets, Cortez leads readers on a journey through Black life that acknowledges pain and struggle while building confidence with examples of triumph. It’s a tricky maneuver when writing for children, but Cortez pulls it off.” – The New York Times"A uniquely crafted ABC book that portrays some of the most important events in Black History with a vibrancy and joy that young children will absolutely love.” – Parade "...The layers of history are plentiful and complex....A useful mentor text for writing projects, a springboard for research, and an essential addition to classroom libraries." – BooklistIn addition to the rhyming text, this recording features introductory information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc. This moving performance by award-winning narrator Bahni Turpin is full of poetry, history, and inspiration for listeners of all ages.B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright! And for a Book that takes a Bold journey through the alphabet of Black history and culture.   Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy.   It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and triumph that can be enjoyed again and again.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Raymond on December 16, 2020

I heard about this book on Kirkus Reviews podcast, Fully Booked. Its powerful and the illustrations are really good.......more

Goodreads review by Reading_ on November 03, 2020

Such a wholesome, amazing book on the history of the Black community all around the world! This one is educational in a really fun manner with all that loud, vibrant illustrations and that powerful yet charming writing. All the way to go! I got to learn about the various culture and important histori......more

Goodreads review by Mariah Roze on March 16, 2021

"An alphabet book that presents key names, moments, and places in Black history with simple text lyrically written by poet Rio Cortez. This is an opportunity for children to learn their ABCs to the sound of words beyond apple, boy, and cat, and an opportunity for young thinkers to prepare for big id......more

Goodreads review by Morris on August 13, 2020

This is a stunning book in regards to both illustrations and content. I learned quite a bit from it as an adult and it can be used by homeschoolers to start many different lessons. Highly recommended! This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.......more

Goodreads review by Jessica on July 16, 2020

The ABCs of Black History is a beautifully written and illustrated rhyming nonfiction book, perfect for all ages. From read alouds to individual reading and research, this book will educate and inspire students to learn even more about black history. It also includes a highly informative glossary th......more


Quotes

“In rhyming couplets, Cortez leads readers on a journey through Black life that acknowledges pain and struggle while building confidence with examples of triumph. It’s a tricky maneuver when writing for children, but Cortez pulls it off.” - The New York Times

"A uniquely crafted ABC book that portrays some of the most important events in Black History with a vibrancy and joy that young children will absolutely love.” - Parade

"...The layers of history are plentiful and complex....A useful mentor text for writing projects, a springboard for research, and an essential addition to classroom libraries." - Booklist

“An impressive array of names, events, and concepts from Black history are introduced in this alphabet book for early-elementary readers... The rhyming verses are light on the tongue, making the reading smooth and soothing. The brightly colored, folk art–style illustrations offer vibrant scenes of historical and contemporary Black life..." - Kirkus Starred Review 

“Poet Cortez pens an informative ode to Black history in her children’s book debut—for each letter of this abecedarian, she offers lightly alliterative, rhyming text that illuminates historically significant concepts and figures…A particularly resonant spread shows a crowd holding signs that reflect both historical and current events, including “We March with Selma” and “We Can’t Breathe,” demonstrating to young readers how past occurrences affect the present… A richly accessible resource for anyone seeking to celebrate Black visionaries.” - Publishers Weekly