This anthology of stories told by and about African-American slaves, and accounts from their history, should be required reading for anyone studying American history.

Animal tales such as "He Lion," "Bruh Bear," and "Bruh Rabbit," based on stories brought over from Africa by the slaves' forbears, communicate through the antics of their clever underdog heroes the slaves' suppressed desires for freedom and triumph over their masters, while fanciful stories such as "Manuel had a Riddle" conveyed hope for the future.

Hamilton aptly captures all the longing and the loss, the hope and the hurt, that carried these stories (often passed on orally) through the generations. "Remember that these folktales were once a creative way for an oppressed people to express their fears and hopes to one another," Hamilton reminds her readers in the introduction.

The black-and-white drawings that illustrate some selections are rendered in a unique style. The compositions are bold, and some elements break free from their borders, echoing story themes. Moods and feelings are captured with shades and shadows.