Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautifully illustrated account of African American history.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In HEART AND SOUL: THE STORY OF AMERICA AND AFRICAN AMERICANS, Kadir Nelson recounts and illustrates the Black American experience throughout America's history. The book covers the horrors of slavery, the drumbeats of war, the rise of Jim Crow laws, and the resolve, determination, and strength of a people determined to be a part of the country they helped built. Heart and Soul explains the socio-economic reasons for slavery, Jim Crow, and the northern migration, all through a first-person narrative.
Is It Any Good?
Author-illustrator Kadir Nelson weaves a compelling, complex, and deeply personal historical account of the Black American experience in this gorgeous book. He creates an epic narrative that shows the birth of a nation juxtaposed against the history of a people who were as responsible for supporting it as anyone else. His compelling first-person perspective combined with his absolutely stunning illustrations makes Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans a must-have for any family's library. It will bring up questions of race, history, and the complexities of American society -- and that's a good thing.
Kids will enjoy the easy storytelling, and parents will appreciate how comprehensive it is, yet age appropriate.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about socio-economic inequality as shown in Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. Why is it important to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to pursue education and positions within American institutions? What does it say about America when this isn't possible?
Many times throughout history -- not just American history -- people have had to stand up for their beliefs, even when it wasn't popular. Why do you think it's important for humans to do this? Have you ever supported a cause?
Take turns imagining not being able to do day-to-day things because of your race or gender. How would you feel if you couldn't go to school because you were right-handed? What would you think if someone passed a law barring boys from being able to play at your favorite park?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kadir Nelson
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : History
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : September 27, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 17
- Number of pages : 108
- Award : Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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