Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Emotional reframing of U.S. history, slavery, and rebirth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE 1619 PROJECT: BORN ON THE WATER starts with the story of a little African American girl who is challenged by a school assignment that asks her to record her family's lineage and history, because it's unknown to her. Feeling ashamed, she asks her grandmother to tell her the history of their ancestors. Her grandmother tells her the story of the Kingdom of Ndongo in West Central Africa. She shares stories of their rich language, Kimbundu, of their power to grow crops and make metal, of their loving families, and ability to dance and sing, and of their intelligence. The girl's grandmother shares that one day, 400 years ago, in 1619, White people kidnapped them and and stole them from their beloved homeland. She recounts the beginning of American slavery in Virigina and how the enslaved people used their knowledge and perseverance to fight for equality and freedom -- not just with hopes and dreams, but with action. She tells her granddaughter about their family's history of resistance and their legacy of greatness.
Is It Any Good?
This is an exquisite retelling of American history that highlights the legacy of slavery and Black resistance. Written as a series of poems, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is an emotional read. Nikkolas Smith's accompanying rich and engaging illustrations evoke the mood of the words "[...] vibrant energy, some more chaotic and messy, some more peaceful." This is an important book for children, particularly young Black children, that teaches American history through a different lens. Some descriptions and depictions of violence may be difficult for young readers. Themes of the power of hope and love as well as the importance of freedom and equality are present throughout the book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The 1619 Project: Born on the Water starts with a little girl who doesn't know how to complete a school assignment, because she can only trace her family back three generations. Have you ever had unanswered questions about your family? Did it make you feel ashamed or embarrassed? Who were you able to ask for help to get answers?
What's something new you learned about the history of African Americans while reading the book? Don't be afraid to share what you've learned with your friends and family.
Draw a family tree with your loved ones. It's OK if you don't know everything about your family's history. Try to find a trusted a adult who can answer your questions.
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Nikkolas Smith
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kokila
- Publication date : November 16, 2021
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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