Family movie night? There's an app for that
Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.
The People Remember
By Diondra K. Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Emotional book ties 500-year history to Kwanzaa principles.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE PEOPLE REMEMBER encompasses a collective history of African descendants in America from 1518 to 2021. In a developmentally appropriate manner, the book shares the great joys and accomplishments of African descendants in the United States, as well as the unjust sorrows that have been forced upon them. The importance of the impact of major historical events, such as the Civil War and the Black Power movement, are featured alongside the accomplishments of prominent figures, such as President Barack Obama and Alice Walker. The book is about survival and innovation, death and life, celebration and loss. The story connects all of these themes, to the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Is It Any Good?
Author Ibi Zoboi expertly takes readers through the heart-wrenching and spiritual journey of African descendants in America in this emotional book. The experience of reading The People Remember is both saddening and hopeful. Readers are drawn in to the 30-page story with bright, rich, dynamic illustrations. This is a must-read for audiences young and old to better understand the course of history for African descendants in America. We can't know where we're going without knowing how we got here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the seven principles of Kwanzaa inspired The People Remember. Did you learn something new about Kwanzaa? Is this a holiday you and your family celebrate? If so, what's your favorite tradition?
The People Remember discusses events from a long period of history. What is something new you learned about American history from the book?
Some things in the book are hard to read about or see. Discuss your feelings with a parent, teacher, or trusted adult in your life.
Book Details
- Author: Ibi Zoboi
- Illustrator: Loveis Wise
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray
- Publication date: September 29, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 64
- Available on: Hardback
- Award: Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated: January 24, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate