Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History
By Diondra Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Vibrant celebration of heroes in African American history.
Add 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?
YOUR LEGACY: A BOLD RECLAIMING OF OUR ENSLAVED HISTORY starts with the history of African Americans beginning in 1619, when European slave traders arrived on the shores of Africa to enslave people and transport them to America. Readers are then taken on a journey through the intellect, courage, determination, ingenuity, and brilliance needed for African Americans to move past the history of enslavement and become innovative pioneers in music, science, military efforts, politics, art, and activism. The author stresses that African Americans' legacy is the gifts passed down by ancestors, the biggest gift is freedom, and the next thing that African Americans must strive for is equality.
Is It Any Good?
This picture book is a proud, bold, and vibrant celebration of some of the greatest figures of African American history and their accomplishments. Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our History shows the importance of all African Americans throughout history, as each person, from the enslaved to the celebrities, have taken steps toward freedom and equality for future generations. Tonya Engel's bright illustrations engage readers and create a sense of strength and warmth. Even the youngest readers will understand the clear story being told, the major themes of the book, and the important character traits that define the leaders, artists, and innovative pioneers who are spotlighted.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our History features many prominent figures from African American history. Were you introduced to someone new in the book? Whose story would you like to learn more about?
One of the last pages of the book features the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Have you ever visited this memorial? Have you ever seen a memorial for, or statue of. anyone else in the book? Is there one in your town?
The book shares that African Americans can receive courage, love, strength, and determination from their ancestors. What do these words me to you?
Book Details
- Author: Schele Williams
- Illustrator: Tonya Engel
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism , History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
- Publication date: October 8, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 8
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 9, 2021
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
Exciting Books for Young Kids Learning About Black History
Extraordinary Black Women in American History
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