Africa: A Look Back

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

The "Drama of African-American History" series is designed to offer readers an overview of elements of history that can help create a deeper understanding of the contributions Black people have made in America. The first title of this set, Africa, A Look Back, takes readers back in time to the era that bordered the commencement of the terrible slave gathering. In this illustrated work readers will see elements of African history, culture, and heritage. This complex story is told through the lives of four men who were born in various parts of Africa but became forcibly enslaved. Through these four voices, youngsters will be introduced to what life was like in African societies prior to the crushing burden of slave catchers, European colonization, and the destruction of much of traditional life. Through the use of direct quotations and citations drawn from 18th century narratives linked to these four men, the authors of this well developed study tell a fascinating story. This is a well researched and carefully structured book that sets the stage for later titles in the parent series. As such Africa, A Look Back both stands alone as a fine contribution to Black studies and as a link in the chain of research that goes into this set.

VOYA - KaaVonia Hinton-Johnson

What rights did slaves owned by Africans have? Were Europeans the first to exploit and enslave Africans? Are Africans themselves to blame for slavery in the Americas? What are the existing effects of slavery on the descendents of slaves and slaveowners? These stimulating questions and others are explored in this series. The books treat one topic and follow a similar structure with six chapters. Attractive color photos, maps, and informative sidebars on topics such as "The Overseer's Lash," "The Underground Railroad," "Serving the Confederacy," and "What the Black Man Wants" add text appeal. Each volume opens with a detailed summary of the book's content and information about how it links to other books in the series. Africa: A Look Back examines the continent as presented in the pages of original slave narratives written by Olaudah Equiano, Ayuba Ben Suleiman Diallo, Mahommah Gardo Baquaqua, and Venture Smith. The Slave Trade and the Middle Passage begins with a description of slavery as it existed in Africa during the 1400s, before Europeans entered the continent. Discussions on slavery and race suggest that Africans, although initially treated as servants, were always treated unjustly (e.g., "Frequently their terms of indenture were longer than whites."). The book also contains an in-depth discussion of the "trade Triangle," the Middle Passage, and the legacy of slavery. Well researched and documented, other series titles include Slavery and Resistance, The Civil War, and The Reconstruction Era. Teachers might want to select this valuable resource over existing ones because it provides a point of view that is sure to fuel debate and a thirst for answers, especially inthe wake of the recent banter requesting reparations and a national apology for slavery.