Invincible

July 15, 2023
Hudson pays tribute to the brave African American foremothers and -fathers who led the way. With admiration and unflinching detail, the author explores the early years of Black America. Captured from their homes in Africa, shipped as human cargo, "sold like goods," and enslaved in fields and homes, these people from different backgrounds fought back in various ways against brutal treatment. When freedom "rang" for the new nation, it didn't ring for Black people, enslaved or free. But Black people organized, "overcame and withstood," ultimately creating Black America, "a place for them to be!" Three spreads of dates from 1738 to 1831 list accomplishments that mark the beginning of Black America before the final pages relate those early efforts to today's experiences. Hudson's text is lyrical and lively, and the unique focus on the early years of creating what is now known as Black America results in a welcome addition to children's bookshelves. The unconventional format, with a timeline in the middle, makes this best suited for independent readers. Extensive backmatter will further satisfy curious readers. Lewis' watercolor and gouache illustrations combine portraits, scenes, and spot art; a hazy effect obscures details. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A solid offering affirming Black American identity. (author's and artist's notes, historical context, sources) (Informational picture book. 6-10)

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September 25, 2023
Hudson and Lewis honor the “brave Black pioneers who built... Black America” in this picture book overview. Early lines detail how, “From Africa they were captured./ Chained and crammed into the hulls of/ ships.../ Mandinka. Fon. Bakongo. Chamba. Abron. Fulani./ Akan. Wolof. Igbo. Yoruba. Mbundu.” Subsequent pages describe enslavement, restrictive laws, and brutality that extended well after freedom rang for others, and call readers to witness how “these courageous Americans of a darker hue, enslaved and free, push onward with freedom always a beckoning call.” Their organizing (“contribution by/ contribution”) leads to the creation of Black America, represented in a mid-volume outline that details figures and accomplishments from 1738 to 1831. Watercolor and gouache illustrations from Lewis are partially obliterated by rough opaque strokes of white until the timeline of Black America emerges in saturated hues. Extensive back matters includes creators’ notes. Ages 7–10.

Starred review from September 1, 2023
Grades 3-5 *Starred Review* Arriving at a time when Black history is being challenged around the country, Invincible is a powerful, gorgeous testimony of resistance. The language is unadorned, the tone insistent; Lewis' illustrations are infused with a power that is strikingly different from the tender watercolors of his earlier works. The book tells of Black resistance and organization and the creation of Black communities and institutions where people flourish in the face of merciless racism. Three pages list the dates, names, and contributions of Black Americans whose lives and work established some of the values all Americans cherish today: caring for the poor, advocating for women, organizing against racism, supporting theater, art, and music, and much more. Invincible demands we recognize that the history of the U.S. is both glorious and ugly. The clarity of the narrative, complemented by the artwork, makes this complicated and contradictory reality accessible to young readers and will spark many important conversations about who we are as a people, as well as who we should strive to be. Back matter includes the author's motivation for creating this book, plus supplemental historical context and the illustrator's explanation about symbolism, history, and art. A necessary addition to all classrooms and libraries.

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