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Title details for Before the Ships by Maisha Oso - Available

Before the Ships

The Birth of Black Excellence

by Maisha Oso
Candice Bradley
Audiobook
1 of 2 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 2 copies available
Before the Ships is a powerful and poetic celebration of the early roots of Black history. The great achievements and accomplishments across Africa prior to the Transatlantic slave trade are told through melodious words, that culminate into the strength and resilience of modern-day Black people.

For so many of us, the first introduction to Black history begins with lessons about slavery. While slavery is a crucial part of African-American history, it is not the beginning. In fact, there is a rich history tied to the continent of Africa that deserves to be told and to be marveled at— which is exactly what Maisha Oso does in Before the Ships.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 1, 2024

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781546120889
      • File size: 7031 KB
      • Duration: 00:14:38

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from May 20, 2024
      “Long before a slave ship sailed,/ we shined like bright stars—/ brilliant and beautiful.” In an insightful picture book, Oso (Buster the Bully) offers an empowering portrait of African peoples “before the ships.” Alliterative and assonant lines expound on the lives of individuals thriving in Africa, where “we birthed creation,/ cradled civilizations,/ nurtured nations”; “we were royalty,/ reigning, ruling entire empires”; “we were doctors, farmers, leaders of tribes”; and much more. In digital illustrations both detailed and sweeping, Bradley (Snowy Mittens) portrays people with a range of skin tones, hairstyles, and dress alongside landscapes that reflect a broad sky. On one spread, warriors sit astride
      elephants, while text references both Hannibal and Amanirenas; on another, children rest in tall grasses while lines describe how “many modern-day sciences stem from our genius.” A narrative turn moves the text into the present day, a time “after the ships,” emphasizing how “we are/ still shining,/ still beautiful,/ still brilliant.” It’s an apt, affirming history that connects readers to ancestors while underlining how “Black lives have always mattered.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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