Kim C. Lee and Dr. Troy E. Boddy

Alex celebrates Black history and culture on a special field trip.

Ms. Robinson is planning a field trip to the Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery. The students are excited, but one student named Alex is apprehensive. He has learnt about slavery, and doesn’t want the trip to make him sad or angry. Alex’s mom reassures him, and his dad agrees to accompany him on the trip. During the trip, Alex and the other students learn that Black history did not start with slavery, but that slavery interrupted Black history. They learn about the continent of Africa and how enslaved Black people built the foundations of the United States of America. They learn about Black culture; influential Black people such as Martin Luther King Jnr; how Africans created science, mathematics, religion, medicine, and education; the Civil Rights Movement; and notable achievements of Black people. While Alex and some other students are distressed when they hear about racism and discrimination against Black people, Alex is proud when he learns that his own family are part of the history of Sandy Spring.

A Proud History for Alex is an inspiring and thought-provoking picture book for newly independent readers by authors Kim C. Lee and Dr. Troy E. Boddy. The book follows the journey of Alex and a group of young students as they visit the Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery on a school field trip, and learn more about Black history. The book captures Alex’s emotions; his initial apprehension about the trip, and feelings of pride when he learns how enslaved African people built America, and how Black culture has shaped society. The book provides an engaging summary of Black history, accessible for young readers. The authors emphasise the contributions and achievements of African Americans, highlighting their significant role in shaping the nation. The book also addresses the struggles faced by American Americans, in an age-appropriate way. I particularly enjoyed the mixed method artwork, which creates a powerful visual narrative and complements the text beautifully.

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: An inspiring and thought-provoking picture book for younger readers, celebrating Black history and Black culture in the United States.