Walter Dean Myers writes "Before you go forward, you must know where you have been." Myers' dynamic rendering of African-American history provides three distinct dimensions for such self-knowledge and progress: a general chronological summary, specific biographical accounts and a striking patchwork of personal ancestry. Throughout his overview of events and conditions of the enslavement of the African peoples, Myers interweaves compelling human stories. "What we understand of our history is what we understand of ourselves," he says, and so he interprets the necessary creation of the African-American extended family and the prevalence of certain means of expression within African-American life. The ringing conclusion challenges readers to think of African-Americans' past and present as those of a people fully deserving of rights and equally blessed with the gifts necessary for success. "I bring as much truth as I know," writes the author. Myers' account of the Plantation Society, his biography of the chief's son Abd al-Rahman Ibrathima, and his interpretation of the contributions of individuals such as Ida B. Wells exemplify the three-fold way this powerful 23-chapter book contributes new information, fresh insight and--ultimately--welcomes hope to all readers. Winner, 1991 CCBC Coretta Scott King Discussion for Writing. (Age 9 and older)

A dynamic rendering of African American history incorporates three distinct dimensions: a general chronological summary, specific biographical accounts and a striking patchwork of the author's personal ancestry. This overview of events and conditions of the enslavement of the African peoples interweaves compelling human stories and interprets the necessary creation of the African American extended family. The ringing conclusion of this twenty-three chapter book challenges readers to think of African Americans past and present as a people fully deserving of rights and equally blessed with the gifts necessary for success.