Pros: I am a big believer that children’s books are not just for children. Children’s nonfiction is a great place for adults to start when they want to learn about a new topic. This book would be wonderful for children and adults to read together because there are some big words and big ideas that, depending on the age of the reader, might need some discussion and guidance.

The words of the author in the introductory letter are inspiring. Also, the lists of names were very powerful. I love how the first part of the books is very graphic and would be great for reading out loud and then the second part of the book provides short biographies to help direct further learning.


Cons: I found the cover of the book to be a bit confusing. It took a few extra looks to figure out the correct order of the words of the title. The formatting in the NetGalley app was also not the best format to read this book because some pages are meant to be read as a two-page spread, and the pages were separated in this formatting. All of that being said, I can see how this book will be great in print. It is so colorful and bold and will stand out in a child’s collection of books.


Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher Spotlight – Tilbury House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book!

The illustrations in this book are spectacular - so bright, colorful, and eye-catching. While it was engaging to look through, I wanted more. Yes, there are short bios of each of the people mentioned at the end of the book, but I would have loved to have seen them throughout the book and in a larger font, perhaps alongside photographs or illustrations of each person.

I think this was a very well written and put together book. The colours were bright and engaging and I think the message is very thoughtful and direct, especially after hearing interviews with the author and his inspiration for the book. If I had any critiques of the book, it would be that I wish the biographical half of the novel was more combined with the illustrations because I think, especially for children, images of each individual (or more individuals) would help them connect with each person more! But I also think it is still just as impactful, just in a slightly different way. I could see a 10+ year old leafing through this and using it as a springboard to research and learn more about the people highlighted! Lovely.

I absolutely love this book and would love if it sits in every library to be found by a child who needs it. I also love how the back of the book lists every one of the 116 Black lives mentioned in the book so you can start learning who each and everyone of them are.