From abolitionists to zion, this book highlights African American history and culture in an alphabetized manner. D is for Drinking Gourd makes it known just how intricately woven into American history black people were and still are. Who ever heard of a black "c"owboy? And how many know about "K"wanzaa and its values? The "M"arch on Washington, "N"AACP, and the integration of schools that happened in "L"ittle Rock are all very important to African American culture. Students of all ages can benefit from just the pictures (thank you, E.B. Lewis) by seeing how difficult it was for blacks to "v"ote and how blacks were a big part of "W"WII. Before one follows the drinking gourd, one must know exactly what it is. ( )

3rd - citizens and government (discuss struggles). 5th - constitution, government, citizenship. Equity/ Black History Month. About Af. Am contributions/experiences through entire U.S. experiment. 5th - does have 1 letter for Am. Am's in Revolutionary war; discuss how even though Dec. of Independence declared all men equal & have rights, Af. Ams. were denied these rights. list of references in the back.

Important moments and times in African American history are highlighted in this book. The author uses each letter to give emphasis on pivotal times in African American history.

An alphabet of terms relating to African-American history. There are two kinds of alphabet books -- "let's learn the alphabet" and "you already know the alphabet, so let's build on that to learn something else", and this is decidedly the second variety. Each letter features both a short couplet in large print and a more extensive and text-heavy sidebar going into further detail. The poetry could scan a bit awkwardly and the rhymes for a couple of pages were a real stretch (a pet peeve of mine...if you're going to rhyme, go whole hog and get it to work!). However, I did like the way the book made itself appropriate for a broad age range by presenting two levels of depth. Part of collection of alphabets exploring various cultures and themes. ( )

This is a book that has an African history or African fact for every letter of the alphabet. I would use this book during Black History month to help students learn about African Americans and their history. Appropriate for grades 2-5.