Unspoken
Talking About Slavery
Age 5+
Picture Books History & The Past: General Interest
Following Coretta Scott King and Caldecott Award-winning The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander's new picture book tells the story of slavery, with mixed media art by award-winning muralist and sculptor Dare Coulter.
How do you tell a story that starts in Africa and ends in horror? About strength and pride and refusing to be broken? One that still hurts and still loves?
A powerfully moving, poetic exploration of the story of slavery: from Africa to the tall ships, from back-breaking work in a strange land to resilience and eventual emancipation, Kwame Alexander tells the story that's hard to hear. Told through the lens of a teacher speaking to their young pupils, and in multiple art styles from award-winning artist and sculptor Dare Coulter, the story of slavery becomes one that you can tell with the bravery to lift your voice. A must-read for all children and adults alike, and the perfect companion to Kwame Alexander's award-winning picture book The Undefeated.
Creators
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and the New York Times bestselling author of 28+ books, including The Undefeated, Booked and Rebound, the follow-up to his Newbery Medal-winning middle grade novel, The Crossover. He’s also the Founding Editor of Versify, an imprint that publishes fiction and poetry for children and young adults.
Dare Coulter is an award-winning artist, muralist, and sculptor. Her mission for her artwork is primarily to create positive imagery of black people and families. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s in Art & Design, and has since worked on commissions for street art, sculpture and paintings as well as children's books. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
