Timelines from Black History

April 30, 2021

Gr 4-8-With a foreword by Mireille Harper, this compilation of timelines of Black achievements in history begins with a time line starting 65 million years ago. It extends from the earliest primate human ancestors, who lived on the continent of Africa, to an explanation of the Mitochondrial Eve, whom scientists believe lived 200,000 years ago and is the most common human ancestor to all modern humans. The next time line continues with early African kingdoms from 4500 BCE and the role of Africans on the stage of world history, including wealthy African emperors and queens. The roles of Black women from early history through modern times are prominently highlighted, including Jamaican-born nurse Mary Seacole, whose story, like so many others, was largely forgotten for more than a century. The combination of words and graphic design takes the reader on an inviting journey through history. The pages fill oversized, double-page spreads, making the information visually appealing to young readers. Some of the time lines extend through periods of history, others through the lifetimes of individuals, showing the reader significant moments in the lives of Black people whose contributions changed the landscape of their world and of ours. Young readers will be inspired by the stories of Mari Copeny and Marley Dias, child activists who raised awareness of the water crisis in Flint, MI, and the lack of youth literature for Black girls, respectively. Back matter includes an extensive glossary and index. VERDICT An exceptionally satisfying work of nonfiction, this book will be difficult to keep on the shelves.-Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Library, SC

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