A review by nerfherder86
Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America by Andrea Davis Pinkney

5.0

Wonderfully written look at the lives of ten important African American men, who rose above racism and poverty and many other obstacles to become leaders, pioneers, and statesmen. Each essay is preceded by a lovely poem about that individual; a collection of these ten poems alone would be a great little book. The biographical essays are presented in chronological order, beginning with the facts of the men's childhood and upbringing, to show how America was shaped by them, and how some of the later men were stepping on the metaphorical shoulders of those before them. By the time you get to the final essay, on President Barack Obama, you can see the threads of the lives of the others that paved the way for his life and accomplishments. The chapters are written in oral storytelling style, with plenty of savory metaphors like "August brought on days hotter than the hinges on the sun's front door" that just beg to be read aloud or at the very least, reread and savored. Emphasizes the positive aspects of their character, their faith, hope and perseverance. Beautiful illustrations: swooping, freeflowing calligraphic ink lines on solid color backgrounds that give the essence of each's personality in an energetic jazzy style. Just a gorgeous book and a fascinating read, and a great inspiration to today's kids.