Our Story Starts in Africa
Picture Book / Ages 4-8 / Diaspora
Magic Cat Publishing
September 13, 2022
40
"When Paloma goes to visit her family in Trinidad, she doesn't feel that she fits in. But Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years . . . a story that Paloma shares in, because her story, too, starts in Africa." Publisher
Our Story Starts in Africa by Patrice Lawrence, illustrated by Jeanetta Gonzales, is a captivating storybook that delves into the topic of slavery and its enduring consequences for modern society. Through the perspective of a young girl named Paloma, the author skillfully narrates the journey of her family from Africa to Trinidad. The book sheds light on Paloma’s experiences of discrimination by her peers due to her accent, leaving her disheartened. However, her aunt, Tante, consoles her by imparting the wisdom that they all originate from Africa. This realization is reinforced when Paloma’s mother presents her with a wooden comb—an artifact symbolizing their African heritage—and shares fascinating details about magnificent civilizations like the Kingdom of Kush. Paloma’s thought-provoking question of whether possessing a comb makes her African leads her aunt to provide further evidence through stone tools, pottery, rock art, and weaving.
The visual element of Our Story Starts in Africa significantly enhances the storytelling experience, effectively capturing the attention of young readers. Patrice Lawrence vividly portrays Africa’s rich history before it faced invasion and colonization, ultimately resulting in the transatlantic slave trade and the dispersion of Africans across various regions, including Trinidad. The book also provides insights into the struggles faced by African countries as they fought for and attained independence from their colonizers, yet still grappled with division, poverty, and internal conflicts.
One commendable aspect of Our Story Starts in Africa is its ability to present the difficult subjects of slavery and colonialism in a manner that does not overwhelm readers with strong emotions. As a reader, I appreciated the way the story unfolded, leaving room for future narratives and the potential for an expanded storyline that delves deeper into these historical events. The inclusion of images depicting children playing, dancing, and preparing different foods and beverages adds an educational aspect to the book, effectively introducing young readers to African culture. I especially valued the author’s emphasis on passing down stories through oral tradition, a cherished African custom.
To further enhance Our Story Starts in Africa, a few improvements could be considered. For instance, the book could commence with Paloma visiting Africa, the origin of the story, before shifting the narrative to Trinidad, where African descendants currently reside. The cover of the book could feature a map of Africa, highlighting different countries and specifically referencing the Kingdom of Kush, and other countries mentioned in the text. This would provide a visual representation of the geographical context of the story’s inception. Additionally, the inclusion of page numbers would be beneficial for easy reference while reading or reviewing.
Reviewer: Penina Emanuel Kadalida, PhD student
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Published in Africa Access Review (May 30, 2023)
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