Set in West Africa, this a lyrical story-in-verse is about a young black boy who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, and his father who is left behind to mourn the loss of his son. Here's a beautiful, powerful, truly unforgettable story about family, memory, and freedom.

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards. It was recognised in the Illustrated category by the Literary Award. It was recognised in the Tweens & Teens category by the Nappa Gold Award. It also was recognised in the Picture Book category by the Land of Enchantment Book Award. It was recognised by the South Carolina Childrens Junior and Young Adult Book Award. Also it was recognised in the Author category by the Coretta Scott King Award. Presented annually since 1970 by the American Library Association to books by African-America authors and illustrators, this award recognizes excellence in promoting a deeper understanding of the African-American Experience. It was recognised in the Historical Fiction category by the Parents' Choice Award.

This book is part of a book series called Junior Library Guild Selection .

This book has been graded for interest at 9-12 years.

There are 48 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2011 by Schwartz & Wade Books .

Patricia C. McKissack has written more than one hundred books about the African American experience.