This is a book of poems all connected to a larger narrative. Focuses on a father’s lament of his boy being taken by the slave trade. Very emotionally mature themes with folklore woven throughout. I would use as a read aloud with 5th graders as a preface to reading a chapter book that talks directly about the slave trade. Requires teacher guidance. ( )

Musafa’s story of be - ing kidnapped into slavery is told in powerful verse, emphasizing the endurance of family and memory in the face of tragic loss and separa - tion.

Never Forgotten is the tale of a young boy who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. the book uses a unique woodcut-style for its paintings, which bring great depth and convey great emotion throughout. The story itself, while sad, brings a powerful message to young readers that is filled with hope. ( )

This book is about a blacksmith who loses his wife to childbirth then loses his son to slave traders. It talks about how he raised the boy to be a black smith and with the help of the four element mothers, raised him to be a fine and strong man. Although he was taken, the four elements find out where he is and report back to the father about his well being. The boy is doing well, and is a blacksmith in America, a wonderful blacksmith, the eighth in his family's line.

I have to say that the primary thing I was struck by with this book is the beauty of the artwork. It's simply beautiful. The complexity of representing the cultural aspects of family spirits and those mystical elements was done perfectly. There was layer on layer of that throughout the book and that is what I most appreciated.