FICTION

Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu

by Ain Heath Drew (text) & illus. by Erin K. Robinson
Barefoot. Sept. 2024. 56p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9798888592113.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-4–Before bedtime, Ayo’s dad begins to share stories of their African ancestors. Ayo is interested, but sleepy. That night, he dreams of an African adventure. Structured as an ABC book (A is for Afro, B is for Braids, C is for Calypso), Ayo’s adventure takes him all around the globe. He meets the Empress of Ethiopa. He dines with Black Panthers in Oakland. He dances the samba in Brazil. Each page is accompanied with vivid digital illustrations. The artist is especially skilled at depicting people and their clothing. Back matter gives additional information and context about each concept from A–Z and includes pronunciation keys for non-English words. It also includes a brief, honest, but age-appropriate history of the African diaspora and the slave trade.
VERDICT This is a valuable book to serve as a mirror or window for a wide variety of readers and reading levels.
Reviewed by Chance Lee Joyner , Aug 09, 2024

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