The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

By Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson, Nikkolas Smith (Illustrator)

A student uncovers her family's hidden past, revealing a legacy of resilience and hope from 1619.

4.7/5 Goodreads · 4,994 ratings

48 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

A young student, tasked with tracing her family tree, discovers her ancestors' journey from Africa to America in 1619. Guided by her grandmother, she learns of their stolen past and enduring spirit. Through powerful verse, she uncovers how they survived, planting dreams and hope, forging new words for love and home. This lyrical tale invites readers to reflect on the roots of American identity and the strength of Black resistance.

From the publisher

The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson. A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders. But before that, they had a home, a land, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived. And the people planted dreams and hope, willed themselves to keepliving, living. And the people learned new wordsfor lovefor friendfor family for joyfor growfor home. With powerful verse and striking illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, Born on the Water provides a pathway for readers of all ages to reflect on the origins of American identity.