They Were Strong and Good

Written and illustrated by Robert Lawson

Journey through history with a family's legacy shaping a nation.

3.5 Goodreads · 1,459 ratings

72 pages· 1,753 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud· 780L

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Embark on a historical journey with Robert Lawson as he traces his family's roots through American history. From Caribbean storms to Civil War battles, witness the lives of ordinary ancestors who shaped a nation. As his grandparents meet and marry, and his parents continue the cycle, discover the strength and goodness that built the United States. This is not just a family story, but a tribute to the unsung heroes who forged a proud heritage. What legacy did they leave behind, and how does it resonate today?

From the publisher

Awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1941, They Were Strong and Good is a classic book that follows the path of one family’s journey through American history. Robert Lawson introduces us to his forefathers and with them we brave Caribbean storms, travel to the wharf markets of New York, and fight in the Civil War. Amidst these adventures Lawson’s grandparents meet, marry, and raise a family, and later his parents follow the same cycle of life. But this book is more than just the story of one family, it’s a social history of our country. It reminds us to be proud of our ancestors—who they were, what they did, and the effect that they had on the nation we live in today.

None of them were great or famous, but they were strong and good. They worked hard and had many children. They all helped to make the United States the great nation that it now is. Let us be proud of them and guard well the heritage they have left us.