Book Cover Image of Born on the Water: The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson

Born on the Water: The 1619 Project
by , Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

Publication Date: Nov 16, 2021
List Price: $18.99
Format: Hardcover, 48 pages
Classification: Nonfiction
Target Age Group: Picture Book
ISBN13: 9780593307359
Imprint: Kokila
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Parent Company: Bertelsmann

Hardcover Description:

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.

Images from The 1619 Project: Born on the Water book

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 keep
living, living.

And the people learned new words
for love
for friend
for family

for joy
for grow
for 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.

Praise for The 1619 Project: Born on the Water:

  • A Barnes & Noble “Book of the Year” finalist
  • A Barnes & Noble “Best Picture Book of 2021”
  • A Publishers Weekly “Best Book of 2021”
  • An Amazon “Best of November, Ages 6-8”

Images from The 1619 Project: Born on the Water book



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