The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson
)
Shop All Audiobooks
*When you open this audiobook on Libro.fm, be sure to select Aveson as your bookstore so that your purchase supports local literacy programs and tree‑planting.
Couldn't load pickup availability
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 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.
Share
Book Details
- ISBN
- 9780593307359
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Authors
- Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson
- Publisher
- Kokila
- Published Date
- November 16, 2021
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 48
- Physical Info
- 9.1 in L x 9.2 in W (0.8 lb)

Gorgeously illustrated book that presents the factual truth of how Africans first came to America and built up the country. The drawings are appropriate for children of any age. The book is a great conversation starter for the missing truth of American history that is often glazed over in public schools. I love that the book really illustrates the lively culture that Western Africans have and the life they had before enslavement.
Great children’s book.
I am interested in genealogy, a grandmother, and African American. Every parent, teacher, and grandmother should get this book and seize the opportunity to discuss, research and document their family history with our young children. This is a great book. I highly recommend it!
This book is absolutely amazing! I’m so impressed with it that I’ve decided to keep one copy for myself, while the other will be a special gift for my granddaughter. It’s the kind of book that you want to share with loved ones, but also treasure in your own collection.
Wonderful Book
)