2 stars for the story, 3.5 for the art// It would be easy to give this a 1 or 2 star rating solely based on the themes in the book (racism & slavery), but I think it's important to remember that it was written in 1940, and that it's a tribute to family and the pride Lawson had for all that his family did for their country. His striking illustrations are also filled with deep emotion. ( )

Historically interesting, but it certainly wouldn't win the Caldecott medal today, for more reasons than one. ( )

This book is an excellent introduction to family history, plus wonderful illustrations. ( )

Great story that gives respect and honor to family members that came before. ( )

Lawson tells the story of his parents and grandparents, and how they came to help shape the history of America. He accompanies the stories with detailed pen and ink drawings, for which he won the Caldecot medal. Some of these illustrations are delightful – I liked the contrast between “modern” city and the farm land that was just two generations pervious, and laughed at the illustration of the aftermath when a parrot nearly devoured a Panama hat. I also appreciate Lawson’s acknowledgment of oral story telling traditions, and of children listening and learning their own family histories from their elders. I certainly spent many an enjoyable evening listening to my grandparents, aunts and uncles regaling us with stories of our family’s past.

So why the low rating? I realize this is a product of its time (originally published in 1940), and that Lawson was proud of his ancestors and their accomplishments. But I am disturbed by the racism within. The depictions of “happy slaves” and “thieving Indians” just leave a really bad taste in my mouth. And now that I know this is the “revised” edition (see WIKIPEDIA entry for some of the original language), I’m even more unhappy. Perhaps it offers an opportunity for parents to have difficult discussions with their children about those episodes in America’s history, and the changing attitudes over the years. But I just don’t like it. ( )