Barracoon
What’s inside...
In the first middle grade offering from Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, young readers learn about Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade, through an adaptation of the bestselling Barracoon. The book presents Lewis's firsthand account of his capture and life in bondage, shared with Hurston fifty years after the trade was outlawed in the U.S. Kendi provides age-appropriate historical context, while powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson enrich this invaluable addition to shared history and culture.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to remember and share stories like Cudjo's?
How did the challenges Cudjo faced help shape who he was?
What parts of Cudjo's story stood out to you the most and why?
How do you think Cudjo's life and experiences compare to ours today?
What can we learn from Cudjo's resilience and strength in overcoming hardship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and quiet environment to discuss the book, making your child feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Cudjo's shoes and reflect on how they would feel in similar situations.
Highlight the historical significance of the story, and relate it to contemporary issues to help your child understand the ongoing impact.
Validate all feelings and thoughts your child expresses, reminding them that there's no right or wrong answer in such discussions.
Use additional resources like historical photos, maps, or other books on similar topics to enrich the conversation and provide more context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of personal narratives in understanding history
Explanation: Barracoon tells the story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade. Through his firsthand account, readers gain an intimate and deeply personal glimpse into the impacts of slavery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and preserve the stories of their elders and community members, understanding how personal experiences contribute to historical knowledge.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, Cudjo Lewis demonstrates immense strength and resilience throughout his life, an aspect prominently featured in the narrative.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to develop resilience and maintain hope, teaching them that they can overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As readers witness the trials and emotions of Cudjo’s life, they are encouraged to empathize with his situation and the situations of others who have suffered injustice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this empathy in everyday situations to better connect with people from different backgrounds and understand perspectives outside their own.
Example Lesson: The importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: The book emphasizes Cudjo’s efforts to maintain his African heritage and traditions amid his new life in America.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds and appreciate the diversity of cultures around them.
Example Lesson: The impact of storytelling
Explanation: Cudjo’s story is shared through his own words, highlighting the power and importance of storytelling in preserving history and shaping our understanding of past events.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves and share their own stories, understanding that their voices are valuable and can impact others.