“You have to know where you come from so you can move forward.” Kadir Nelson uses the voice of an elder to pass down the history of three generations of a family, creating a compelling narrative for young readers, and earning our Gold Star. His poignant portraits and double-page spreads draw readers into a comprehensive introduction of the history of America and African Americans. Starting with the early days of America through the civil rights movement, this book gently touches upon the hardships and triumphs found in small moments, significant events, and turning points in our history, showing how our present is inextricably linked to our past—a very important lesson for our children. This book provides an excellent starting point for a more in-depth study of key historical events and figures and can strengthen a child’s understanding of related historical fiction pieces. Note: Debbie Allen’s narration of the audiobook is excellent as it brings the historical account to life.