Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu by Ain Heath Drew and Erin K. Robinson ~ Guest Post ~ Blog tour – Picture Book Perfect
It’s my stop on the blog tour for Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu by Ain Heath Drew and Erin K. Robinson. I’m delighted to be sharing a guest post by Ain on why children should learn about the African diaspora.
When Ayo struggles to fall asleep, he tumbles into an extraordinary journey across the African diaspora, where he experiences creative and resilient cultures that share his heritage. From hip-hop to kente cloth, from Mansa Musa to revolution, the African diaspora has inspired the world!
There are fabulous pages at the end of the book that further explore the connections between the nations, cultures, and traditions represented on both sides of the Atlantic, for a deeper understanding of the African diaspora. This really helps make the book feel accessible.
Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu is a joyful celebration packed with vibrant illustrations. And so, with no more ado, let me hand over to Ain to tell us why children should learn about the African diaspora …
Why Children Should Learn About the African Diaspora
My picture book Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu provides a mirror for so many young readers. The first time I read Ayo’s Adventure to a diverse classroom full of little ones in Boston, Massachusetts, it was heartwarming and affirming to see how many children connected to different parts of the story. One little one proudly mentioned that her family was from Kenya, while another boy beamed that his father was Jamaican. Learning that they were all a part of the African diaspora offered them a connection beyond what we see on the surface.
People being separated from their homelands via forced migration, resettling in new countries due to various circumstances, and other forms of displacement have happened since the beginning of time. And the African diaspora being as wide as it is can be attributed to many things – including some very horrific, unspeakable histories. However, the beauty that has since emerged from the separation of Africans from Africa is undeniable. From the mother continent to the Caribbean to South America and beyond, Black people around the globe have maintained connections to Africa even when there were attempts to strip everything away.
Learning about the African diaspora helps us understand the differences and connections between Black people worldwide. So much of Black history being taught to children centers around the Transatlantic Slave Trade and various struggles for freedom and equality. While it’s necessary to learn about the ugliest parts of our history so we can better understand each other and the world we’re living in, it would be a disservice to not fill in the gaps with beautiful representations of Blackness across the diaspora.
For young readers who identify as a part of the African diaspora, learning about its profound depth impacts their worldview and their place within it. Imagine how much wider your world grows when you can see your connection with people across lands and seas. For readers who belong to other groups, Ayo’s Adventure gives children a window to see the world in a new way — one in which Black history transforms from one of constant struggle to one of resilience, revolution, rich cultures, and joy.
Ayo’s Adventure is a journey that everyone can take, learn from, and grow with.
Thank you, Ain. Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu was published by Barefoot Books, 17 September 2024
ISBN: 979-8888592113
About Ain:
Ain Drew is the author of Ari J.’s Kinky, Curly Crown. She is inspired by the power of words and loves writing beautiful stories for children. As an educator, Ain uses books to expand her students’ knowledge about the world around them. Ain lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and enjoys spending time with her son, DJ, learning about different cultures around the globe, exploring new places, and reading.
About Erin:
Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Erin’s illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, and she has illustrated numerous picture books, including A Library by Nikki Giovanni. Erin splits her time between Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC.
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. This voluntary feature contains my honest opinion.
