Charles R. Smith, Jr.’s “28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World” is a wonderful book, especially for young readers but also for students pondering National History Day projects.
Did you know that North Pole explorer Robert Perry was accompanied by Matthew Henson on their historic journey to the North Pole on April 6, 1909?
Do you know about World War I soldier Henry Johnson, who alone fought off a German platoon, critically wounding eight and killing four, to save his friend and fellow soldier Needham Roberts, another member of the all-black Harlem Hellfighters regiment?
You might recognize Shirley Chisholm‘s name, but do you know why she’s so different from current high-ranking politicians? Hint: Her presidential campaign slogan was “Unbought and Unbossed.” The Koch brothers, the largest source of money in American politics, aren’t down with that kind of democracy.
And despite the fact that she was the richest black woman in America, Madam C.J. Walker would not have gotten along well with David H. and Charles G.
Author Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrator Shane W. Evans have created a book that should be in every elementary school library, and taught in history classes.
“28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World,” by Charles R. Smith, Jr. (Roaring Brook Press, $18.99). Ages 9 and up.