About the Book

In the first middle grade offering from Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, young readers are introduced to the remarkable and true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade, in an adaptation of the internationally bestselling and critically acclaimed Barracoon.

This is the life story of Cudjo Lewis, as told by himself.

Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America to be enslaved, eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis was then the only person alive to tell the story of his capture and bondage—fifty years after the Atlantic human trade was outlawed in the United States. Cudjo shared his firsthand account with legendary folklorist, anthropologist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Adapted with care and delivered with age-appropriate historical context by award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi, Cudjo's incredible story is now available for young readers and emerging scholars. With powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, this poignant work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture.

Critical Praise

It is [an] important historic document that provides an intimate look at slavery in America...Belongs in every library. — Booklist (starred review)

[An] essential text.  — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

The visual art as well as the narrative are exceptional... [This] adaptation of Hurston’s beautiful, important work is a true gift. Highly recommended for all ­libraries. — School Library Journal (starred review)

Kendi allows Hurston’s storytelling mastery to shine through for younger readers... a powerful enslavement narrative from a literary icon, deftly retold for a younger audience. — Kirkus Reviews

Powerful, profound, and necessary. — Horn Book Magazine

The importance of this story can’t be overstated. — Ron Charles, The Washington Post Book Club

Product Details

• ISBN: 9780063098336
• ISBN 10: 0063098334
• Imprint: Amistad Books for Young Readers
• On Sale: 01/23/2024
• Pages: 208
• List Price:23.99 CAD
• Ages: 8 to 12
• BISAC1 : JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Cultural Heritage
• BISAC2 : JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / United States / 19th Century
• BISAC3 : JUVENILE NONFICTION / People & Places / United States / African American