January 6, 2021

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre


"Once upon a time in Greenwood, there were some ten thousand people living in a thirty-five-square-block area." ~ pg. 11

Greenwood Avenue is the famous Black Wall Street. The district had its own school system, libraries, churches, restaurants, post office, hospital and more...until a mob of white Tulsans looted and burned the Black community for two straight days (May 31 and June 1, 1921). In a new short book titled Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, the history of Greenwood district and one of the worst racial incidents in U.S. history is told to young readers (ages 8-12). At less than 50 pages, it is a very short yet informative read. (This review is longer than the actual content.)

Thank you to Carole Boston Weatherford for her words and Floyd Cooper for his striking illustrations that paint the picture of this tragedy. It is very well written in a way that young people can understand and for adults to feel the heaviness of what, where, why and how. I especially appreciated the Author's Note, which gave a deeper personal perspective and details I never knew. It brings me to tears but history must be known and most importantly, educated. I highly recommend this book!

Unspeakable is a great reading selection for Black History Month intended for students and young family members. It is the best book I've read on this unfortunate event. This piece of our history is often not taught in schools or to the masses. I personally learned about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre not too many years ago as an adult. The illustrator himself, Floyd Cooper, first heard about it from his grandfather, who survived it. Such stories should be shared with our black youth. 

Happy Early Pub Day, Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper! Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre will be available Tuesday, February 2.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper
Published: February 2021
Pages: 43
Edition: Galley
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

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