Freedom in Congo Square

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years

• Grade Level: Preschool - 3

• 2017 Coretta Scott King Honor Book for Illustration

• 2017 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner

• NCTW 2017 Notable Poetry Book

• The Horn Book: 2016 Fanfare List Inclusion

• School Library Journal Best Book of 2016: Nonfiction

• Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2016: Picture Book

• The Washington Post Best Book of 2016: Nonfiction

•  A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of 2016

• A Junior Library Guild Selection for January 2016

  For classroom and reading resources, click here.

SUMMARY

This poetic picture book shares a beautifully written history of Louisianan slaves counted down the days until Sunday, the day to meet in New Orleans’ Congo Square after a long week work. An afternoon in Congo Square meant setting up open markets, singing, dancing and playing music. Slaves rejoiced, cheered, and lived in freedom’s heart.

Freddi Williams Evans, a historian and Congo Square expert, writes a rich and fascinating foreword to introduce the story. This book also includes a glossary of terms with pronunciations and definitions.

REVIEWS

“Unique in its subject and artistic expression, this beautiful book belongs in most collections.”—School Library Journal

“The poetry is powerful and evocative, providing a strong and emotional window into the world of the slave. Christie’s full-bleed paintings are a moving accompaniment . . . Weatherford and Christie dazzlingly salute African-Americans’ drive to preserve their dignity and pride.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Coretta Scott King Honorees Weatherford and Christie have created a gorgeously artistic and poetic homage to the birthplace of jazz and a people whose legacy is too often ignored . . . Subtle and layered, this is an important story beautifully told.”—Booklist

“Strong acrylic paintings that echo the best of Outsider Art illuminate the equally strong text. Freedom in Congo Square is nothing short of stunning.”—Tomie dePaola (Strega Nona)