Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens, Monica Mikai
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Artist Rhiannon Giddens from the traditional African string band Carolina Chocolate Drops uses her platform to highlight a powerful piece of African American history. The powerful, spare poetry, spanning centuries of American history and originally written as a song to celebrate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, is remarkable. Readers should scan the QR code and listen to Giddens and Yo Yo Ma sing the text for an enhanced experience:  https://www.rhiannongiddens.com/build-a-house. The vibrant illustrations by painter Monica Mikai complement the text. A good choice for Black History Month and a springboard for conversations about historical injustice.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library