Book excerpt: From the first African explorers to the first black president, this illustrated history is an excellent resource and “an epic work” (School Library Journal). Discovering Black America is an unprecedented account of more than 400 years of African American history set against a background of American and global events. It begins with a black sailor aboard the Niña with Christopher Columbus and continues through the colonial period, slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, and civil rights to the first African American president in the White House. With first-person narratives from diaries and journals, interviews, and archival images, Discovering Black America provides an intimate understanding of this extensive history. “Engaging . . . brings to light many intriguing and tragically underreported stories.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Reproductions of historical documents, photographs, and artwork provide a sense of immediacy to this immersive tapestry, which reaches well beyond the milestones typically outlined in history books.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Absolutely gorgeous in design, with a harmonious marriage of text and colorful archival images, this is the kind of book that invites browsing, and its extensive reach will make this a go-to title for report writers.” —School Library Journal “Begins with the first African explorers and seamen arriving in the New World in the fifteenth century, and . . . ends with the presidential election of Barack Obama . . . meticulous footnotes and a bibliography of recommended books...An excellent title for classroom support.” —Booklist “Thoroughly researched and documented...an outstanding resource for students. The primary source documents, photographs, and archival maps that complement this compelling account will engage readers.” —Library Media Connection (highly recommended) An NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People