I Heard: An American Journey    by Jaha Nailah Avery & Steffi Walthall Order:  USA  Can Charlesbridge, 2024 (2024) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Jaha Nailah Avery's picture book I Heard (lavishly illustrated by Steffi Walthall) portrays Black history in the United States. It seems especially relevant right now, given the 2024 US presidential race. As children watch an artist paint, she tells them 'Now, listen, children, gather 'round / and heed my every word. / I want to show you what I found / and tell you what ... / I heard'. She speaks lyrically and paints striking pictures of: Mother Africa; the horrors of slavery; hope from the Underground Railroad and Freedom Train; the Civil War and Reconstruction - and what followed. Avery moves on through protests, riots, and a preacher's dream to the Civil Rights Act, a black President, Black Lives Matter, how Georgia was turned blue, and Justice Jackson appointed to the highest court. She exhorts young readers to 'remember to think back / on all the ones who paved the way / and be proud to be Black.' At the back is a glossary of Black history terms like the Green Book and more information about each of them. This remarkable picture book belongs in school and community libraries as well as in homes. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews