WISE Score
Amazon
Magic, talking rabbits, and the legendary dream of flight—this is Black history told through the lens of wonder and grit.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This isn't some dry history textbook. It's a vibrant, sometimes spooky, always beautiful collection that captures the soul of American folklore.
While first published in 1985, folklore doesn't really 'age out' like a 90s cartoon. The stories are timeless, and the themes of seeking freedom and outsmarting the big guys are always relevant. It’s a must-own for any family library that gives a damn about good stories.
Best for ages 7 to 99. It's a perfect read-aloud for 2nd graders, but the depth of the stories and the quality of the art make it a coffee-table staple for adults too.
It models resilience, the power of storytelling, and cultural connection. The tone is respectful and emotionally resonant without being saccharine.
Folklore is the peak of imagination. From trickster rabbits to humans literally sprouting wings and flying away from cotton fields, it invites kids to see the world through a mythic lens.
It’s a book of folk stories. The only 'danger' is the heavy reality of slavery in the final section, which is handled with dignity rather than graphic shock value.
This is a masterclass in American history and literature. It builds empathy, teaches dialect as an art form, and provides a necessary window into Black heritage.
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