Your Legacy (Ebook)

This powerful and uplifting picture book redefines how African American history is introduced to young readers.

Four starred reviews: "A truly powerful perspective shift."* I "Joyous."** I "Outstanding.""*** I "A strikingly worthy introduction of 400 years of Black history to young readers."****

Beginning in Africa before 1619, this beautifully illustrated narrative honors the strength, resilience, and brilliance of enslaved ancestors—offering young people a proud and empowering foundation for understanding their heritage.

Author Schele Williams and illustrator Tonya Engel guide readers through centuries of courage and survival, celebrating the extraordinary legacy passed down through generations. With poetic language and evocative art, the book reframes history not as a story of victimhood, but as a testament to perseverance, dignity, and cultural richness.

Perfect for classrooms, family reading, and community discussions, Your Legacy invites children to see themselves as part of a lineage of strength and possibility. It’s a bold reclaiming of the past—and a hopeful vision for the future.

Youn ancestors passed down the best of themselves—that is your legacy.

*Kirkus I **Booklist I ***School Library Journal I ****Publishers Weekly

Praise

"A lovingly written, beautifully illustrated and stunningly timely book.”
Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming, MacArthur Fellow
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"We are grateful to Schele and her dedication to making our beautiful history accessible to our children! Your Legacy is an educational and celebratory piece we’ve enjoyed sharing with our family. We are extremely excited for this story to be shared with other families as we continue to celebrate our rich history in this world."
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union Wade, New York Times bestselling authors
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"Your Legacy is a beautiful and powerful book that empowers children to reclaim and celebrate their ancestral history with pride. Schele Williams writes with a unique and important lens which will directly impact, inspire, and build confidence in Black youth."
Elena Favilli, co-author of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
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**STARRED REVIEW**
"This thoughtful, sensitive, and beautiful volume, families can begin a difficult conversation in a nurturing way. This is a must for every Black child growing up in the Americas and will help other races and ages too. . . A truly powerful perspective shift."
Kirkus Reviews
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**STARRED REVIEW**
"Bright, brilliant, page-filling illustrations perfectly capture the joyous tone. . . Not focused on recrimination or placing blame, this book is a celebration of perseverance and dignity that deserves a wide audience."
Booklist
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**STARRED REVIEW**
"The African ancestors’ resilience is awe-inspiring, and this book does an outstanding job of telling their story and honoring them. Each page spread is a piece of artwork worthy of a museum. The blend of colors and media draws readers in to appreciate every detail."
School Library Journal
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**STARRED REVIEW**
"A strikingly worthy introduction of 400 years of Black history to young readers, including the roots of American slavery, effectively conveying that slavery is far from the extent of Black history and influence."
Publishers Weekly
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"An inspirational story that instills hope and encourages today’s African American children to consider what they will give to their own descendants."
The Horn Book Magazine
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