Building a New Land: African Americans in Colonial America

This is a wonderful book about the origins of slavery during the colonial period and how it developed into the institution it later began. I have read much of this history in adult books but never in a child's book. It's great to be reminded of that history and be able to share it with students who do not know that history. We as teachers often are unaware of the history of slavery in America except the last 10 -15 years of it. In the colonial period, it is rarely dealt with or barely dealt with. I do agree with the previous reviewer that the age group he or she intended it for wasn't appropriate but it is a great book for middle school students and high elementary students in small doses. At the middle school level, the book makes a good read aloud by chapter and as an independent read to supplement social studies lessons.