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Just Imagine...What If There Were No Black People in the World? - by Tamara Shiloh (Paperback)
About this item
Highlights
- In the first of book of the series, Just Imagine...What If There Were No Black People in the World?
- 8-12 Years
- 9.0" x 6.0" Paperback
- 76 Pages
- Juvenile Fiction, Historical
- Series Name: Just Imagine...What If There Were No Black People
Description
About the Book
A children's chapter book about African American inventors and scientists. It is historical fantasy fiction - the main character has a magical necklace that allows him to see and talk to African American inventors and scientists from the past.Book Synopsis
In the first of book of the series, Just Imagine...What If There Were No Black People in the World? Jaxon, a 4th grader, discovers that the necklace his grandmother gave him before she passed away has magical powers. With the magical necklace and saying the magic words, 'just imagine', he can see and talk with African American inventors and scientists. Jaxon is also playing the role of Dr. Martin Luther King in the school play in celebration of Black History Month. However, Jaxon stutters when he is in front of a crowd and when he meets new people. He hopes he can find a way to overcome his problem with stuttering before the day of the play.
Jaxon learns that his sister had the necklace before Jaxon and shares the rules of the necklace. She tells him that he can only use the necklace three times in a month; he will only be able to use the necklace until he is 16; never take off the necklace and be careful what he wishes for.
After Jaxon makes his second wish, he learns what his sister meant when she said to be careful what he wishes for. Can Jaxon get out of his mess before his parents find out? Does he bomb on the day of the play?
Jaxon will learn that sometimes you can overcome a problem if you don't spend a lot of time worrying about it.
Review Quotes
Review One:
"What if there were no Black people in the world?" is a very provocative question posed by Tamara Shiloh in her newest book for children and young learners. The answer to the question propels Jaxon and readers on an imaginative and magical journey--a re-discovery, a re-introduction, and a re-connection, if you will, to valuable information and learning that is, too often, left out of too many schools across the United States. And that is unacceptable. Thank you, Tamara Shiloh, for bringing this greatly needed body of history lessons and learning materials to your readers and to our nation. The appeal is universal and offers a necessary re-visiting of the major contributions of African American scientists and inventors. Tamara Shiloh's timing perfectly aligns with the current 21st century educational system's focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across the nation's schools. STEM related career fields are open and prime for people of color. Despite the odds, whether organic or systemic, today's youth must be encouraged and guided to explore and participate in the world of science and technology. STEM careers will provide living wages vs minimum wages for future generations. Tamara Shiloh is shining a bright light on those missing historical items for the world to see and remember. Brilliant!
Carol Santiago, Education Department Director, Las Vegas Urban League, Community Action Agency (CAA), Educator
Review Two:
I love what Tamara Shiloh has done here! Reading into this often neglected area of American history was truly fascinating, and having it presented in a compelling narrative was a great decision that offers an accessibility to a large variety of age groups. It's defiantly the kind of book that I would love to use in my classes as a jumping point to the broader issues of Science and Literature. I personally learned a lot from this story, and am so excited to see where Mrs. Shiloh takes this series next!
Michael Habermas, Teacher, Educator, Philosopher, MA kids