African Town

African Town is a novel in verse that chronicles the true story of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to illegally transport captured Africans to America in 1860. Written through multiple perspectives, the narrative follows 110 people who were taken from their homes in West Africa and brought across the Atlantic against their will. The book details their journey, their arrival in Mobile, Alabama, and their eventual founding of Africatown after the Civil War. Through interconnected stories told in various poetic forms, readers experience the voices of those who lived through this chapter of American history. Following real historical events while incorporating documented facts and records, the book illuminates a lesser-known story of resistance, community building, and cultural preservation. The themes of perseverance, identity, and the power of maintaining cultural traditions resonate throughout the work.

Readers praise the verse novel format for making the complex historical story accessible, with many noting it helps distinguish between the 14 different narrators. Teachers and librarians recommend it for grades 7-12, highlighting its educational value about the Clotilda and the founding of Africatown. Readers appreciate the extensive research and historical accuracy, with one Goodreads reviewer noting "every character feels real because they were real." The inclusion of primary sources and author's notes strengthens its use as a teaching tool. Some readers find the multiple perspectives confusing, particularly in the beginning. A few mention the verse format feels forced at times. Common criticisms include the pacing being slow in the middle sections and difficulty connecting emotionally with so many different narrators. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 School Library Journal: Starred Review

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📚 The last documented slave ship in U.S. history, the Clotilda, operated 52 years after the international slave trade was outlawed in 1808. 🏘️ African Town (now known as Africatown) still exists today in Mobile, Alabama, and many current residents are direct descendants of the Clotilda survivors. 🚢 In 2019, marine archaeologists discovered the remains of the Clotilda in the Mobile River, confirming many oral histories passed down through generations. ✍️ Authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters spent three years researching and writing the book, consulting historical documents, interviews, and working with Africatown community members. 🎭 The novel features 14 distinct narrative voices, including those of the ship's captain, the enslaved Africans, and even the personified voice of the ship itself.