Starred Review. This volume in The Black American Journey series (12 titles) chronicles the rise of Greenwood, Oklahoma—later annexed by Tulsa—known as Black Wall Street for the wealth its Black population built, and the bloody massacre that was its downfall in 1921. In six chapters of clear, flowing prose and period photography, Laughlin introduces readers to the Black entrepreneurs who helped develop Greenwood, the events that led to growing tensions, and the massacre itself. Everything is well contextualized in terms of the grim reality facing Black Americans at the time, highlighting the way racism was built into the systems of American governance, thanks to Jim Crow laws and the persistent racism of white America. Readers are reminded that the violent backlash against Greenwood was not a one-off event but part of a pattern reflecting an undeniable element of American society. Back matter includes a glossary, index, further reading, a summarizing time line, and questions meant to prompt thoughtful discussion on the implications of race in the profiled events. Timely, effective, and important.

To say ‘Lincoln freed the slaves’ is too simplistic to be real history. Students should learn the actual reasons for his actions. Black Americans have withstood horrific conditions throughout American history and these books speak to their heartbreaking struggles and considerable triumphs. The writing is approachable and the texts are evenhanded. Period photos, drawings, and maps are generous. Historical illustrations are devastating at times, such as a boy drinking out of a ‘colored’ water fountain or a poster advertising enslaved people for sale. Photos of archival documents such as the Emancipation Proclamation are included. Back matter includes a ‘Think About It’ box, with questions for further thought about the subject at hand. This series was clearly painstakingly researched, but one quibble is there are no source notes. VERDICT This is true Black American history everyone should know about. Highly recommended for schools and public libraries.