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Critical Acclaim for Alec's Primer

“Alec’s Primer is a wonderful book that will give children everywhere a more personal perspective on this small piece of Black history.“

– Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children’s Defense Fund

“The power of this escape story, which is based on true events, is in the realistic detail about a child under slavery and in the storytelling that passes on the history. . . . Walter’s spare, dramatic words and Johnson’s stirring double-page paintings present a glimpse of the history in a brutal world – the child’s intense fear, his bond with his mother and with his blonde friend, and finally, his triumph.“

– Hazel Rochman, starred review, Booklist

“The power of words and empathy is . . . the message in Alec’s Primer . . . . this volume offers children both insight and inspiration.“

– ForeWord Magazine

Critical Acclaim for the Vermont Folklife Center Children’s Book Series

“The series, a model for building a national culture from stories rather than bricks, offers something for everyone.”

– Daria Donnelley, Commonweal

“The series proudly promotes the richly diverse heritage that makes our country unique and strong. Americans of all ages will enjoy these keenly insightful and beautifully illustrated treasures.”

– Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States

“The series as a whole preserves the memories of a bygone way of life.”

– Publishers Weekly

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