THE DOOR OF NO RETURN by Kwame Alexander

 

In THE DOOR OF NO RETURN, author Kwame Alexander reminds readers that Black history didn't start with slavery in the good ole' USA. The history begins in the homeland of Africa with rich stories and wonderful experiences.

Kofi begins his life on the Offin River. He has family and friends he loves dearly. His mother cooks for him and tells him stories, and his father warns Kofi and his brother of the dangers of the river after dark. Kofi and his cousin swim in the river when they aren't occupied with school and chores. The river takes center stage as Kofi challenges his cousin to a swimming race. 

Coached by his father, Kofi and encouraged by Ama, the girl he just might love, Kofi dreams only of defeating his cousin until the stories about the nighttime river come to change his life. Men Kofi describes as "pale and pink as rotten coconut meat" kidnap him and others from the region. They are loaded onto a ship that sets sail on the sea. 

Told in vivid verse, THE DOOR OF NO RETURN brings Africa to life as the slave trade brings the threat of dislocation and death.