Never Forgotten facts for kids
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| Author | Pat McKissack |
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| Illustrator | Leo Dillon, Diane Dillon |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature, picture book, poetry |
| Published | 2011 (Schwartz & Wade Books) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 48 |
| ISBN | 9780375843846 |
| OCLC | 651153676 |
Never Forgotten is a powerful picture book from 2011 by Pat McKissack. It tells the story of a blacksmith father in West Africa. His son, Musafa, is sadly kidnapped by slave traders. The story follows the father's journey, helped by the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water), as he tries to find his son. He eventually discovers Musafa is working as a blacksmith's apprentice in Charleston. This book shares a tale of love, loss, and hope.
Contents
About "Never Forgotten"
Never Forgotten is a unique picture book. It uses beautiful poetry to tell a very important story. Even though it is a picture book, its themes are deep. It is meant for older children and young adults. The book explores the pain of separation and the strength of family bonds.
The Story's Journey
The story begins in West Africa. A father, a skilled blacksmith, lives happily with his son, Musafa. One day, tragedy strikes. Musafa is taken away by slave traders. The father is heartbroken and desperate. He feels lost without his son.
He then turns to the natural world for help. The four classical elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—hear his cries. They decide to assist him on his quest. Each element guides him in its own way. They help him follow Musafa's path across the ocean.
The journey is long and difficult. It shows the terrible path many enslaved people were forced to take. Finally, the father learns that Musafa is in Charleston. He finds his son working as a blacksmith's apprentice. This moment brings a mix of emotions. It is a reunion, but also a reminder of their harsh reality.
Themes in the Book
Never Forgotten explores several important themes. One main theme is the strong bond between a parent and child. The father's love for Musafa drives the entire story. It shows how far a parent will go for their child.
Another key theme is the impact of slavery. The book touches on the historical reality of the slave trade. It shows the pain and separation it caused. However, it does so in a way that is sensitive for young readers. It focuses on the emotional journey rather than graphic details.
The book also highlights the power of nature. The four elements play a crucial role. They represent hope and guidance. They show how nature can be a source of strength. The story also speaks about perseverance. The father never gives up hope of finding his son.
The Author and Illustrators
Pat McKissack (1944–2017) was a very respected American author. She wrote many books for children and young adults. Her stories often focused on African American history and culture. She won many awards for her work. These include the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Award. She was known for telling important stories with care and truth.
The illustrations for Never Forgotten were created by Leo and Diane Dillon. They were a husband-and-wife team. They were famous for their unique and beautiful artwork. They also won many awards, including two Caldecott Medals. Their art in this book helps bring the emotional story to life. Their pictures are rich in detail and feeling.
Historical Context
The book is set during the time of the transatlantic slave trade. This was a period in history when millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes. They were then shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. They were sold into slavery in the Americas.
Charleston, South Carolina, was a major port during this time. Many enslaved Africans arrived there. They were then forced to work in various jobs. These included farming, building, and skilled trades like blacksmithing. The book helps young readers understand this difficult part of history. It shows the human cost of slavery.
