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An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family. In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. Hes warned though, to never go to the river at night.  His brother tells him ”There are things about the water you do not know. “ Like what? Kofi asks. “The beasts.” His brother answers.   One fateful night, the unthinkable happens and in a flash, Kofis world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.   This spellbinding novel by the author of The Crossover and Booked will take you on an unforgettable adventure that will open your eyes and break your heart.  The Door of No Return is an excellent choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups.

The Door of No Return: The Historical Roots of Racism and Its Resurgence in America

In his thought-provoking and timely book, The Door of No Return, renowned poet Kwame Alexander embarks on a powerful exploration of the historical roots of racism in America and its resurgence in recent times. Through a compelling narrative that blends personal anecdotes, historical research, and poetic verse, Alexander unveils the profound impact that the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy have had on shaping the nation's social, political, and cultural landscape.

Alexander begins his exploration by vividly depicting the horrors of the Middle Passage, the forced journey across the Atlantic that brought millions of enslaved Africans to the Americas. He delves into the dehumanizing conditions, the brutality, and the resilience of those who endured this unimaginable ordeal. The author highlights how the institution of slavery not only exploited and oppressed African Americans but also served as the foundation for systemic racism, discrimination, and white supremacy that continue to plague society today.

Alexander then traces the evolution of racism in America, from the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. He examines the ongoing struggles for racial justice, the persistence of racial disparities in various aspects of life, and the rise of white nationalist and alt-right movements in recent years. The author argues that these developments are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a deep-seated problem that has yet to be fully addressed.

Throughout the book, Alexander weaves together historical facts, personal stories, and poetic interludes to create a rich and multi-layered narrative. He draws upon his own experiences as an African American man to shed light on the insidious nature of racism, both overt and covert. Alexander also incorporates historical accounts from enslaved individuals, civil rights activists, and contemporary voices to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the topic.

In The Door of No Return, Kwame Alexander delivers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the historical roots of racism and its resurgence in America. Through his poetic prose and insightful analysis, he urges readers to confront the legacy of slavery, dismantle systemic racism, and work towards a more just and equitable society.