Nonfiction: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, written by Carole Boston-Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Lerner Publishing Group, Feb. 2021. 32 pages, $17.99, 9781541581203.

    Unspeakable provides elementary students with a look at one of the worst incidents of racial violence in US history. Presented in chronological and story narrative format, readers will learn about the rise of the Greenwood District in Tulsa; the positive achievements of Black business owners and doctors; the incident that led to the massacre; the white mob that attacked this prosperous black community; and the devastation left behind. It took seventy-five years before the government launched an official investigation.

    The writing style by Weatherford is concise, historical, and informative. The repeated phrase “Once upon a time" makes the information approachable and acts as a buffer from the emotional toll of the massacre. Although she simplified the events for young readers, there is sufficient detail and information. Weatherford does not omit unpleasant facts nor hold back from the sense of loss and violence. She does not use condescending and didactic language.

    The reference aids include an author’s note, an illustrator’s note, and a photograph of the aftermath (attached below). The author’s and illustrator’s note contains valuable historical context and personal connection to the story. The author shares the experiences her family faced with racial violence. She provides a summarized historical account depicted in the narrative. The illustrator, Floyd Cooper, informs the reader about how his Grandfather gave him a first-hand account of the Tulsa Race Massacre, which he used for the illustrations in the book.

    The realistic illustrations by Floyd Cooper bring the environment, events, and people to life. He shows the thriving business of Greenwood District and the successful people who lived there. This bustling hub contrasts with the city left after violence and devastation at the end of the massacre. Images at the back of the books showcase a city in smoke and ruins. The expressive faces in the illustrations clearly show the characters' emotions. Some of the characters stare directly at the viewer, demanding readers' attention and asking them to recognize the utter inhumanity of the event.