Dear yesteryear

Addressed to "yesteryears"--African American individuals featured in archival photographs from the turn of the century--this history-steeped picture book debut from historical researcher and curator Annece Henderson offers a visual retrospective of ancestors who paved the way for Black Americans today. Coupled with reprinted images housed in arrayed archive and museum collections, lines by turns contemplative and questioning consider the subjects' everyday experiences ("Did you find a special/ someone,/ and love them to your/ heart's content?"). The photos feature solo images, couples, and families; people gracing a piano and visiting a barbershop; and a sports team and WWI soldiers, among others. With the page turns approaching book's end, the graceful text asks for guidance: "As I reminisce,/ dear yesteryear, would/ you hold my hand?/ And guide me by the light of your eye,/ that I may better understand?// What exactly does/ it mean to keep your/ head held high?" It's an expansive photographic album that acknowledges the impact of ancestors and histories on the present. Back matter includes an author's note about ancestral history and a source list of included photographs. Ages 3--7. Agent: Monica Odom, Odom Media Management. (Mar.)

K-Gr 3--Historical curator and researcher Henderson pens an open letter to previous generations alongside rarely seen photographs of Black Americans from the past. Using the framing salutation of "Dear Yesteryear," she directly addresses the individuals in the photos, desiring to hear their life stories: how they spent their time and with whom, as well as what memories they hold dear. Lyrical text pairs expertly with chosen images, emphasizing historical Black joy and accomplishments, while simultaneously connecting to the present. This book will irrefutably provide invaluable opportunities for readers to delve into their own family or cultural histories. White bespoke text set against a dark background, with photographs outlined in a way that makes them look framed, lends a timeless atmosphere to the book. A concluding author's note describes Henderson's inspiration for writing the book, as well as further documentation about every photograph featured in the book. VERDICT Moving and profound, this inspiring glimpse of photographs and text will remind all readers of the value of family connections, of time's passing, and the need for remembrance. Recommended for purchase.--Olivia Gorecke

An open letter to those who paved the way to a better future, featuring archival photos of Black Americans through history. Henderson opens by directly addressing "my dear yesteryears whose presence never fades" in text rendered in a beautiful Cotford font next to an adorned frame highlighting a portrait of a Black couple circa 1865. That spread also features photos of a formerly enslaved man and a Black family on vacation in South Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado, as the author mentions how a once "stony...road" has now "paved the way I now call home." The following spreads continue in that manner, with the author deftly pairing visuals with her carefully crafted text. As her letter delves into the past she's imagined based on these photos, readers witness history through images that highlight Black achievements, joy, and resiliency. Henderson's exploratory narration breathes new life into pictures from long ago that may inspire readers to delve into their own histories and discover more about who paved the way for them. The images take center stage, set against a dark background and often accented with frames, resulting in a book reminiscent of a photo album. An author's note describing Henderson's inspiration and her journey is included, followed by source information on the photographs. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A heartfelt narrative that pays homage to the past. (Historical picture book. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.