This story was unlike many slavery stories. This story encompassed not just the hardship of being brought to the new world, but also the pain of leaving behind their homeland's culture. This story kept alive the African traditions that ran deep in the character's souls. It painted the picture that their ancestry was stronger than the mind numbing new world's tasks. This story was emotional to say the least, that nationalism was stronger than family at one point that heroism had to rise to the occasion to save their traditions. This story shows the longing for freedom unites even the most oppressed. That even when their minds grew faint on their ancencestry, they were not alone. They came together to hold their traditions throughout generations to come. This story is an empowering one that gets the point across that one must become stronger than their burdon or that burdon will tear away at their soul. Without determination and strength one's will to remember who they are will deteriorate. ( )

Based on an old Gullah legend, 'In The Time of Drums' is an inspirational tale which takes place during the time of slavery and African slave ships completing the middle passage. The story revolves around grandmother Twi and her young grandson Mentu. Mentu is too young to work in the fields so Twi takes this opportunity to teach him how to play the goatskin drums and chant the songs she grew up with in Africa. Mentu was born on Gullah, so she is instilling her history into him which he will then pass on to his children and so on for generations to come. I chose to make the target audience grades 3-6 because the abstract concept of people choosing suicide over slavery may be difficult for younger children to grasp. ( )

In the Time of the Drums is a beautiful picture book that tells the story of a young boy learning the African drums of his ancestors. Mentu learns the words and ways of Africa through his grandmother Twi who calls Africa her home. Mentu's grandmother reminds him to never forget the ways of Africa, and that it takes strength to never forget. Twi prepares Mentu to work in the fields during slavery by instilling strength and wisdom. The illustrations of the book are beautiful and reminiscent of actual oil paintings. In the Time of the Drums is a story of survival, a story of strength, and a story of strong ancestral traditions that brought a people together and led a people home. ( )

Mentu is being taught by Twi the ways of their culture in Africa. She teaches him stories, songs, and secrets. This book did a great job at portraying the horrors of slavery while also keeping it mild enough for a child to still be able to read and understand. The illustrations were amazing. I loved the visible brush strokes of the the paint used to color many of the illustrations. For any child who is unfamiliar with the history of slavery, this book would be a perfect educational experience to introduce to them a portrait of the history behind it. This book shows the importance of how culture is linked to identity. Throughout the story, Mentu is taught not to let the harsh inequalities of slavery erase his culture. Eventually he takes on the role of Twi after he grows older. When overcoming overwhelming odds, it is essential to come together, share, and never forget where you came from! ( )