Anne E. Johnson

At the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, Lorraine is amazed when she hears a Black opera singer perform: Sissieretta Jones. Lorraine longs to attend the singer's next performance, but when Black activist Ida B. Wells encourages her people to boycott the expo, Lorraine is crushed when her father forbids her to go back.

I was intrigued from the moment I heard about this middle grade novel, The Progress of Our People: A Story of Black Representation at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. I've loved historical fiction since I read a number of the American Girl books as a child, including the books about Addy, a girl who escapes from slavery.

The issue of Black representation in America is not only a historical issue but a present-day one, including when it comes to art and literature. It brings something distinctive and important to the table when Black Americans relate their history and experience through fiction.

So, considering the current outreach in publishing for more Black voices, I wondered about that point this publisher seemed to have missed here—in a historical fiction series expressly about underrepresented voices. I realize an associate professor who specializes in African American history was consulted during the writing of this book, but consulting with a people before telling a story about them isn't the same as a people speaking for themselves.

Personally, I'm not of the mindset that fiction writers should always and only create characters of their own race and/or culture. Yet, when an "I Am America" publishing project brings a story specifically about the progess of "our people" and our dissatisfaction with a lack of Black representation, I believe that would be a prime opportunity to demonstrate real-life Black American representation through a Black voice.

I'll admit my wondering here is based on some assumptions/guesses though, as I didn't speak with the publisher about this.

On more of a historical fiction lover's note, while this wasn't the most engrossing story for me and I didn't feel that all of the dialogue and behaviors were fitting for the characters and setting, it was still interesting to take a little trip back to that World's Fair, as I think I've only "been" there once before through another novel.… (més)

Anyone who has enjoyed the I Am America, Dear America, My America, or even the Royal Diaries Series will find The Progress of Our People, A Story of Black Representation at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, a welcome addition to their library or readings. It is lovely to see a new addition to the series from the perspective of Lorraine Williams, a young African American girl living in Chicago. My family enjoyed this edition, as well as all the others we own, and find the material included to be exceptional historical fiction to be used in our homeschool education setting.… (més)