Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, by Carole Boston Weatherford and Floyd Cooper

Weatherford, C. B., & Cooper, F. (2021). Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre. Carolrhoda Books. 

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper, is a compelling nonfiction book about the Tulsa Race Massacre – a deeply sad and heavy subject that is immensely well handled by this children’s book. The author has written numerous books about black culture and history, including a book about Harriet Tubman and another about Fannie Lou Hamer. In the author’s note, she says that racism is an issue that has deeply affected her and her family. She goes on to explain more of the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Meanwhile, the illustrator’s grandfather grew up in Tulsa, and told him about the Tulsa Race Massacre at a time when very few were talking or teaching about it. Both of the creators of this book are highly qualified to write on such a subject.

The book covers just one event: the massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that destroyed a hub of black businesses and resulted in the murder of many black people. While it sets the scene very carefully and thoughtfully, everything that was included in the book was needed to understand the full scope of what happened in Greenwood. In fact, it appears that the majority of the book focuses on the success that led Greenwood to be what it was. It appears to me that they do distinguish between fact, theory, and opinion. 

 The language level is appropriate. Any words that might require clarification are explained, such as the word “lynched”. The material is easy to follow, as it is told in a chronological, narrative manner. The author ensures that the language used is appropriate, considering the heaviness of the subject matter, but is never condescending. 

This work is told in a chronological presentation with narrative elements. It first sets the scene, providing an understanding of Greenwood’s success and vibrancy before the massacre that resulted in its destruction. The book then explains in an appropriate manner what caused the massacre, the events of the massacre, and the aftermath. It’s easy to follow. 

Reference aids include the author’s and illustrator’s notes. There is no table of contents, chapters, index, cross referenced, numbered pages, glossary, bibliography, or appendix. Despite these missing reference aids, the author’s and illustrator’s notes expand on  the book itself quite thoroughly. The format is very appropriate to the organization method and writing style. The information flows nicely throughout. The pattern is also quite easy to follow. This book is the size and shape of a picture book, which is appropriate for the intended age group. The cover appears to be durable.

The style of art is just right for the subject matter. The color palette is largely subdued, reflecting the sadness and injustice of the subject matter. The page that the massacre begins on is simply black with white text overlaying it. Illustrations are both relevant to the information it is paired with and enhance the reader’s understanding of the text by providing the correct atmosphere with which to understand the information.