Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts

At first I thought this was going to be slow, because I often don't like history books where the narrative follows the author around and show what they learn piece by piece. But for this book, it's part of the structure. The inspirational talk at the end is about reclaiming the past and putting it together with your present, and imagining a new, possible future. So the past and the present are in the book, and on another level the book was written and physically made in the past and you, the reader, are reading it in the present; and then you're at the end of the book and by definition everything else is the future. The book is also about Dr. Hall's search to use present understanding to get an accurate picture of the past out of records that made people into objects. So you have to see the present along with the words of the past, which are quoted in the book. "When we go back and retrieve our past, our legacy of resistance through impossible odds, our way out of no way, we redress the void of origin that would erase us. We empower and bring joy to our present. This is ancestry in progress, and it is our superpower." [from the end of chapter 10] It was fascinating to learn how large a part women played in slave revolts, often leading or starting them. It was also neat to read a little about the Ahosi, the women warriors of Dahomey - the real life Dora Milaje. In a way, it's hard to come up with something to say about this book, because so much of the historical events portrayed in the book are tragic. But it's ultimately really hopeful. Because you have to understand the past, and be able to carry it, to move on to the future. I am glad I read it. The last panel of chapter 1 is unforgettable.

Not only does this provide insight into unwritten and hidden historical timeline but it also delves into women's history. How much history was erased or unwritten for not only men but specifically white men to save face? And yet here we are presently repeating the same mistakes that keep us from progressing all because the idea of confronting the secrets of the past leaves what else to discover that could change the dynamic of life as we know it.

Wasn't a huge fan of the art. The history and inspiration behind the story was cool.

What a thought provoking work! The format was so appropriate and well done. Quite honestly, I would have missed out on this rich experience had the author not chosen the graphic narrative to convey not only the research, but her life while researching it. It’s not because I read graphic literature, either. It’s because this topic could not be adequately conveyed in words alone. One of my favorite parts was having the ability to see the identities of the primary source documents. I can’t remember a book I’ve read before whose sources held so much meaning.

I taught African American history for 10 years. This book is good history. It also teaches a great deal about how history is written. I have written myself, and this book is a good story. In fact, I will now be recommending Wake as a great place to start learning Black History. I am awestruck on how well Dr. Hall connected the past to the present. You could give this book to teens who have questions about Black history, here are answers. Well done.

This graphic novel is a great way to get a impactful experience with readers I am confused on how to say how much I enjoyed reading this book even though I was disturbed by what happened (What is reported was as vulgar as the reality of the time ) but the way it is shown and told was impactful and I glad I picked up this book!

This historical, non-fiction graphic novel was an insightful and fantastic read about the different women-led slave revolts that were orchestrated and conducted by enslaved Black women. This subject is often ignored, erased, and buried in history, but Rebecca Hall does an amazing job showing these warriors existed & resisted against the empire of slavery & white supremacy 💯.

While this was so painful to hear, this narrative was so good. And the idea to put it into comic format for our kids to read is ingenious. I love how one teacher with passion and purpose sparked hope into a bunch of "losers" as they would be labeled.

Stunning book. Very moving. Insanely clever illustrations and powerful narrative

Aporte histórico pero un poco tedioso y poco impactante como se presenta el tema.

This is a beautifully illustrated book. In the style of a graphic novel. Loved it. Truly brings the history to life.

I expected more historical narrative as opposed to lots of the author's experiences when she researched the history of women led slave revolts. And what little was written was in very small font amongst the illustrated pages, some pages having no writing at all. I love history books but sadly I was halfway through this when I gave up...disappointed as it's an intriguing and unusual subject.