How the Word Is Passed

This book should be added to high school history curriculums across the United States.

Clint Smith takes us on a journey through parts of American history that are not taught or known by most Americans. From Monticello to the Whitney Plantation to the Blandford Cemetary, the author talks about stories of the enslaved people and the awful legacy of treatment of black and brown Americans. He also include the study of his grandfather and how this journey impacted him personally.

Clint Smith is also a tremendously talented author, blending solid journalistic techniques with poetry and soaring language. Next, I'd like to read his poetry and Atlantic articles. He also narrates the audiobook version, which I found even more compelling.