About This Book

A Caldecott Honor medalist pairs with a master storyteller to present a mesmerizing tale of slavery. "In the long ago time before now … live oaks trembled with the sound of drums, and, say some, it was a time when people could walk beneath the water … ." So begins the epic account of how Ibo's Landing in Georgia got its name. It used to be that ships as big as barns would land at the dock near Teakettle Creek — slave ships bringing African people to work on plantations. Some of the Africans who lived on the island made goatskin drums to remind themselves of home, where they wished to return. Young Mentu had never known Africa. He was an island-born boy. But Grandmother Twi had Africa in her blood. Thanks to Twi's teachings, Mentu has learned to play the drums and respect the strength of their music. When a slave ship carrying Africans docks at Teakettle Creek, sending out the beat of drums, Twi is beckoned to her  freedom. An extraordinary tale of mysticism, intrigue, and courage, In the Time of the Drums will leave readers spellbound.