Title: Imani’s Undersea Adventure
Author: T. M. Jackson
Publisher: Onyx Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-7361282-7-53
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Black History
Pages: 37
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
The ever-expansive scope of the undersea world is a fascinating place to explore for children and adults alike. In Imani’s Undersea Adventure, author T. M. Jackson brings her readers to an aquarium to be shown educational and historical facts through the eyes of this little girl, Imani, and her grandfather. As they wander among the huge tanks holding fiercely looking sharks with rows of razor-sharp teeth, Imani sees a scuba diver feeding the fish. Curiously, she asks her grandfather, “what are those round things on the diver’s back?” and he explains those are tanks of air, so the diver can breathe underwater. He then goes on to tell Imani of the wetsuit which keeps the diver warm, and the buoyancy compensator which controls the diver’s ability to go up and down underwater.
However, it is the homage paid to many Black individuals which carries forth the theme of this book. For example, Imani’s grandfather shows her the portraits of Jasmine Graham and Carlee Jackson, two famous Black SCUBA divers known for their awesome achievements. Next, as one of the underwater displays have a sunken ship, Imani’s grandfather goes on to introduce marine anthropology as being the study of evidence found underwater. As an example, pieces of the wrecked slave ships São José, Henrietta Marie, and Clotilda, were given to places like the Museum of African American History and Culture.
The illustrations, artfully drawn by Darwin Marfil, brings in the blue lighting of the aquarium along with the sea life, blending all together creating a truly immersive experience. The curiosity of Imani is contagious allowing for children reading this to have their own questions answered. The loving curation of the adventure by Imani’s grandfather brings together many wonderful achievements of Black people, plus a candid explanation of past social inequities. Putting all of this together along with a reference for further learning, author T. M. Jackson has created a book which educates as it entertains.
Imani’s Undersea Adventure deserves its well-earned place along the bookshelf of all young African American children, and those of all races, to enjoy and learn from. What’s instore for little Imani as she continues to grow and learn? Maybe T. M. Jackson will show us in other future adventures.
