Celebrate We Gullah Geechee by Yvette R. Murray ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Celebrate We Gullah Geechee invites the reader along on a dynamic exploration of Gullah culture.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

February 2026; Free Spirit Publishing; 979-8330905065
ebook, print (44 pages); children's book

When I was in college, my marine biology class visited Sapelo Island, which is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. The University of Georgia has a marine biology research area on the island, and a few visitors are allowed each year (you have to get DNR approval to visit). The only people who are allowed to own property on the island are the descendants of the slaves who once worked the plantation on the island. It is called the Hog Hammock community. I'm not sure if they were ever referred to as Gullah Geechee, but it is a term I learned of later.

It was fun getting to know the members of the community while we were on the island (there were only 3 businesses on the island at the time - a tiny grocery store that had the only television reception, a trailer with a bar, and Lulu's restaurant - we had an excellent low country boil). 

When I was offered Celebrate We Gullah Geechee for review, I jumped at the chance to learn more about the people group.

If you are planning a family trip this summer to somewhere along the southern Atlantic coastline (from North Carolina to Florida), you can add a little educational fun for the kids (and yourself). 

The first thing I noticed about the books was the artwork. These full-color, full-page spreads by Tonya Engel are beautiful. I just want to look at the pictures.

Then I started to read the story. The story is told from the perspective of five different children, and they focus on the feel, sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the world they live and play in. The lyrical text will draw young readers in with its playful tone. It is sure to get the kids (and you) excited for that summer trip.

There are resources at the end of the book if you want to explore more about the culture and a few places you might want to put on your itinerary to visit during your trip to the coast.

Buy Celebrate We Gullah Geechee at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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