Sugar lives on a sugar cane plantation in Louisiana. She and all those who live in the old slave shacks on the plantation with her are free-- technicaSugar lives on a sugar cane plantation in Louisiana. She and all those who live in the old slave shacks on the plantation with her are free-- technically-- since President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but it sure doesn’t feel like free. They do back- breaking every day in the sugar cane fields, often from dawn and into the night. Sugar hates sugar.
Sugar is always getting into trouble because she’s a dreamer and just a tiny bit rebellious. She wants to be good, she really does. But she misses her mother, who died on New Year’s Day. Mister and Missus Beale take good care of her, but she doesn’t want to stay on the plantation forever. She dreams of seeing other places, going up north with all the other former slaves who have left them, like her friend Lizzie. The only other child around to play with is Billy Wills, the son of the plantation owner. Sugar knows friendship with Billy is forbidden, but they’re both adventurers who are willing to stretch their boundaries—and the rules-- for friendship.
I enjoyed getting to know Sugar, Bill, and the Beales, and Bo (Beau), who arrives of the halfway through the book. I learned a few things about sugar cane, and some history about how Chinese workers were brought in to work on the southern plantations after the slaves were freed. I had no idea. I found this book really interesting and I will definitely recommend it to third to fifth graders, especially those who are wanting to read books from the Sequoyah master list.
2016 Oklahoma Sequoyah Children’s Book Award Master List ...more
Hester Bass tells the story of how Huntsville, Alabama became integrated in the 1960's, a long process that included many small steps, or "seeds of frHester Bass tells the story of how Huntsville, Alabama became integrated in the 1960's, a long process that included many small steps, or "seeds of freedom" that were planted along the way. It begins by pointing out some of the injustices of segregation: children who have to carry paper pictures of their feet to the shoe store because they're not allowed to try on the shoes, youngsters who are not allowed to use the public library because their skin is brown, families who are refused service in local restaurants. Then readers are told, in clear, descriptive language, of lunch counter sit-ins, marches around the courthouse, gatherings in city parks, and other protests that are quiet and peaceful, that were meant to take a stand. The slow but steady integration of Huntsville's businesses and schools is described in contrast to the violence that was occurring in Birmingham at the same time.
Lewis's watercolor illustrations are infused with light that lends a sense of hope to the story. Combined with the deliberate, simple language, and they work to create a beautiful and gentle look as violent time. This book would be an excellent addition to elementary studies on Black History Month or the Civil Rights movement. ...more
I understand how some librarians are having a difficult time deciding how to catalog these books in their collections. They're not strictly biography,I understand how some librarians are having a difficult time deciding how to catalog these books in their collections. They're not strictly biography, as they are fictionalized, but they are really very, very good for introducing significant historical figures to our younger students. The cartoon illustrations, shorter sentences, and child-like appearances of the characters all lend more appeal to young readers. Highly recommended....more
My favorite part of this memoir is still the cover. Kudos to the artist who created it.
In free verse author Jacqueline Woodson tells her story of growMy favorite part of this memoir is still the cover. Kudos to the artist who created it.
In free verse author Jacqueline Woodson tells her story of growing up with her mother, siblings, and grandparents in the 1960's. Part of her childhood was spent in Ohio, and part in the south, where segregation was still more common. Readers are given the chance to see what her life was like through her own eyes, in her own thoughts. It's very well done, accessible and appealing to both upper elementary and middle school grades. Teachers who use Woodson's novels may want to add this to the curriculum....more
A girl and her mother risk their lives for the opportunity to learn to read. They sneak out at night to attend a "pit school", a small gathering in a A girl and her mother risk their lives for the opportunity to learn to read. They sneak out at night to attend a "pit school", a small gathering in a deep, covered hole. I was unfamiliar with this aspect of the slaves' struggle. This book belongs on elementary reading lists for Black History Month. ...more
The cart that carried Martin Luther King's casket for the funeral procession was plain. It was old. And it didn't even belong to MLK; it was borrowed.The cart that carried Martin Luther King's casket for the funeral procession was plain. It was old. And it didn't even belong to MLK; it was borrowed. It sat, for sale, outside a store for a very long time because no one wanted it. But the funeral planners thought it was just right for their purposes, so they borrowed it and painted it a plain, grassy green. After the funeral, the cart was returned to the store. It was plain and old and borrowed, but for a while, it carried greatness.
I don't think it would have occurred to too many people to write an entire book on that cart, but Bunting did quite a nice job with it. Both the text and the illustrations are as simple as the cart, a perfect match. ...more
I really didn't like this one. The rhyming text felt amateurish and almost reminiscent of Dr. Seuss without the humor, if that makes any sense. I beliI really didn't like this one. The rhyming text felt amateurish and almost reminiscent of Dr. Seuss without the humor, if that makes any sense. I believe a Booklist review called it "clunky". Yep. Terse. Repetitive, and not in a way that works. Like it wants to be shelved in the Easy Reader section. Just absolutely did not work for me.
I enjoyed the Author's Note more than the story. The rhyme scheme forced Smith to leave out interesting, educational details that only show up in the Note. Readers would benefit more from these details than the generalizations throughout the poetry.
Teach us about this historical event. Show us the slaves' involvement in building the People's House. And do it with wise words and lovely language, not childish rhymes. I would like to read a well-written informational book for children on this subject....more
Well, of course I've heard of Willie Mays. I just didn't really know much about him. Now I do. Thank you, Jonah Winter.
Did you know Willie Mays' fatheWell, of course I've heard of Willie Mays. I just didn't really know much about him. Now I do. Thank you, Jonah Winter.
Did you know Willie Mays' father played in the Negro leagues? He did, and he coached Willie early. By the time Willie was 15, he was playing with his dad on the same semi-pro team. How crazy is that? In 1951 Mays signed with the New York Giants, and he was an instant success. On his first at bat at the Polo Grounds, he slammed a home run out of left field.
Drafted by the army in 1952, Willie served his army while his team fell in the rankings. Two years later he returned to the team, stronger than ever, and took the Giants to the World Series, where he made one of the most famous catches in major league baseball history.
Winter's acrylic illustrations are dark and muted, with nondescript faces, even on Mays. The strength is in Mays' story, though, and baseball fans should like this one. Appendices include highlights of Mays' career, a glossary of baseball terms, a list of resources used for statistics in the book, and a note about the radio broadcast quotes used in the book....more
You've never heard of Horace Pippin? That's okay, me neither. But he was a pretty interesting guy! A talented artist from a very young age, Horace greYou've never heard of Horace Pippin? That's okay, me neither. But he was a pretty interesting guy! A talented artist from a very young age, Horace grew up drawing and painting every chance he got. Everyone loved his pictures.
When World War I broke out, Horace felt the need to help, so he joined the army. He took a bullet to the shoulder, which left his right arm permanently damaged. After the war, Horace had difficulty finding a job because he could no longer lift his arm or use it the way he could before. He could no longer create his pictures, but he found other ways to stay busy, organizing a Boy Scout troop, umpiring baseball games, and helping his wife, Jennie, with her laundry business.
Horace still longed to create pictures, though, and one evening he discovered that if he held his right wrist in his left hand, he could move his right arm well enough to draw and paint. Eventually, his artwork was noticed by the president of a local artist' club who was friends with the famous artist N.C. Wyeth. When Wyeth saw Horace's work, he set up a one-man exhibition, and before long, Horace was famous.
The historical note at the back contains more biographical information on Pippin, and notes from the author and the illustrator detail their individual experiences with his work. Also included are a section of further reading, websites about Pippin's work, and a list of quotation sources for the book. The back end papers feature a rough map of the United States with stars placed on every city where you can see Horace Pippin's art.
Teachers may want to add this book to their Black History Month reading lists....more
This wordless book is a beautiful depiction of exchanges between a Civil War-era young girl and a runaway slave she discovers in her family's corncribThis wordless book is a beautiful depiction of exchanges between a Civil War-era young girl and a runaway slave she discovers in her family's corncrib. Soon after soldiers have ridden by on horseback, our heroine goes out to feed the chickens. While she is in the corncrib, she becomes aware that she is being watched: one wide, frightened eye is all the reader sees of the runaway. Frightened, the girl takes refuge in her home with adults. The slave stays on her mind, though, and as the family is saying grace over their evening meal, she knows she must do what she can to help.
Several times she offers food to the slave. Bounty hunters appear on her land, showing a Wanted poster for the runaway. Her parents reveal nothing; as far as the reader knows, the girl is the only one who is aware the slave is hiding in their corncrib. Some time after the bounty hunters leave, the girl returns to the corncrib to find a handmade cornhusk doll left there for her.
Though there are no words at all in the book (other than on the Wanted poster) there is much to discuss here. The quilt hanging on the fence as the story opens--is that a clue, part of a map on the Underground Railroad, as quilts so often were? Are there any other clues that the girl's family may or may not be sympathetic to runaway slaves?
The lack of text forces readers to put themselves into the story in order to understand it. This book is very well done and would be a welcome addition to elementary units on slavery and/or the Underground Railroad. ...more
Langston Hughes' brief, 18-line poem is introduced to a new generation of children through Bryan Collier's bold illustrations. Although the words are Langston Hughes' brief, 18-line poem is introduced to a new generation of children through Bryan Collier's bold illustrations. Although the words are few, when printed alongside Collier's colorful artistry, they become even more emotional.
When led in discussion, young children will be able to comprehend the meaning of Hughes' words....more
When we, as teachers either at school or in the home, look at our students and tell them that they should Do what you can, where you are, with what yoWhen we, as teachers either at school or in the home, look at our students and tell them that they should Do what you can, where you are, with what you have to work with, I'm sure many of them think, I can't do anything. This book proves them wrong. One man's knowledge, a simple knowledge born of experience, made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of people when he took the time to share it with others.
Ruth and her parents are driving from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandmother in the years following World War II. Her parents have done all they can to prepare for the trip, including purchasing a new car and packing a good amount of food to eat along the way, but not everything can be handled in advance. Gas stations will not allow them to use their restrooms. Hotels will not rent them rooms. A friend they visit on the way tells them to be on the lookout for Esso gas stations because they will be treated with dignity there. At the first Esso station the attendant sells Ruth's father a pamphlet called The Negro Motorist Green Book. Filled with lists of restaurants, hotels, and other places of business in different states that welcome Negro families, this little book becomes a treasured help on their trip.
The story itself isn't particularly fascinating here; it's the history behind the story that makes this book compelling. Until I picked up this picture book I had never heard of The Green Book or Victor Green. No surprise there, I suppose, not only because my family would not have used one but also because it was written many years before I was born. But I'm willing to venture that he probably helped as much in the civil rights effort as more well-known names, if not more. This book should be shared with students alongside titles of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Jackie Robinson, because Green is proof that one person can make a difference in others' lives. We should be encouraging our students to ask themselves, What do I know about? What can I share to make a difference in my world?
*2012 Oklahoma Sequoyah Children's Book Award Masterlist...more
Henry Brown pulled off one of the most audacious escapes from slavery known. He was born into a family of slaves who loved him: When Henry Brown came Henry Brown pulled off one of the most audacious escapes from slavery known. He was born into a family of slaves who loved him: When Henry Brown came into this world, his family sang. Mama blew kisses on his soft, brown belly. What a sweet, loving image.
Music was a tool that helped Henry grow strong and survive on the plantation. He sang his "workday song", with "lift, tote, toss-the-sack words" that strengthened his arms. He sang his "gather-up song" in the garden, with its "twist, snap, pick-a-pea words". Henry's freedom song he kept to himself, singing it silently inside his head to fight his greatest fear--being sold away from his family. Henry dreamed of the day he could sing his freedom song loud and strong.
Henry's songs helped him work hard, grow strong, and manage on the plantation and later, in the tobacco factory where he was sent to work. Henry married, reared children, and "family songs hushed Henry's freedom song" until the day his wife's master sold her and all their children. An utterly heartbroken Henry hummed his freedom song louder than ever as he planned an escape. He built a box and, with the help of a white store-owner named Samuel Smith, Henry mailed himself to freedom. He was nearly discovered once and nearly died, but eventually the lid was pried off and Henry was finally, finally free.
It's an amazing story I have heard before, in Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson. That was a good book, and this one is excellent, as well. Henry Brown's life-threatening flight for freedom is inspiring. An author's note tells what Walker knows to be true of Henry's life, what small detail she altered for the story, and why she chose to make music so central to Henry's tale. I thought the musical aspect was a wonderful addition. Walker's descriptions for each of Henry's songs had a lyrical lilt and made me want to hear the songs for myself. Sean Qualls' paint, pencil, and cut paper collages were had an earthy quality and the colored circles gave a sense of music and movement. I would highly recommend this book for elementary units on Black History and slavery.
Review copy provided by Penguin. (Thanks, Sheila!)...more
Yikes. The story might be based on truth, but the dialogue is painful. Darn near excruciating. The pronoun "thee" is used constantly, even when it shoYikes. The story might be based on truth, but the dialogue is painful. Darn near excruciating. The pronoun "thee" is used constantly, even when it should be "thou" ("thou" is subjective, "thee" is objective). A person wouldn't have said, "Thee seems in a hurry." He would have used the words "thou" and "seemest". I know that sounds really picky, but I found it very annoying. ...more
Augusta Scattergood is the probably the coolest author name I've heard in...well, I can't think of a cooler one off the top of my head. Sounds totallyAugusta Scattergood is the probably the coolest author name I've heard in...well, I can't think of a cooler one off the top of my head. Sounds totally made up, but if it's not, well then, it rocks. Now, on to the book.
Glory Hemphill's summer of 1964 isn't shaping up too well. Her sister Jesslyn, who only last year was playing Junk Poker with her and talking about how boys were gross, is telling Glory to leave her alone and prissing around mooning over boys. Glory's twelfth birthday is only days away (she's a Fourth of July baby) and no one seems to care. She's been looking forward to spending her birthday as she always does, with friends swimming and splashing in the community pool, but the pool has an ugly sign on it declaring it closed until further notice. The Town Council says it needs cracks repaired, but Glory knows there are no cracks in the pool. Glory's best friend, Frankie, seems to take a little pleasure in passing on the bad news to her, courtesy of his father, a councilman. Frankie seems to pass on a lot of bad news to Glory lately, and Glory's about had enough.
She's sure the Council closed the pool because they don't want Negroes swimming in their community pool. Members are annoyed that some "outside agitators" from the north--stupid, meddling Yankees--have come to town to stir up trouble, staffing a Freedom Clinic for coloreds outside of town. One young girl from Ohio--Glory's new friend, Laura--had the audacity to drink from a Coloreds Only water fountain. Glory wonders, What in the heck is she thinking???
Glory is not one to be silent, however, so she pens a letter to the editor of the newspaper telling the Town Council just what she thinks about the closing of the pool. She doesn't tell her minister father about the letter because she doesn't want to get him in trouble with nosy church members. That certainly doesn't work out the way she planned.
Glory represents the average white child caught in the ugly world of politics and racism in the 1960's. She knows there are lines that should not be crossed but she doesn't know why. When the problem is facing her directly, she realizes what she believes and tries to take a stand. I will say that occasionally I grew frustrated with Glory because she blabbed secrets and lied to stay out of trouble when she did things she knew were wrong, yet she was so angry with other people who lied, and with Frankie when he told the secret she never should have passed on to him in the first place. I wanted her to be more mature than that. And then I realized that I want most of the world to be more mature than that, but they're not. I'm not. So I knew I had to give Glory a break.
Same for Frankie. I didn't like him at all. Scattergood made sure I didn't hate him by reminding me that Frankie gets smacked around at home by his bully big brother (and maybe by his racist father, too?). I had to remind myself regularly that he was just a scared little boy who had been indoctrinated by a hateful father and talked big to cover his fear.
Laura was kind of a throw-away character for me. Seemed she was there to serve a purpose, but the attempt at making her a criminal seemed unrealistic. Why go after an 11-year-old girl when there are other, older, more "dangerous" Yankees who would make better villains? Umm...because it's a kids' book, I suppose. But I think it would have been more realistic to make Robbie the one who was framed for the break-in, not Laura.
Emma, the family maid, who is black, was nearly a throw-away character as well, but scenes near the end of the book between Emma and Glory and one with Mr. Smith revealed more. Her quiet strength and dignity became apparent in those scenes, and she became more real to me.
Things seemed to resolve themselves a little too easily (J.T. is a real jerk, so why did he back off? No reason was given I could see.) But overall, I enjoyed this book and was involved enough to read it quickly. I look forward to reading more of Augusta Scattergood's work. (Man, that's a cool name....) ...more
Frederick Douglass and his mother were separated when he was young, both slaves on different farms. When she was allowed the time, she would walk the Frederick Douglass and his mother were separated when he was young, both slaves on different farms. When she was allowed the time, she would walk the twelve miles to visit Frederick, then walk the twelve miles back. This picture book tells how Frederick's mother made her journey seem shorter by thinking about something different on each of the twelve miles. One mile was designated for prayers of thankfulness. One mile was for remembering. One mile was for forgetting. One mile was for singing. Each mile meant something different for Frederick's mother, and Frederick cherished those visits from her not just because he was glad to see her, but because she sacrificed much to see him.
The illustrations are as lovely as the sentiment expressed by Frederick's mother's faithfulness....more
Marlee is shy and silent but wishes she had the courage to speak out. When she becomes project partners with the new girl in school, Liz, Marlee findsMarlee is shy and silent but wishes she had the courage to speak out. When she becomes project partners with the new girl in school, Liz, Marlee finds the courage she didn't know she had. Clearly, Liz is good for Marlee. But Liz is hiding something. Liz is black, passing for white in the shadow of the Little Rock Nine. When the truth comes out, it puts the girls and their families in grave danger.
Marlee is a well-developed character, dynamic and real. She makes some stupid decisions, shows some moments of genuine bravery, and struggles with her emotions throughout. I had a little trouble with her moving from almost 100% mute in public to boldly speaking out so quickly, but this was the only thing that really bugged me. (Maybe some shy people make the switch that quickly?)
Liz was fun and interesting, but not nearly as rounded as Marlee. I feel like some other characters were probably pretty spot-on in their behaviors. J.T. wavered between racism and acceptance of Liz--understandable considering his father's nature. Red, well, he was a typical teenage bigot of the day, I guess, influenced by his father as well.
Marlee's mom made what appears on the surface to be a 180-degree turn in the book. But the more I thought about it, the more I think she was just a woman wanting the best for her children, afraid of the "what ifs" in an unstable time.
Overall, I thought The Lions of Little Rock was well-written, thoughtful, presented the historical time for that location accurately, and I enjoyed it a lot. I will recommend it to students and teachers who are looking for a new title to stimulate classroom discussion....more
Voices of the Underground Railroad sing, shout, cry, and whisper in these poems that take the reader from the moment a slave decides to attempt escapeVoices of the Underground Railroad sing, shout, cry, and whisper in these poems that take the reader from the moment a slave decides to attempt escape to the moments slaves reach freedom in the north. A mix of emotions emerge from poem to poem: anger, fear, desperation, desire, gratitude, and ultimately, hope. The historical era slave dialect may make the reading and comprehension challenging for some readers; understanding seems to come easier when the poetry is read aloud, making this book good for sharing. Each spread features one or more paintings that illustrate the action taking place and help readers visualize the danger and the pain. Middle school libraries should purchase this lovely but haunting book for their collections, while Language Arts teachers may want to include this in their curriculum....more
Despite a rickety airplane and a lack of food, fuel and supplies, James Banning and Thomas Allen left an airfield in Los Angeles, California in the auDespite a rickety airplane and a lack of food, fuel and supplies, James Banning and Thomas Allen left an airfield in Los Angeles, California in the autumn of 1932 in an attempt to fly "from sea to shining sea". They succeeded in less than three weeks due to their skill and ingenuity. The obstacles they encountered included bad weather and racial prejudice. After each safe escape from dangers in the air and dangers on the ground, they shouted a "Hallelujah!", which led them to brand their trip "The Hallelujah Flight".
Bildner tells their story from the point of view of Allen, the mechanic and copilot; it's based on personal accounts by Allen. The voice holds true as the adventure progresses. Though brief, this is a terrific little bit of Black History in picture book form. On a personal note, I was glad to see Oklahomans being portrayed as the kind and generous people we are. :)...more
Can a person be great and still participate in evil?
This question lives at the heart of Jefferson's Sons, a fictionalized account of the lives of Can a person be great and still participate in evil?
This question lives at the heart of Jefferson's Sons, a fictionalized account of the lives of Thomas Jefferson's children by his slave, Sally Hemings. From the captivating cover art to the last devastating line, this book is engaging and thought-provoking.
Beverly, Harriet, Maddy, & Eston Hemings will be freed when they reach the age of 21. Master Jefferson has promised their mother this. For now, they are well taken care of; they do not work as hard as the other slaves as Monticello and they receive privileges, as well.
Beverly, the oldest son, wants so badly to have a relationship with the man he longs to call "Papa" but is forced to refer to as "Master Jefferson". The older he gets, the more Beverly knows that can never happen. Because he is light-skinned, when he is freed, he and his sister Harriet will leave Monticello to become a part of white society, and no one can ever know the truth of their paternity. Eston, the youngest, is the spitting image of Jefferson and poses the biggest threat of exposure when visitors come to Monticello. He, too, knows he will leave Monticello forever when he is freed.
Middle son James Madison (Maddy, for short) knows that when is freed, he will stay with his mother because, of all Sally's children, he alone is too dark-skinned to pass for white. It is his painful reality that once they leave Monticello, he will never see his siblings again.
Peter Fossett is a slave born at Monticello, son of the great-house cook and the blacksmith. Peter believes himself to be the luckiest boy in the world to live his happy life at Monticello. He is too young to work hard, but he is still helpful, and he gets to run and play on the mountaintop. From there, he can see the whole world, it seems.
For all the beauty in these children's lives (and there is beauty, be sure), they are still slaves. Their lives are not their own. Master Jefferson lives grandly. He is generous to the stream of guests that come to Monticello to see the president, and money is running out. They tell themselves that as long as Master Jefferson lives, they know they will be treated just fine. Yes, but what of when he dies? What then?
And what are we to think of Master Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, champion of freedom, slaveholder? Can a person be great and still participate in evil? In each boy's thoughts and actions we see both respect for the man and great disdain. How could he sell people? It is interesting to note that none of the boys seems to respect Jefferson because he is a "great man", for his role in government, for his writings, or his stand for freedom. They respect him because he is their Master and respect is their role. Can a person be great and still participate in evil? The answer is not an easy one.
I don't know many elementary students who would pick this book off the shelf and choose to check it out. It does not have that kind of appeal to our students. They barely know who Thomas Jefferson was, after all. But they need to read this. It is a powerful reminder of man's ability to think of ourselves as good people and yet be completely inhumane to others. This book belongs in upper elementary and middle school social studies classrooms. It needs to be read, to be studied, to be debated, to be a voice from the past that urges us to become catalysts for change, kindness, and compassion. ...more
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