Culture 2: African American Literature - Picture Book

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

McKissack, Patricia C. 2001. GOIN’ SOMEPLACE SPECIAL. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689818858

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this touching look at a young African American girl’s journey to a place where everyone is welcome, McKissack skillfully explores the theme of race and equality in a segregated 1950s southern town. ‘Tricia Ann begs her grandmother to let her go to “Someplace Special” all by herself, and she encounters numerous examples of racism and segregation along the way. Despite the difficult journey, ‘Tricia Ann makes it to “Someplace Special,” and readers will be pleasantly surprised to find her standing at the steps of the public library where “all are welcome” at the end of the story.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

‘Tricia Ann’s character is likeable and universal in many ways, and children will relate to her as she giggles and spins in circles next to Peace Fountain. Readers will also feel her pain as she comes across many examples of cruel and unjust segregation on her way to the library. Readers will pull for ‘Tricia Ann as she remembers her grandmother’s words of wisdom and encouragement that give her the strength and determination to ignore the hatred around her and press on to her destination. Mama Frances, ‘Tricia Ann’s grandmother, plays an important role in the story as she lovingly encourages ‘Tricia Ann to be proud of herself no matter what, and ‘Tricia Ann can feel her grandmother’s love even when she is alone.

The language and dialect of the characters is important to the cultural authenticity of the story. For example, Mama Frances says, “Hold yo’ head up and act like you b’long to somebody.” McKissack’s ability to carefully capture the rhythm and flow of the character’s language gives readers further insight into the characters and context of this story.

The setting of this story reveals the harsh realities of a segregated 1950s southern town, and careful attention is given to accurately reflect examples of segregation such as the placement of Jim Crow signs and the reaction of white people as ‘Tricia Ann is accidentally swept into a “whites only” hotel lobby by a large crowd. The setting and historical context of the story play a major role in this tale, and the environment that surrounds ‘Tricia Ann is an important cultural marker for the story.

Jerry Pinkney’s rich, lifelike illustrations play a major role in the story, serving as another important cultural marker for the story. Pinkney beautifully captures the skin tone and hair of ‘Tricia Ann, and his illustrations amazingly capture ‘Tricia Ann’s every emotion from happiness and anticipation to despair and embarrassment.

GOIN’ SOMEPLACE SPECIAL is an incredible story that will resonate with children and adults alike. The historical context of the story, the great message of determination, and the beautiful and significant illustrations combine to make this a perfect multicultural story to read aloud to children. A touching author’s note at the end of the book reveals that this story is very similar to events in the author’s own life.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From BOOKLIST starred (August 2001):
“Pinkney's watercolor paintings are lush and sprawling as they evoke southern city streets and sidewalks as well as Tricia Ann's inner glow. In an author's note, McKissack lays out the autobiographical roots of the story and what she faced as a child growing up in Nashville. This book carries a strong message of pride and self-confidence as well as a pointed history lesson. It is also a beautiful tribute to the libraries that were ahead of their time.”

From HORN BOOK starred (Spring 2002):
“This is the story of a child facing a difficult time sustained by the support of the adults in her life. Going alone for the first time, 'Tricia Ann is off to Someplace Special--the public library where "All Are Welcome." The journey isn't easy: she must face the indignities of life in the Jim Crow South. The text and art strike just the right balance: informative without being preachy; hopeful without being sentimental.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (September 2001):
“Dialogue illustrates her confidence and intelligence as she bravely searches for truth in a city of Jim Crow signs. Pinkney re-creates the city in detailed pencil-and-watercolor art angled over full-page spreads, highlighting the young girl with vibrant color in each illustration. A thought-provoking story for group sharing and independent readers.”

CONNECTIONS:

2002 winner of the Coretta Scott King Award

Since Patricia McKissack’s writing and Jerry Pinkney’s illustrations combine to create a powerful read aloud story, students might be interested in reading more books by this dynamic duo. For example, MIRANDY AND BROTHER WIND and THE ALL-I’LL-EVER-WANT CHRISTMAS DOLL are also written by McKissack and illustrated by Pinkney.

This story might serve as a great starting point for a discussion about libraries and how public libraries might have been ahead of their time in welcoming everyone through their doors.

A central theme of GOIN’ SOMEPLACE SPECIAL is the sanctuary that public libraries can provide for everyone. This story might pair well with another story about the impact libraries can have on people’s lives, such as TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY by Pat Mora.

Culture 2: African American Literature - Angela Johnson Novel

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Johnson, Angela. 1993. TONING THE SWEEP. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN 0531086267

PLOT SUMMARY:

Angela Johnson tells the powerful tale of fourteen year old Emmie as she discovers more about herself and her family during a trip to the desert to help her sick grandmother pack and move back home. As Emmie uncovers the profound history of her family and begins to learn as much as she can about her Grandmama Ola, she captures it all on a camcorder to help her remember everything. Just as Emmie begins to realize that her grandmother is dying, she finds out the truth behind her grandfather’s racially motivated murder and her mother’s pain at having been the one to discover his body. Emmie’s already strong bond with her grandmother is further strengthened as a result of this eye-opening trip, and she discovers the true meaning of family, love, and friendship.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The story is told through fourteen year old Emmie’s eyes, and readers will easily relate to her curious and honest nature. Readers will also sympathize with her strong bond with her grandmother and sometimes strained relationship with her mother. Emmie’s family is not perfect, but that is what makes them so easy to relate to. Grandmama Ola’s spirited and eccentric character is a strong influence to the story, and her battle with cancer will strike a chord with readers. The characters in the story also serve as significant cultural markers for the story, and Johnson skillfully balances the universal themes of the story with rich details relating to the African American culture. For example, Johnson’s description of Emmie’s hair in “kinky waves” as well as Emmie daydreaming of being an “African queen” help to immerse the reader in the cultural details of the story.

The family history that Emmie uncovers is also another significant cultural marker for this story. As Emmie uncovers the details about her grandfather’s racially motivated murder, the reader is given a glimpse into the hatred and oppression that African Americans have dealt with simply because of the color of their skin. Johnson uncovers this harsh ugliness and personalizes it by showing how racism and violence affect entire families.

The desert setting of the story is also significant, and Johnson skillfully uses this setting to give depth to the story through imagery and powerful descriptions. In this hot and dry climate where few plants can survive and Grandmama Ola struggles with cancer, Emmie discovers that life continues to bloom as her family continues to thrive.

This powerful novel combines a great story about the bonds of family and friends with authentic cultural details. Both young readers and adults will appreciate Johnson’s strong characters, richly detailed setting, and emotional plot.

REVIEW EXCERPT:

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY starred (July 1994):
“PW , in a starred review, praised this ``thoughtfully nuanced and penetrating'' novel about three generations of women from an African American family who must cope with a beloved grandmother's illness.”

CONNECTIONS:

1994 winner of the Coretta Scott King Award

“Toning the sweep” refers to a ritual to honor the dead by making a sound by drumming a plow. Invite students to find out more about this ritual and its origins.

After reading TONING THE SWEEP, have students visit a biographical website about Angela Johnson, such as http://www.visitingauthors.com/authors/johnson_angela/johnson_angela_bio.html. Students might be interested in learning more about her life and where her writing ideas come from.

Other novels by Angela Johnson with an African American focus: HEAVEN and THE FIRST PART LAST.

Culture 2: African American Literature - Jerry Pinkney

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Schroeder, Alan. 1996. MINTY: A STORY OF YOUNG HARRIET TUBMAN. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803718888

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this amazing depiction of Harriet Tubman’s childhood, Schroeder tells the tale of a brave and spirited young Harriet Tubman as she dreams of achieving freedom from slavery. Based in part on actual facts, Schroeder gives readers a unique account of what childhood was like for Harriet Tubman, or Minty as she was called in childhood. Minty endures unimaginably cruel treatment as she is whipped for freeing a trapped muskrat and has her beloved doll taken from her for accidentally knocking over a pitcher of cider. Headstrong and determined to attain freedom and a quality life, Minty plans to run away and begins to learn as much as she can to survive an escape through the wilderness from her father. A failed attempt at escape does not hold Minty back, and the reader is left making the connection between Minty’s childhood and Harriet Tubman’s future success as a leader of the Underground Railroad that freed hundreds of slaves.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The characters are based on actual people, lending some authenticity and believability to the story. Schroeder does a great job of portraying Minty as a feisty and very likeable child that children and adults alike will sympathize with. As a child reading Bible stories to her beloved rag doll, Minty will touch readers’ hearts. The unique names of characters in the story, such as Minty’s parents “Old Ben” and “Old Rit,” serve as a cultural marker for the story.

Language also serves as a major cultural marker for this story. Key words and phrases, such as “master,” “overseer,” “Missus,” and “the big house,” place the story in the historical context of slavery. The characters’ speech and dialect provide further historical and cultural insight into the story, such as the words and phrases “ol’,” “nothin’,” and “a little ‘un.”

The setting for this story is a Maryland plantation in the 1820s, and the setting is key to readers’ understanding of the plot and the struggles that Minty faced as a child. Schroeder does a good job of showing how the unimaginably difficult environment that Minty grew up in shaped her into the brave woman she grew up to be.

Jerry Pinkney’s beautiful illustrations accurately portray the cultural characteristics of the characters in the story. Pinkney devotes immaculate attention to detail with the skin tone and hair of the characters in the story, and his illustrations can stand alone to function as another important cultural marker for the story. The richly detailed illustrations also capture the emotions of the characters and the plot of the story with ease.

MINTY: A STORY OF YOUNG HARRIET TUBMAN is a great historically based story that gives readers insight into what one of America’s bravest women might have been like as a child. Schroeder’s careful attention to cultural details combine with Pinkney’s gorgeous and carefully constructed illustrations to make this a great story to share with children. The book includes an author’s note at the beginning describing how Schroeder came to write this story and an author’s note at the end giving the reader more factual information about Harriet Tubman’s life.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From HORN BOOK starred (September 1996):
“A fictionalized account based on fact details the early life of Harriet Tubman, whose "cradle name" was Araminta, and who would later become a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Quick action and dialogue create a taut story and clearly depict Minty's strong-willed nature and her desire for freedom. Pinkney's watercolors provide detail and depth in this intriguing and emotional portrait.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (1996):
“Told in rhythmic prose and colloquial dialogue, the plot has actual events that are small, but it is rich with melodrama, suspense, pathos, and, of course, a powerful vision of freedom. Pinkney's illustrations exhibit, characteristically, his refined draftsmanship; the complicated compositions convey psychological aspects of slavery and make the individual characters even more distinct. This exquisitely crafted book resonates well beyond its few pages.”

CONNECTIONS:

1997 winner of the Coretta Scott King Award

Pair this story with other biographies about Harriet Tubman, particularly those that include a look at Tubman’s adulthood and what she came to be famous for. Suggestions include HARRIET TUBMAN: HERO OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Lori Mortensen and MOSES: WHEN HARRIET TUBMAN LED HER PEOPLE TO FREEDOM by Carole Boston Weatherford.

Use this story as a springboard to a discussion on the Underground Railroad. Students can research more about the Underground Railroad and even map the route that Harriet Tubman took as she led escaped slaves to freedom. The following website is a great way to begin a unit of study on the Underground Railroad: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/index.html.

Since Jerry Pinkney’s illustrations play a major role in this story, students might be interested in reading other picture books illustrated by Pinkney, such as GOIN’ SOMEPLACE SPECIAL by Patricia McKissack and JOHN HENRY by Julius Lester.

Culture 1: International Literature - International Author

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Ellis, Deborah. 2000. THE BREADWINNER. Toronto: Groundwood Books. ISBN 0888994168

PLOT SUMMARY:

In this riveting look at a young girl’s struggles living in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Deborah Ellis tells the story of eleven-year-old Parvana and her family as they try to survive after the unjustified arrest of Parvana’s father. Without a father, Parvana’s family is left with no means of providing for themselves because the women are forbidden from leaving their homes without a man to accompany them. Parvana must sacrifice her identity by disguising herself as a boy in order to make money and bring food to her family. While this plan is a success, this hurdle is just one of many obstacles that Parvana’s family must endure as they face violence, oppression, and the struggle for freedom and human rights.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

THE BREADWINNER offers some key cultural markers that help root the story in the turbulent climate of Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Ellis lays the foundation for a realistic look at the extreme female oppression that exists in that region by comparing life before Taliban rule to life after Taliban control. Prior to Taliban rule, Parvana’s parents were educated and employed, and Parvana and her siblings played freely outside and attended school. Ellis does a good job of depicting the dramatic changes that occur after the Taliban gain control, leaving women and girls banished indoors. There are also several references to the violence and dangers that can be a part of daily life in that region. Parvana’s father lost part of his leg when the school he taught at was bombed, and Parvana’s older brother was killed by a land mine. The setting and environment are described thoroughly enough throughout the book to give the reader a context for the story as he/she plunges into the dramatic and fast-paced plot.

The characters of THE BREADWINNER are a major strength for the story. In particular, Parvana’s character is strong and instantly likeable, and she will serve as a courageous role model for girls everywhere. Despite her bravery and courage, Parvana is also easy to relate to. Her universal qualities add to the appeal of the book for all readers. Several cultural markers surrounding the characters in THE BREADWINNER are also noteworthy. For example, the clothing worn by the characters are authentic and described by name (chador, burqa, and shalwar kameez). Similarly, Ellis references common Afghan foods, such as nan and kebab, and she even describes the practice of eating “Afghan-style,” with a plastic cloth spread out on the floor for everyone to sit around. A glossary at the back of the book can enhance the reader’s understanding of these words. While the descriptions of the characters’ physical attributes and religious practices are scant, the reader is still left with a clear picture of who Parvana is and how her culture influences her life.

THE BREADWINNER is a great story for both adults and children, and the gripping plot and endearing characters will certainly draw the reader in. Pulling for Parvana to survive and overcome her struggles, the reader will be engaged with the story until the very end. This book is universal in its appeal while remaining true to the culture portrayed.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From BOOK REPORT (November/December 2001):
“When Parvana's father is arrested and taken to prison, her mother falls into a deep depression, and the children are left to fend for themselves. Parvana's hair is cut and she is dressed as a boy so she can move freely through Kabul. This story is great for history students, helping them better understand Afghanistan's turbulent history and the current plight of Afghan women. Although simply written, this tale contains some graphic scenes for mature readers. It also presents a lesson in philanthropy, because all of the book's royalties go to support the education of Afghan girls who remain in Pakistani refugee camps. Recommended.”

CONNECTIONS:

* Invite students to seek out the sequel to this story, PARVANA’S JOURNEY by Deborah Ellis.

* Parvana’s favorite subject in school prior to being banned from school was Afghan history. Encourage students to find out more about Afghan history for themselves as a research project. THE BREADWINNER includes a map of Afghanistan and the surrounding regions at the front of the book that might be useful for completing a project such as this.

* Parvana and her friend, Shauzia, plan to meet again in 20 years. Students may enjoy fast-forwarding 20 years into the future to create their own ending for the story. Will Parvana and Shauzia reunite? What will Parvana’s life be like at that time? What happened to Parvana’s family?

* Since all of the royalties from this book are donated to Women for Women in Afghanistan, students might be interested in visiting the website for this charitable organization at http://www.womenforwomen.org/index.php. This could lead to a great discussion on humanitarian aid and ways to help people from around the world.

Culture 1: International Literature - Mem Fox Picture Book

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Fox, Mem. 1988. KOALA LOU. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN 0152005021

PLOT SUMMARY:

Koala Lou is an adorable koala who is loved by all, but her mother loves her especially so and tells her this often by saying, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” When Koala Lou’s mom becomes so busy taking care of Koala Lou’s brothers and sisters that she stops telling Koala Lou how much she loves her, Koala Lou becomes very sad. Then she decides that if she can win the upcoming Bush Olympics, then her mother will tell her how much she loves her again. In the end, Koala Lou is not quite fast enough to win, but that does not stop her mother from hugging her tight and declaring, “Koala Lou, I DO love you! I always have, and I always will.”

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

This heartwarming tale from beloved Australian author Mem Fox is perfect for reading aloud to children. The classic theme of unconditional motherly love adds to the story’s timelessness and appeal.

A variety of cultural markers are present in KOALA LOU, embedding the story in Australian culture. For example, various animal characters, such as a koala, emu, platypus, and kookaburra, highlight many of the fascinating species that are native to Australia. Similarly, the setting of the story draws attention to the Australian environment, which is evident in references to gum trees and the “Bush Olympics.” Furthermore, Pamela Lofts’ bright and beautiful illustrations portray the Australian climate splendidly. Gorgeous colors and highly animated animal characters will easily draw children into the story, giving them a great view of the Australian wilderness.

Children will adore this tale, and the appealing depictions of cuddly Koala Lou are sure to please at story time. The catchy phrase, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” will encourage children to participate in the reading of the story. My three-year-old son loved saying the phrase with me as I read, and he also laughed out loud at the pictures of Koala Lou getting ready for the Bush Olympics by lifting weights in her red sneakers. This story is definitely a winner in my son’s opinion!

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From HORN BOOK starred (February 1990):
“In a gentle tale set in the Australian bush, Koala Lou wants to win the Bush Olympics. A good choice for story hour, bedtime, or reading aloud.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW (1989):
“This satisfying reworking of a familiar and ever-important theme is appealingly illustrated--bright colors, soft-edged sculptural forms, precise detail, dozens of expressive animals. Another winning import from one of Australia's favorite authors.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (August 11, 1989):
“Koala Lou is loved by everyone, but it is her mother who loves her most of all. She often tells her daughter, ``Koala Lou, I DO love you.'' As the family grows and her mother gets busier, Koala Lou yearns to hear those words again. She sets out to win the Bush Olympics as a way to gain her mother's attention. Lofts' colored-pencil drawings portray the Australian flora and fauna beautifully, including a few of the more exotic species.”

CONNECTIONS:

* Young children love to see real pictures of animals that they read about in stories. A quick Internet search for “koala,” “emu,” “platypus,” or “kookaburra” gives instant access to some outstanding pictures of these Australian animals.

* After looking at the pictures of some of these animals, students might also be interested in reading some nonfiction books about these animals and their habitats. A nonfiction book such as A KOALA JOEY GROWS UP by Joan Hewett would pair perfectly with KOALA LOU.

* Since the illustrations in KOALA LOU are outstanding, students might also enjoy drawing their own Australian animals with Australian trees and flowers in the background. As a group, students might also be interested in researching other Australian animals and plants (that are not in KOALA LOU) to add to their drawings.

Culture 1: International Literature - Batchelder Award Novel

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Funke, Cornelia. 2000. THE THIEF LORD. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0439404371

PLOT SUMMARY:

With unique Venice, Italy as the backdrop, THE THIEF LORD spins the magical tale of two young brothers on the run from their aunt and uncle after the death of their mother. Their heartless aunt is only interested in adopting the younger brother, Bo, and Prosper, the older brother, is determined to prevent that from happening. With memories of their mother’s magical stories about Venice, the boys become runaways and seek shelter among Venice’s infinite hiding places. The boys soon connect with a group of misfit, runaway children led by a mysterious boy named Scipio, or “The Thief Lord,” who provides for the group by stealing. With a private investigator hot on their trail, the boys uncover some incredible secrets, including some secretes about The Thief Lord’s true identity. The story takes an amazing, magical turn as The Thief Lord attempts his biggest theft yet, recovering the missing piece of a merry-go-round that is believed to make children out of adults and adults out of children. With some unusual allies, the boys earn their freedom and experience some unbelievable things they will not soon forget.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The setting of THE THIEF LORD plays an important role in the story and represents a major cultural marker for the story. Venice is richly described with its winding canals, surrounding waters, and magnificent architecture. The story’s location is deeply embedded in the plot as Prosper and Bo discover how easily they can hide in Venice’s many alleys and ancient buildings. Prosper and Bo’s vision of Venice as a magical place touches upon the beauty, mystery, and magnificence of the city while giving the reader a glimpse of what is to come in the story.

Language offers clues to other important cultural markers through many Italian words, names, and locations. The sprinkling of Italian words throughout the story lends credibility to the story’s atmosphere, and a glossary at the back of the book will aid the reader’s understanding. The use of authentic language in describing landmarks and objects that are a part of Venice, such as “vaporett” (waterbus), “campo” (open square), “Rialto” (the market district by the Grand Canal), and “Basilica St. Marco” (St Marks Cathedral), allows the reader to become a part of the culture of the story.

The characters of the story are cleverly constructed and offer the reader a glimpse into the culture of Venice through their eyes. The reader will easily urge likeable Prosper on as he fights to protect Bo, and Bo’s innocence and magical view of Venice will resonate with the reader. Victor, the private investigator, opens the book with his reflections on Venice’s beauty, giving the reader an immediate context for the story. Despite the fact that Victor poses a threat to Prosper and Bo and their freedom, Victor’s character is instantly likeable. Similarly, Ida Spavento, the intended target of The Thief Lord’s biggest theft, turns out to be a likeable character who relays the history behind the magical merry-go-round to the children and helps them out in the end.

THE THIEF LORD has appeal for both children and adults, and unique characters, a surprising plot, and a richly described setting make this a truly remarkable story. The reader will certainly feel transported to a different place through this extraordinary story.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (October 1, 2002):
“Funke delineates her characters and the changing textures of their relationships with masterful subtlety, as well as sometimes-puckish humor. It's a compelling tale, rich in ingenious twists, with a setting and cast that will linger in readers' memories.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (June 24, 2002):
“Wacky characters bring energy to this translation of an entertaining German novel about thieving children, a disguise-obsessed detective and a magical merry-go-round…The Venetian setting is ripe for mystery and the city's alleys and canals ratchet up the suspense in the chase scenes.”

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (August 1, 2002):
“A bestselling author in Germany, who has reached the US for the first time, Funke delights readers in the feelings of childhood, what it feels like to be innocent, afraid, curious, and safe; need friends and love; and want independence yet also to be cared for. Although the core of this tale is heartwarming, the merry-go-round, like Ray Bradbury's carousel in Something Wicked This Way Comes, hints at darkness, leaving its riders and the novel's readers changed forever.”

CONNECTIONS:

* Scipio truly desires to be an adult, but he seems unsure of his decision after his ride on the merry-go-round turns out to be successful. An interesting extension activity might be to have students write whether or not they would ride the magical merry-go-round and explain why or why not.

* THE THIEF LORD includes a map of Venice at the front of the book. This map could spur an interesting geography lesson as well as a look into the history of the city. Students might be interested in completing a research project about the history of Venice. An interesting website students might want to visit to learn more about Venice is http://www.venetia.it/.

* The magical merry-go-round in the story will undoubtedly fascinate students. A fun and easy extension activity would be to have students illustrate the merry-go-round using clues from the story.

Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults

Hello! I will be adding all new book reviews to this blog in the near future. The upcoming book reviews will focus on multicultural literature for children and young adults, and reviews dated after June 8, 2009 will be specifically designed to meet the requirements for the Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults course, LS 5653.20, at Texas Woman's University. I look forward to posting new reviews soon!