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.