Reviews (1)

Follow Your Dreams
This is a story about a little girl how overcame obstacles by following her dreams and the advice of her mother. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Cassie, who flew above New York in Tar Beach,

soars into the sky once more. This time, she and her brother Be Be meet a train

full of people, and Be Be joins them. But the train departs before Cassie can

climb aboard. With Harriet Tubman as her guide, Cassie retraces the steps

escaping slaves took on the real Underground Railroad and is finally reunited

with her brother at the story's end. "Cassie learns her people's history well;

so will readers of this impressive picture book. Ringgold's dynamic paintings

combine historical fact with strongly realized emotions."--(starred)

Booklist. "Groundbreaking!"--(starred) School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (4)

An excellent book
This book is fantastic - its illustrations are haunting and lovely, and the story is magical and historical at the same time. Faith Ringgold's approach makes the history simpler for children to understand while not undermining the depth and horror of slavery in America. I highly recommend it to any parent.

A Magical Trip on the Underground Railroad.....
"One day, my brother Be Be and I were flying among the stars, way way up, so far up the mountains looked like pieces of rock candy and the oceans like tiny cups of tea. We came across an old ramshackled train in the sky." So begins Cassie Louise Lightfoot's tale of meeting "conductor" Harriet Tubman and riding the underground railroad to Canada. Based on Harriet Tubman's account of a dream she had while very sick, of flying to freedom and enhanced with historical facts and imagination, Faith Ringgold has authored a superb story that transports youngsters back to the slave holding plantations of the south, over one hundred years ago, and then sends them on a terrifying, yet exhilarating journey to freedom. Her engaging poetic text, full of imagery and magic, is complemented by her bold, expressive, evocative illustrations and together, word and art bring this emotional story to life. With additional biographical notes and map, tracing the underground railroad routes, included to augment lessons and discussions, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad In The Sky is a masterpiece youngsters 6-10 shouldn't miss and a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Review of Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad in the Sky
The story of the Underground Railroad is presented in a magical, yet understandable way for primary school children. Cassie and her brother begin a journey to freedom, just like generations before them did in order to escape slavery. Cassie and her brother learn about slavery and the reasons why so many braved the perilous journey to the northern states and Canada. Cassie relives the journey and experiences many of the feelings and events that others did as she desperately tries to catch up to her brother, who has boarded the "train". The illustrations of acrylic on canvas enhance and heighten the excitement as Cassie makes her way through the woods and meets with those willing to help her. I recommend this book to others as a great way to explain the concept of the Underground Railroad and it's place in our country's history.

a good story with great history
This book tells of two children and their advernture traveling the underground railroad to Canada to freedom. Aunt Harriet directs these two to each stop and the children meet many interesting people and see many new things. Though the children are seperated at the beginning, they keep in contact through notes left along the way. the children experience the feelings of what the slaves went through on their trip to freedom. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Velma Maia Thomas, the developer of the Black Holocaust Exhibit, has written apassionate yet brief account of slavery in America. Lest We Forget is packaged to mimic amultimedia exhibit:pages fold out, pop up, and often contain three-dimensional objects, such as anenvelope that opens to reveal a facsimile of a receipt for a slave named Francis. The production techniquesmay make Lest We Forget look like a children's book, but the text offers a serious, movingdepiction of how slaves lived before emancipation. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

LEST WE FORGET!!!
This book gives dimensional insight to those not only wanting to read about the horrific history of slavery, but also, have pieces of history, that are tangible, to lift from the pages and look at. It is a good book to add to a collection of other books about a period in African American, and American history.
I also wanted to comment on reviewers Alice, who said the book was "cute," and Karen, who liked to "peek" at the items in the book. The book gives the reader a glimps about slavery and the atrocities that African Amercian people suffered in this country during that time period, and still do because of it. There is definitely nothing cute, or delightful to peek at, about this book, but you can learn from it.

A riveting must read for all! - A powerful masterpiece!
This is an exceptional piece of work. I am inspired by Ms. Thomas' ability to bring to life the truth about our people in the most interesting and fascinating way. The book does not have a negative or rebellious overtone. Instead, it is a history lesson that all Americans will do well to study, Lest we forget and repeat the horror of it all.

The interactive aspects of the book add to its appeal. Bringing history to life so today's generation can feel the experience of our ancestors through images of slave cargo, maps & insurance papers, replicated receipts for the sale of a slave woman, advertisments for the return of runaway slaves, and the most shocking -marks on the back of a slave from bullwhips. I found the discussion of their plight encouraging to me as I deal with the daily stuggles of being black in America. It gives me strength to know that our ancestors endured a merciless existence and yet they celebrated, and we can too!

The book is appropriate for the young and the old. It is a wonderful gift idea that will be enjoyed for years to come.

The next best thing to being there
Ms. Thomas should be commended for bringing to life the days of the lives of people who were condenmed for being Black. I was also amazed about the research she acquired -- especially the 3D mementos. So many people have heard about these articles, but without attending a museum, have never seen them. Many other people have also heard about them, but don't take them serious, especially if it did not alter their lives in any way. For those of us who do take that time in history seriously, thank you, Ms. Thomas, for showing us and bringing us closer to what our ancestors endured.

not for the serious history buff !
The book is kind of cute,but is not for anyone serious about the history of slavery.It would be great for your kids if they are writing a book report on slavery,as it contains cute little pop ups,(thats your interaction),and is mild enough for children to read.also,if you are like me and are looking for historical fact with as little objectivity as possible,this would not be the book for you,as the information is too limited,and the author tends to use phrases like "my people".not that I don't understand her feeling a connection to this tragedy,I'd just rather get down to the facts,wich I already stated are way too limited,not informative enough.like I said,great for young children,but hardly an adult historical account.

Great Coffee Table Conversation Piece
This book sits on my coffee table and is a good conversation piece with its pop-up pages and interesting little things to take out of envelopes or peep into. Usually brings on a lively debate. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

A true page-turner
In the book,I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly, a slave girl named Patsy is free, but she doesn't feel like it. She still has to work on the plantation, but she gets payed for her work. A Yankee soldier came down from the north and promised Mistress Davis that the slaves are getting a teacher by July. This is one of the better books I've ever read. I give it a 10. The reason I love this book is because it takes place during the Civil War times and I'm interested in that kind of thing. I think girls might like it better than boys because it is written in a diary format. This book gets 2 thumbs up from me.

A very educational and intertaining book!
I really thought this was a great book. I liked the way that it portrayed the life of Patsy in a diary type way. The story is about a slave girl named Patsy who knows how to read. She learned by listening to the children in the house during thier lessons. When the slaves where freed, they were promised that a teacher would come to the plantation to teach the children as well as the adults to read and write. When there was trouble with getting a teacher, Patsy decided to teach the childern and who ever else wanted to be taught their abc's and how to write them. She discovered that she was a good teacher and when she finally left the plantation she went to school and became a teacher herself. I think this is a very good book to have children read so they can get a feel of what it was like in the times of slavery and right after they were freed.

REALLY GOOD
This was a wonderful book! It took a long time to read but it was definitely worth it. It was interesting, and had a likeable main character. Her name is Patsy, and she is smarter then people think. It has some funny parts, and gave a clear picture of a slave's life.

I Thought My soul Will Rise and Fly
How would you feel if you were a slave, doing always orders that you can't chose to say if you want to do it or not? In this story called I Thought My Soul Will Fly and Rise written by the author Joyce Hansen that was Patsy's case. She could+n't say, 'Yes I'll do this or no I don't want to do that.' She had to do it if she wanted to or not. The genre of this book is historical fiction. That means this story could have happened in the past and all of the things the little girl passed through happened to a lot of people her age a long time ago.
Patsy and all the slaves didn't get a lot of opportunities we now have and that some of us don't care about. For example they didn't get to go to school, learn how to read or write. Today we go to school and learn how to read and write. A lot of us don't care about school but I know if the slaves had the same opportunities as we do they wouldn't waste them. Thanks to this book I learned not to waste all my opportunities that I have now because a lot of people 100 years ago didn't have them but I know they would have loved to have them. Now whenever I have an opportunity I'm going to take the chance and never let it go because probably this opportunity will come once in a lifetime, we never know.

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly
I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly is a book by Joyce Hansen. It is a diary of a young girl named Patsy who became free from slavery. It takes place in the South of the Untied States after the Civil War ended. I think that it is a good book because it helps you understand how difficult it was for blacks when the were first freed.
This book helps you understand what it was like for the blacks when they were first freed because it gives examples on how hard it was. The blacks lived on a plantation and when they were freed they signed a contract that was followed by only one side. The owners of the plantation did not fallow the contract and treated them like they were still salves. The contract said that they would get land and and be taught by teachers but they weren't.
They said a teacher was going to be sent on a certain day so the plantation set up a school room where the teacher would teach and until they got a teacher Pasty would teach them how to write their A,B,C 's. The day that the teacher was suppose to arrive would come an there wouldn't be any teacher. They had finally found a white teacher and she didn't had any where to live. If she were to live with a white family and teach the blacks that white family would burn down the house. They had a hard time finding an educated black to teach them.
After this people started to leave the plantation and went to the shore because the government said they were selling land. They were warned that the government would take the land away from them but they left the plantation anyway. They had been there for a few years and the government decided to change it back around and give the land back to the plantations. Mistress would not sell them land either. Eventually Patsy changed her name and went to school and when she got older she came back to the plantation an tough the young kids more than they know more.
I that this book was very educational because it taught what it was like to live when the slaves were freed. Some of the plantation owners treated their workers like they were still slaves after they were free. It seamed hard for Patsy when people's father or mother were coming to find the rest of their family and no one came for Patsy. Altho Patsy seamed happy with her live because she taught herself how to read and write and then tough people on the plantation. ... Read more

Book Description

"The well-known author retells 24 black American folk tales in sure

storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary

tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added

attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this

collection should be snapped up."--(starred) School Library Journal.




... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent! Especially when read aloud.
I read this to my daughter, Rachel, and she really enjoyed it. She smiled throughout the entire book. She loved the animal folktales about Bruh Rabbit, and Bruh Fox. She trembled with delight at the reading of the scary tales. As for her mother, my favorite was the title tale, The People Could Fly. It was magical!

This book is a must have!!
I read this book as a child. The lessons that I learned from it have lasted well into my young adult, I am now 23 years old. The illustrations are first rate. This book should be a literary standard for all children books. Anyone with a child needs to have this in their children's personal library.

A Must-have for every American home
Fascinating folktales from an African-American perspective, this work evokes memories of the strength of a people to find magic, wonder, and spirituality in a time when oppression was the norm. Miss Hamilton, along with illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, has produced a work of timeless importance. One of the few books that I can't keep on the shelves of my classroom, it is an essential for every teacher or person interested in exposing children to a wealth of literature.

When I was a kid...
I read this book when I was in elementary school. I am now in college, and it has stayed with me all of these years. I am currently involved in drawing up a cannon for my literature class, and this book of great and inspiring folklore will definitely be included!

This is a good book for kids that are 9 - 12 year old.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I am 9 year old. I read the book in about 2 days, it was about African-American folk tales. The best story in the book was "if the people could fly". ... Read more

Amazon.com

Slavery is a difficult concept to address with children, especially because many adults would prefer to forget that period of American history. In From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, award-winning author Julius Lester takes older children (and adults) on an intense, personal journey through the slave experience. As he gently explains the factual horrors of slave-ship conditions, auction blocks, plantation life, and the risks associated with escape, Lester consistently prods young readers with probing questions: "How would I feel if that happened to me?" "Would you risk going to jail to help someone you didn't know?" "You are free, but are you?" Lester also asks us to imagine the voices and feelings of the African Americans in the illustrations--another brilliant call for active participation.

Rod Brown's paintings are achingly vivid, so much so that a few may be too powerful for younger children. Certain depictions are difficult even for adults to bear: a lynched man with the bloody blows of a whip marking his back; slaves stacked seven-high in the hold of a ship, packed onto shelves with less room than the drawers of a morgue; and black bodies bobbing in the ocean. These are horrible images, but nonetheless historically accurate and important to remember. Brown took seven years to create these startling images, and his careful attention is reflected in the paintings' power and emotion. Children may be initially startled by From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, but they will also be engaged and enlightened. (Ages 10 to 13) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I disagree with this book for young children
Don't be fooled by the looks of this book. It isn't for little kids. This powerful narrative asks students to step into the role of a middle passage slave, a master whipping a slave, an abolitionist, and a salve who has just been set free after the Civil War. For classroom use I would send small sections home with CAREFULLY selected students for them to practice reading as a homework assignment. By numbering their entries, students can circle in order to read their parts aloud in order. To be on the safe side, sending permission slips home to parents might be a good idea. This is powerful, expect to see emotions from your students. I would not use it with students any younger than 8th grade, and that might be pushing it.

Amazing is not strong enough
I am a college student that had this book read to me in one of my literacy classes. I have never seen a "children's" book so powerful. Most elementary social studies books give a less graphic approach to slavery. I think that this is a great book to use in the classroom. Many history books paint a more rosie picture of slavery. This book can open up the eyes of many students. I fear though that parents and administrators may be disapproving of this text. That probably is because they are afraid or ashamed of history. This book would work wonders for a social issues literacy discussion. Students are encouraged to reflect feelings of empathy not sympathy when reading this book. This is a wonderful book and I encourage teachers and parents everywhere to use it when dealing with the topic of slavery. It can open many people's eyes!!!!

A powerful exploration of African-American history
"From Slave Ship to Freedom Road" combines text by Julius Lester with the superb paintings of Rod Brown. Together they tell the story of African-American enslavement and freedom.

Brown's paintings are truly stunning. He creates images that are often disturbing and graphic: men chained together like cargo in a slave ship's hold, a slave's back bloody with fresh welts, etc. But he also renders the faces of people with great care and tenderness.

At times, I felt that Lester's text was a bit too racially charged (for example, he includes separate "Imagination Exercises" for black and white readers). But on the whole, this is a moving and educational book. Also, there is text and an illustration explaining how many whites risked their lives to help escaped slaves; this aspect of the book is an effective celebration of racial reconciliation.

This book is a "must read" for all children!
Julius Lester has an amazing way with words in this powerful book about the journey to America on the slaveship. The illustrator, Rod Brown, is phenomenal! The two of them together made this book a tool for empowering young people to understand the experiences of Africans coming to America against their will. Although some of the content is tear-jerking and painful, it is necessary reading for all upper elementary and higher grade students. Adults should read it too!

Never have words and pictures been more perfect together.
Even though the book is for children it will open the eyes and heart of anyone that reads it. It's like the painting was done as the story was written. I had a chance to meet Rod Brown and he does an excellent job of reviewing the book while displaying his art work. I was moved to tears. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Soul Looks Back In Wonder
This is a lavishly illustrated collection of poetry aimed at African American young adults. The Amazon age range seems to be a bit low (4-8)- I would suggest 10 and up. As Tom Feelings states: "too many teenagers are growing up in an environment where indifference and hostility are bullets aimed straight at the core of their spirits. One way to project our positive hopes for the future is for young people to see their own beauty reflected in our eyes, through our work. And so this book is for our precious young African sisters and brothers, who are our today and our tomorrow." All of the artwork is by Tom Feelings, and the poets featured are: Maya Angelou, Lucille Clifton, Alexis De Veaux, Mari Evans, Darryl Holmes, Langston Hughes, Rashidah Ismaili, Haki R. Madhubuti, Walter Dean Myers, Mwatabu Okantah, Eugene B. Redmond, Askia M. Toure and Margaret Walker. There are also brief biographies of each of the poets. This is a beautifully illustrated poetry book. The poetry stresses the beauty and power of African Americans, and it is well reflected in the illustrations. This book would be excellent to use in a poetry study, or as part of a study of black history. The short length of this book, along with the excellent illustrations, make it a great choice to use as an introduction to poetry. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ashley Bryan's ABC of African American Poetry is not an alphabet book. Award-winning children's book author and former teacher Ashley Bryan has simply hit upon a straightforward way to present the work of his favorite African American poets: he uses a letter of each poem to organize the 25 excerpts and one African American spiritual. His vibrant artwork, with bold strokes of paint reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh, successfully captures the essence of each piece."As I read," Bryan writes, "images sprang from the lines of the poets... Finally, I chose the sketches that offered a balanced play of images and did finished paintings from them in tempera paints and gouache colors."

Poems ranging from the intense to the whimsical reflect the diverse voices of poets such as Rita Dove, Lucille Clifton, and Gwendolyn Brooks. A colorful elephant stands solidly next to Countee Cullen's poem: "Dear Noah: Please save me a spot / Exposed to the sun, where the Mice are not; / But if I must share my chamber, the Ant / Is the one I should welcome. Yours: L. E. Phant." From Langston Hughes we hear, "There are words like Freedom / Sweet and wonderful to say. / On my heart-strings freedom sings / All day everyday." And Eloise Greenfield chimes in with "Harriet Tubman didn't take no stuff / Wasn't scared of nothing neither / Didn't come in this world to be no slave / And wasn't going to stay one neither." This innovative, easy-to-absorb, boldly illustrated introduction to a rich variety of African American poets would be a valuable addition to any child's bookshelf. (All ages) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Beautiful, breath-taking
The illustrations in this book are so beautiful, words can not explain. It is a simple read that introduces the little ones to poetry. Most poems are excerpts of a stanza or a few lines and the picture corresponds to the poem. Each poem either starts with the letter of the letter is bold in the poem and ties in the picture. For example, F=freedom, but the poem's first letter is not F, so F is bold in the word freedom. Highly recommended for the entire family.

Awesome Images!
We love this book and are purchasing a second copy so we can cut out the images and frame them. Ashley Bryan is a master of art! Bryan uses only portions of poems by wonderful poets, the stanzas chosen match the images perfectly and make the reader want to find the entire poem to read! Highly recommended by this family ... Read more

Book Description

This beautifully written book, illustrated by four-time Caldecott Honor recipient Jerry Pinkney, makes the story of Harriet Tubman's childhood accessible to very young readers. As a young slave, nicknamed "Minty," Harriet Tubman was a feisty and stubborn girl with a dream of escape, and whose rebellious spirit often got her into trouble. Pinkney's expressive illustrations bring every emotion to brilliant life-from troubled sorrow to spirited hope for freedom.

"Rich with melodrama, suspense, pathos, and a powerful vision of freedom. This exquisitely crafted book resonates well beyond its few pages." -Kirkus Reviews, pointer review

Awards:

( Winner of the 1997 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration
( An ALA Notable Book
( An American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists"
( A Time Magazine Best Children's Book of the Year
( Winner of the Christopher Award
( An IRA/CBC Children's Choice ... Read more

Book Description

On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his most memorable and inspiring speech to a country divided by riots over racial injustice. With the words "I have a dream," King invoked his vision of a racially harmonious America, where "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." This elegant gift edition of Dr. King's unforgettable speech is the perfect way to share his powerful message of hope and compassion. Featuring the complete text and a foreword by King's daughter, the Reverend Bernice A. King, I Have a Dream presents a moving portrait of a visionary at the peak of his influence. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Dream
What better gift can a parent give a child than a vision of a free and just future. This beautiful book is the illustrated text of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's speech given in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963.

The text of King's inspirational speech is illustrated by 14 African American artists/illustrators. Each illustration is attractive and deftly illustrates points in Dr. King's speech. Any of the illustrations could well serve as pictures for someone's wall. Every illustration is noteworthy and inspirational. I love the cover illustration by Leo and Diane Dillon. Other illustrations that I am moved by include You Have Been the Veterans of Creative Suffering by Tom Feelings and The Table of Brotherhood by James E. Ransome.

This book would serve well for a method to introduce children to Martin Luther King. Whether as a teacher or parent you choose to read the whole text of the speech or discuss King's life and his importance in American history, may depend on the age of the child. While the recommended ages for reading are 4 to 8, a four year old may not understand the message. Certainly, this book would serve as a tool for older children or even adults to get to know King and his message.

I think that every American should read the text of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s I have a dream speech. It is as deeply meaningful and powerful today as it was in 1963. What better way to preserve the memory of Martin Luther King's speech than owning a copy of this book either for your children or yourself. This is a truly beautiful book which would be a great and lasting addition to a children's library.

I Have a Dream
I introduced this book to my fourth graders before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The pictures served as a dramatic representation of what Dr. King wanted. My students were inspired by the art work displayed in the book. However, the speech was over and beyond what my students could understand. I would recommend this book for older children and adults. I appreciated having his speech in its entirety and not just the snippets we usually hear.

The Best Ever and After.
' I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of creed'. That all men are created equal'. Most of you have probably heard of this speech from many of Martin Luther King Jr. books, and probably have heard the amazing story a million times. But hearing what his wife has to say about all of the changes and differences that he has done is like having a big serving of your favorite food. If you like poetry or bubble bursting stories you'll adore this book. She tells you a variety of things from sad, bad, and, exiting things. Also on top of all of that the pictures are wonderful and they tell a lot of what has to do with the passage. This book will lift you from your seat and you'll never know, because this book will take you away. I don't care who you are but this book is for you so get it, its waiting!

This book was written by: Correta Scott King
The title was: I Have a Dream

I cry every time I read it
I used to read this to my kids when I was a children's librarian in an African-American school in Detroit, and they loved it. It has such amazing, beautiful pictures- you can't really understand their beauty until you see the book in front of you. And of course, the speech is incredibly moving. Here is the full text of the speech, but since there isn't too much on each page, and there is such beautiful artwork to enjoy, even 4th graders could sit there in awe at what was read to them, and what was shown them.

A beautiful book for both children and adults
Don't be fooled by the fact that this is marketed as a children's book: "I Have a Dream" will appeal to readers of all ages. In this book the full text of Martin Luther King's famous speech is accompanied by 14 superb works, most of them in full color, by 15 different artists.

The book contains a thoughtful forward by Coretta Scott King and a brief but informative biographical supplement about Dr. King himself. A magnificent black-and-white photographic portrait of Dr. King in his oratorical mode serves as an effective complement to the rest of the book's illustrations. Also noteworthy are the final pages of the book, in which the artists briefly share their personal thoughts about Dr. King's legacy and about their contributions to the book.

The power of Dr. King's speech is greatly enhanced by the beautiful artwork of this book. The pictures encompass many different artistic styles and techniques. Each one is a masterpiece which invites the reader to return and reflect upon it.

As I noted at the start of the interview, this book should be enjoyed by both adults and children. It would make a wonderful gift for individuals interested in the civil rights movement, in African-American history, in multiculturalism and racial reconciliation, or in contemporary art. This book is a fitting tribute to one of the 20th century's most influential visionaries. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Wright, African American author of Black Boyand Native Son, grew up in the segregated South ofthe 1920s. His formal education ended after he completed the ninth grade, but gaining access to the publiclibrary with the help of a white coworker opened up a new world of books for him, eventually inspiringhim to become a writer. Richard Wright and the Library Card is a fictionalized account of thispowerful story, deftly adapted by William Miller from a scene in Black Boy.

Miller--a professor of African American literature and author of the critically acclaimed Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery, A House by the River, and Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree-- masterfully builds suspense, as readers wonder how the young African American will quench his thirst for books without being busted by the local white librarian. Wright's story is perfectly complemented by the work of Gregory Christie, winner of the 1997 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award for Palm of My Heart. (Ages 5 to 9) ... Read more

Book Description

THE STORY:
In 1989, author Casey King was a 4th grade teacher in Washington, DC.His class, comprised mostly of African-American students, knew little about the modern civil rights movement. Without a satisfactory text on the movement from which to teach, he decided that the kids should learn their history first hand. So, he sent them out to interview the people who were really there.The kids came back with truly wonderful stories -- many of the parents, grandparents, and friends interviewed had never before had the opportunity to share their stories with their children.

THE BOOK:
There are 31 interviews that cover three main areas of the movement:life under segregation, the nonviolent movement, and the black power movement. Everyone is here -- regular, ordinary people who dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom and the fight for equality, and even a few of the better known people whose names we hear and associate with Martin Luther King, or with the Freedom Rides, or with other familiar aspects of the movement. In her foreword, Rosa Parks writes, "I can't think of anything more important to teach young people today than this: that ordinary people working together can change history." Through warm, down-to-earth interviews with children, readers will meet people who lived in the segregated south, people who took part in sit-ins, people who were jailed for protesting, and people who found strength they never knew they had. They will meet a member of the Black Panthers, a woman who witnessed the assassination of Malcolm X, and a former Ku Klux Klansman. In addition, there are three introductory essays which provide background information to help kids to better understand the context of the interviews.Also included are portraits of the people in each interview and over 40 archival photographs of important moments during the movement.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Moving
I was featured in this book along with my mother(pg.22)and I remember when it was just a homework assignment in elementary school. When I was told it was a book I was amazed to see all of the people I knew and the moving stories it consisted of. I enjoy that book everytime I pick it up. It is especially easy for children to read because it was written by people aging 10-14. I especially love the foreword that was written by Rosa Parks herself. Very insiteful.

Fantastic
There are many wonderful stories told within the context of this rather difficult subject. For those who use writer's workshop . . . this is an excellent example of the use of interviews and other nonfiction techniques. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When children give voice to their own feelings, the result can be magical. This touching and inspiring collection of poems by African-American children helps prove that point.Edited by Davida Adedjouma and lovingly illustrated by Gregory Christie, these 20 poems came out of a series of writing workshops with children who were encouraged to celebrate their lives, joys, influences and hopes. The results are pure poetry, honest, wise and encouraging: "Black is the color of some people/but people are different/differences are good because/no one else says the/same things as you." Not only will children find the poems interesting, they may just be inspired to explore their own feelings. All ages. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great short stories for your kids to read
This book shares the thoughts and stories of young african american children.As the kids speak up you will here the palm of there hart speaking to you. There are just great stories some happy some sad and some tell you just how much different there lifestyle is from ours.the kids will take you to there world and express there heart. ... Read more

Book Description

Young Langston Hughes was a dreamer. He dreamed about heroes like Booker T. Washington, who was black just like him. When he heard the clackety-clack of train wheels, he dreamed about the places it had been. But most of all, he dreamed about having a happy home. And so, one day, he began turning those dreams into beautiful prose. As he did, he discovered where his home really was--in the words and rhythms of his poetry that reached people all over the world. The beloved Langston Hughes comes to life in a book for poets, dreamers, children and adults --anyone who has ever thought of what home means to them. Teachers looking for a good way to introduce youngsters to this prominent poet will find this book to be an excellentaccompaniment to his work. --School Library Journal Like Hughes' poetry, the power of Cooper's story is that itconfronts sadness even as it transcends it. --Booklist His text is as inviting as his illustrations. --The New York Times Book Review ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Illustrations
The watercolor illustrations employed represent the setting perfectly, regardless if the point in the story was that of a rural Kansas, Kansas City street life, and Mexican village. What wonderful impressionistic artwork! There seems to be an inner light in the faces of each person represented in the illustrations.
The action and music portrayed in the text, carries over into the illustrations. The book's illustrations show movement and action. A sense of happiness or loneliness is conveyed through the watercolor paintings. They are very explicit in showing emotion. Overall, text and illustrations, lend this to being one of the best biographical books for young children.

Walking with Pride
This story is so moving. Showing hardships, love, and finding acceptance.It tells of an Afician child learning about his history and walking tall as a man. It was very moving, the pictures were soft and had a texture of warmth. I would highly recommend it for reading.

Heroes, who were just like Langston.
I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about Langston Hughes before I had read it. I think I understand him a little better after reading it. What attracted me the most was finding a book about an African American boy who learned his own family history and could feel proud of it. I guess the following quote sums it up "Almost always, his grandma told stories of heroes. Heroes who were black, just like Langston." I am volunteering in an inner city middle school. The kids I tutor do not read anywhere near their grade level. I think they might be able to read this book, and still enjoy it. It's not a baby book, although, I suppose a young child might enjoy it, too. I also like the warm and colorful pictures. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A really great book
I was one of the kids who wrote letters for the book 4 years ago, and it was an amazing thing to me to be a "published author." A lot of my friends got to read their letters on Oprah and other TV shows. I really enjoyed reading my copy of this book. I would definitely recommend it to everyone, child and adult.

A real winner.
Saw the book featured on Oprah's show on Martin Luther King, Jr., and bought it. Have bought three more for all grandchildren. Touching, funny, revealing and very well designed. Every kid, of any age, should have one. ... Read more

Product Description

Stirring vignettes from such notables as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Soujourner Truth, and Louisa May Alcott, as well as portraits of lesser known but equally courageous individuals, comprise this eye-opening third volume in the Young Readers' History of the Civil War series. Archival photographs and illustrations throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fiction format will grab the most apprehensive reader
The text looks at the famous and not so famous women who participated in the Civil War. It is written in a narrative format, more like a fictional text than a non-fiction. The book is filled with original pictures and short informational biographies of the most important women featured. The illustrations are very large and would be nice to use with an opaque projector when speaking about some of the women or events covered in the book. I also think it would be an excellent book for independent reading due to the format.

civil war pic
this book has tons of info on women and nurses in the Civil WAr

REAL GIRL POWER!
I bought this book while working on a Women's History project for college and also to help with Civil War living history presentations. Because this book is for young readers I have not used if for much more than an overview and to point out photographs (which are wonderful) during my presentations. However, I recommend this book for any young reader interested in history or teacher wishing to include more women into the curriculum. It gives a great overview of women's roles during the Civil War, how their lives changes, what roles they took on, and what struggles they endured! Now that is GIRL POWER! ... Read more