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- weighty topic (segregation) introduced on an elementary level
- heartfelt story that could lead a child to several emotions, from empathy (for those segregated) to anger (at those segregating)
- illustrations are classy and maintain an upbeat feel despite the heaviness of the main character’s burden
- a great way to introduce a terrible part of the USA’s history
Type: biographical picture book*
Ages: 4-8
Author: Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
*Though some of story was fictionalized, this was based on a true story of the author’s childhood.
We stumbled upon this book at our local library, and I’m glad for it. I could tell my kids every day about the segregation that happened in our country, but a story in someone else’s voice alongside pictures makes much more of an impact. This was a nicely written book.
