Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

A celebration of African American women and their traditions from generation to generation are detailed in Jacqueline Woodson's picture book, Show Way. This is the first book I've written that is based on my family's history - tracking my family down the maternal line, from my great-great-grandmother to my daughter, Toshi." (http://www.teachingbooks.net/)

Show Way begins with Woodson's great-great-grandmother being sold at the age of seven and taken away from her home in Virginia to live in South Carolina. While listening to stories about freedom from Big Mama, she used the piece of muslin, red thread, and two needles to create a Show Way, or a quilt that showed messages and directions for slaves to escape through the Underground Railroad. The craft of quilting is passed down from woman to child year after year, and soon culminates through eight generations, ending with Woodson and her daughter Toshi on the final pages, as the story comes full-circle. "Writing Show Way made me remember that that's the not only the blood that runs through my veins, but it's the blood that runs through my daughter's veins and it's the blood that runs through all of our veins. I mean, the fact that we as human beings have gotten this far is amazing."

Together, both Woodson and illustrator Hudson Talbott emphasize the importance of how these quilts represented the memories of the past and present. Talbott's stunning illustrations link closely with the text while also carrying the same quilt-like motif. Just by looking at the pictures, not even reading the words, a story is told about the culture, traditions, trials, and tribulations through the use of color, size, shape, and background effects. Quilts are also used in the design of the book; for example, on the cover Mathis May is holding a candle. "A diamond is actually cut into the cover as diamonds represent the four stages of life in African textiles." (http://www.newyorktimes.com/) Pictures of African American leaders such as Martin Luther King, words by Sojourner Truth, and other inspriational historical figures are stiched together on the cover surrounding Mathis, demonstrating an importance and celebration of their efforts for equal rights.

Woodson's family stories in Show Way created an opportunity for readers to reflect and learn about the past experiences of these women. Readers obtain a firm understanding of the importance of how these quilts and patterns told a story that was shared from mother to daughter. This story will encourage readers to seek information about their own family's background, while learning about how their experiences and traditions helped shape their present lives.

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

Henry's Freedom Box details the heart-wrenching story of a slave named Henry Brown living in Virginia in the 1840's, when, tragically, his wife and children are sold and his world is completely destroyed. Henry asks a friend to help mail himself in a crate to Philadelphia to four anti-slavery men. While this would prove to be very dangerous and life-threatening, his friend agrees to assist him. Henry makes it to Philadelphia from Richmond in 1849, on the day of his birthday March 30th! This day also represents his first day of freedom!

At the end of the story, I thought, did Henry ever reunite with his wife and children again? How could he find them, even if he wanted to? Was he ever found and sent back to the south? What did he do in Philadelphia once he gained his freedom?

I found that upon Henry's arrival to Philadelphia, he wrote an autobiography titled, The Narrative of Henry Box Brown, with the help of Charles Stearns. He also created a panorama titled Mirror of Slavery that involved a series of scences detailing his life as a slave and his escape in the crate. http://www.mcps.org/ss/5thgrade/boxbrown.pdf

The author's note at the back of the story states that he never found his wife and children, and it is believed that he remarried in England in 1850.

I admire Henry for his valor and commitment to his family. He risked his life and used his experiences to teach the world about slavery and cruel realities that he and his wife and children endured. So many slaves throughout this time period were separated from their families and faced harsh living conditions that are unimaginable - and it's important to remember these families and how their accomplishments inspired others to follow in their footsteps of attaining independence and equal rights.

So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George

In honor of President's Day, I sat down with my students this past week and read Judith St. Georges witty yet informative story, So You Want To Be President? Both St. George and illustrator, David Small, created a story that informed readers of past Presidents of the United States with an underlying message that it is true that anyone can be President. My class experienced a variety of reactions from the text based on the facts and humorous details about each President.

It is true that a lot of my students had learned about past presidents based on their involvement in history and content lessons they have learned; such as with George Washington - he was an important leader and general in the American Revolution, but did he attend college, NOPE! This lead into a discussion about the time period and how the importance of education has changed greatly since Washington's presidency.

One of the most hilarious illustrations and descriptions was that of William Howard Taft, when they learned he had to get a special tub put into his bathroom in the White House because of the fact that he was over 300 pounds! The political cartoon-like illustrations of Taft coupled with these specific details gave quite the reason for uncontrollable laughter in our classroom!!

Readers of all ages, yes even adults, would enjoy this book. It shows readers that even though these individuals hold an important role in our country, that they are human and live some-what normal lives like us. After reading this story, students began ask me questions about details that were not in the book about a President. This book does not give an in-depth description and bio about each of the 41 Presidents profiled, but gives a glimpse into each of their lives and overall importance in our country. Therefore, while giving only a snapshot, students become inquisitive and pursue a fascination that sparked their interest within the story. This story can lead into possible writing exercises for students to create an extension of the story based on the Presidents we've had since the book was published in 2000. Students can illustrate and write about research information while giving trivial and humorous information about their President.