Show Way

I teach 8th Grade English and I asked my students to review picture books related to slavery in the US as part of our unit on “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave.” The following review was written by some of my students.4.5/5 star rating“Show Way'' is an amazing, inspiring book. The only downside to it would be that the language in it could be hard to understand at times. This book tells the story of the author’s (Jacqueline Woodson) family and how they endured slavery, discrimination, and hate for her to be where she is today. Woodson starts the story by telling you about a girl (Soonie’s great great grandmother) who was sold away from her family during the time of slavery. This beginning hooks you immediately and makes you want to keep reading. As the book progresses they start to talk about how even as enslaved people they were able to find a little happiness but that all came crumbling down when Mathis May (Soonie’s great grandmother) was sold away. This part shows you how ruthless white enslavers were towards the enslaved people of that time. What was amazing though was that even through all the hardship Mathis May was able to give others hope by making quilts that would lead them to safety. Once again this shows us how we can always help others even if it is even just giving them a compliment or helping them across the street. The book continues down the family line until we get to Caroline and Anne who had to endure segregation through their life and that they fought against it showing that age doesn’t matter, you can still make a difference in the world. The book ends with Jacqueline saying how lucky she is to be alive right now and to have a baby to love and share this story with.Overall this book is an amazing and sentimental story that gives us true insight on how far we have gotten but it also reminds us how far we have to go.-Thanks!

What a wonderful book! It makes for a great read aloud.

Lovely book, gently telling a story of slavery through the words of a three times removed grandchild. The illustrations are outstanding, and the symbolism can be another avenue for discussion.As a reading specialist with over 35 years in classroom instruction, I would recommend this content for 4th graders. It's an age that children are developing a more mature awareness of fairness and right/wrong. Another book that reinforces those concepts is "The Big Lie : A True Story". by Isabella Leitner, if you can get a copy through used books sites.

Don't miss hearing this book read by the author!

Words and pictures come together to tell a true story of courageous family history. I admire the author's bravery and generosity in sharing this personal story. Spanning six generations, Ms. Woodson paints a perilous journey of African American slavery and their resolve to overcome. Should be required reading for all. Read this book and then give it a hug.

Jacqueline Woodson cannot write a bad book. At least I've never read one. This is a gorgeously illustrated, beautifully written, and heartbreaking autobiographical book about Woodson's lineage of strong women who refused to be broken. Powerful and poignant.

An intriguing, moving, and rhythmic narrative of female slave ancestors and their descendants who sewed quilts that served as maps to freedom. Captures the imagination and hearts of young and adult readers. Readers will love the ending of the story and hate that the story ends. You will want to "love your babies up, yes love your babies up" regardless of their current ages and yours. All literate persons should experience this story.

The book is a childs book and introduces many important themes such as family traditions, a mothers love for her a child, and hx of racism in the United states. My ten year old asked so many questions. My six year old also appreciated it (he is mature). An excellent way to introduce the mistakes this country has made to young ones and can lead to conversations about racism, hatred and ignorance. We saw this on reading rainbow and i am very please we purchased it.

brilliant african american book

Jaqueline Woodson erzählt wie in ihrer Familie über Generationen von Frauen das Wissen weiter gegeben wurde, wie über Quilte Geschichten und Informationen weiter gegeben werden, insbesondere das Wissen über den Weg in die Freiheit für versklavte Menschen, die Tapferkeit von Menschen und die Hoffnung auf ein besseres Leben.Insbesondere in Deutschland ist die politische Dimension von Quilts oft unbekannt.

A partager avec des enfants , c'est vraiment beau ! Je connaissais l'histoire de l'underground railroad et ce livre si joliment illustré complète vraiment bien cette histoire qui lie patchwork et route des esclaves en quête de liberté !