THE LAST STAND: Lovely, Powerful History

 In an earlier post I first featured a picture book by the Pumphrey brothers, narrative storytelling illustrators and wonderfully effective voices for Black History that is ignored, not just overlooked. They create stories that speak for themselves, adding excellent foundational background in their creator notes in their debut THE OLD TRUCK. The author did the same in this new truck-centric picture book written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. 

Alfred A. Knopf, 2023

THE LAST STAND features an old truck and continues that underlying history of Black farmers and their current lives, as the cover reveals. Relationships star, including the partnership, the evident love between Papa Earl and the young narrator,  his grandson. The surface story indicates that Papa is a farmer, that the young narrator shares and learns those habits, practices, skills, and appreciations by living the life with his family. The cover and opening revelations also indicate how important Saturdays are, not just for them but for the community. That's the day that the two generations load their harvest in Granny's sweetgrass baskets, fill the bed of the old blue truck, and head out to the farmers' market. 

Such Saturday chores are more quickly said than done, allowing readers a few page turns to gain perspective on the work and time for minimal but potent text to mention Papa's black and wrinkled hands, each wrinkle telling a story. Of fixing, of carrying signs, of taking stands in life. Those simple signs (in the background, on the other "closed" stands, on the bumper sticker) point out the hardships and struggles that underlie these current Saturday mornings. Black community shoppers lined up and waiting speak volumes, too, about the significance of sustaining this food stand experience on both sides of the exchange. Not only are there economic and political strengths in this cycle but also a strengthening of community. Shoppers and sellers are known to each other, seen by each other. 

On its own, this would make an important and complete story. But, as they say on the infomercials, "Wait, there's more...". And the more in this case is the core of the story. The pair return home after dark, returning to their dusty bumpy driveway, where every bump welcomes them home and tells a story of its own. When the young narrator next describes a change, he is coping with collecting and loading and preparing for Saturday market on his own. Papa does not participate. Readers are allowed only hints that Papa is experiencing some kind of struggle, but the tradition will go on. 

Or will it...?

Delivering harvest loads on a bike produces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, precious crops spilling onto the roadway or needing to be left behind. The next Saturday we are reassured that Papa is still around but too tired to load or drive. A solution has been considered and implemented, though, and the market opens that morning. Including Papa Earl's sign. Even then, the story has not concluded. A few more page turns allow the storytelling to include every player in the satisfying, inspiring closing.

This book is a delight, even at its most literal, it's uplifting. It serves as mentor material for discussions, even lessons, on thorough and effective storytelling. Of not simply "saying more"  but of following the trail to the heart of the story. The text captures the heart and power of the relationships among the family and community with direct and lyrical language but surprisingly few words. The visual narrative reveals similar simplicity with eloquence that yields even more power to each line, detail, and word of text. That includes those recurring indicators to "Support Black Farmers".  

This is a picture book that entertains and satisfies, but also enlightens and challenges. It contributes important content to our generally untold American history and encourages us to learn more. There's not a thing I'd change about it, and I hope it finds its way onto countless lists and shelves and into discussions when it comes to layers and layers of topics: community, economy, social justice, social-emotional learning, multigenerational families, farming and gardening, and so many more. It's a true harvest of rich discussion and reading resources.

 

WOKE: Why So Afraid?

Roaring Book Press, 2020

This fifty-six page collection of poems for ages 8-12 is brilliant, age-appropriate, and essential. The current effort in Florida and elsewhere restricts any or most instruction about racism, social justice, systemic discrimination, and other topics that may occasionally be uncomfortable but are dozens of decades past due. 

My question, and yours, should be: 

What about (and WHY?) are these topics, even as poems, so terrifying to so many folks?

 WOKE: A YOUNG POET'S CALL TO JUSTICE is written by Mahogany L. Brown with contributions by two other outstanding poets, Olivia Gatwood and Elizabeth Acevedo. With an introduction by the direct and determined Jason Reynolds, the poetry and topical power of this slim collection is honest and revealing, expanding the thinking of readers of any background. Everything about it is kid-friendly, so I challenge potential objectors (all adults) to RISK reading it, cover to cover, and comment below or in other public venues, sharing specifics about what it is, exactly, that would "harm" a child? What are you so afraid of, exactly?

Please, do NOT rely on my note below or these reviews that follow, but consider that they come from those of us who read extensively and work with young readers regularly, who know what kids enjoy, wonder about, and respond to with thoughtful connections. We are also sadly familiar with content that can be harmful, and this is not that!

For example: 

"An important book that demands to be seen. It adds to the conversation of #OwnVoices and speaks to a young person’s need for expression and social justice." - School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Worth adding to any youth poetry collection, Woke will call out to and empower its readers with a reminder that 'our voice is our greatest power.'" - Booklist

From my own reading: 

"READ. THIS.

Then share it, engage with individual poems and consider the ways in which they interact and reflect on each other. 

The illustrations and book size/format are a celebration of the contents and concepts for young readers and thinkers.

Reflect. Rinse. Repeat.

READ. THIS."

I wrote that opinion and call to action before reading this starred review from KIRKUS:

"Read it; gift it; use it to challenge, protect, and grow." 

WOMEN in Congress: Contemporary and Historic Change-Makers!

Calkins Creek, 2023
Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers

I'm eager to share two important picture books about United States Congresswomen. The first is, in fact, about the very first woman who was elected and served in Congress. A TAKE-CHARGE GIRL Blazes a Trail to Congress is written by Gretchen Woelfle and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Jeannette Rankin's story begins in "the old West". As a teen in Missula, Montana, she helped care for younger siblings, cooked, cleaned, sewed, and stepped up in every emergency that arose. She was no slouch when it came to brains, earning a college degree, teaching school, studying science, and working as a dressmaker and hat designer. Nothing felt "right" to her, until, at age twenty-seven, she visited a San Francisco neighborhood of destitute poverty. She decided she could do the most good by training as a social worker.

After working there and in New York City with women and children in need of everything from food to clothing to health care to shelter to education, she saw an even greater need than one woman or organization could meet. Rankin resolved that the best way to help was to change the laws. But women did not even have the right to vote. In 1910 she traveled and spoke and campaigned across the country for federal laws to allow women to vote. When her home state of Montana led the nation in guaranteeing women's rights to vote in 1914, Jeannette went a step further and ran for office. Her take-charge approach included a grass-roots effort to reach every voter in Montana, and that finally included women. She was a tireless advocate for protections and rights for children and women, declaring, accurately, that she might be the first woman serving in Congress but she would not be the last! 

More than a century has passed since Congresswoman Rankin was sworn in, and female representatives are still far fewer than the 51% of women within our national population. Even so, the current Congress has a record number of female representatives, 29%. That's exactly 128 women members of the total 440. Back matter in this important biographic profile of a female political change-maker highlights some of her many historic accomplishments, including a timeline of her life.

CLARIOON BOOKS, 2022

For a contemporary look at one of those 128 current women elected to serve, read about a Congresswoman whose success is equally remarkable and historic. MAMA IN CONGRESS: Rashida Tlaib's Journey to Washington, is co-authored by Rashida Tlaib, Adam Tlaib, and Miranda Paul, with illustrations by Olivia Asser. The narrator's voice is that of Rashid's son, Adam, who recounts the ways in which his family supports his mother's campaigns and her service, as well the struggles and outright resistance their family has met to help her succeed. Across the intervening century, active resistance is less about her being a woman than it is about her identity. But she was not, would not be stopped.

The causes supported by both Tlaib and Rankin center on JUSTICE, on ensuring a level playing field  for all, and on providing the security of basic life needs for everyone, regardless of background or origins.There is much to learn from both women in these two outstanding picture books, and each title is likely to spark curiosity while  inspiring young girls and women to consider engaging with political roles. There are also valuable nuggets of learning about government functioning and processes in each. Don't miss out on either title.

Protests: What a Leader Looks Like

In the midst of nonstop and heartrending news about violence, racism, hate-filled social media rants, (and some so-called traditional news outlets), I find myself desperate for concrete steps I can take to regain hope for a better future. At a recent environmental and educational conference, I shared several nonfiction picture books about community activism, empowerment, and creativity in the face of desperate (and depressing) circumstances. 
My "formative years" (teens and college) encompassed an era of war protests, a budding save-the earth movement, and activism to establish women's equal rights. It's no accident that this same era generated a mainstream rebirth of folk music. Some were rooted in centuries past, some rejuvenated music and lyrics from the thirties' depression era, and some impressive original music emerged.  
The television program, Hootenanny, is only one of the many successful weekly programs that drew families together, bolstered spirits, and developed a common vocabulary of community.

Bloomsbury Books, 2017

Pete Seeger was an icon of that era, and whether or not you are familiar with him, I urge you to click and explore the remarkable impact he had on music and on social change. I'm overdue to share thoughts about an award-winning biographic picture book about him, STAND UP AND SING! Pete Seeger, Folk Music and the Path to Justice.  Written by Susanna Reich and illustrated by Adam Gustavson, with a touchingly personal  forward by Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul, and Mary).
The text deserves attention and praise for its lyrical prose, for the storytelling quality of nonfiction narration, and for the rhythm that propels it forward. All are traits that made Pete's singing such a success. The illustrations also mirror the remarkable quality of Pete's music, pairing artistic brilliance with homey simplicity. Each double spread presents a painterly scene with revealing details and natural frame, while the facing page uses seemingly rough pencil sketches to contrast settings and add informative detail to the text, especially for younger readers. 
As with any important nonfiction picture book, back matter includes helpful author notes, Pete Seeger quotes and citations, and a list of some of his recordings. The quotations noted appear throughout the text, lifting an already wonderful read aloud into the music of his soul:

"When one person taps out a beat...[or]three people discover a harmony...or a crowd joins in on a chorus as though to raise the ceiling a few feet higher, then they also know there is hope for the world."
This biography shares the beneficial opportunities for academic connections with the three biographies I featured in the last post, HERE, in high level reading applications and also in content area studies. Instead I will honor my thoughts and heart to reflect another use for this wonderful book.
My original intent was to elaborate on educational examples in this review. Recent mass shootings couple with the sad fact that as many or more were shot, injured, and killed in separate events in the same weekend in Chicago. It is inexcusable that little or nothing appears about that in the news. And perhaps the saddest statement about our current societal dysfunction is that I don't need to specify which weekend because these reports could be nearly ANY weekend in 2019. That state of affairs pushes me to make other observations, about the education of our souls.
Twentieth century American history can be explored through folk music, singers, song lyrics, protest movements (from labor to equal rights to economic rights and many more issues), and shifts in political power. Let music lead the way to wider and deeper understanding of the history that led us to today.
And about that Peter Yarrow forward. Of the many moving lines he wrote, the one I return to  now, as the news assaults me and burrows into my soul, erodes my spirit, and suggests the futility of protest or action, one line stands out:
"In these times there is so much that divides us, so much greed, narcissism, and other terrible threats to the dream of creating a caring, just, and peaceful society-- and to the survival of our planet. What Pete taught us is how to keep on keepin' on, how to keep on singing, how to not become cynical, and how to turn challenge and adversity into greater determination and love for one another. That was Pete."
And that, I choose to believe, can and should be us. Once again, this is a picture book that has a place and a ROLE in all lives, of any age. May we all stand up and sing, stand together, and change the world.
From Pete and Peter, let us take to heart their words of inspiration, comfort, and follow their  charge to action. 

Little Books with Big Ideas: What We Can Learn from Pigeon

The magnitude of recent tragedies reminded me that picture books, sometimes the smallest, can have really big ideas. Those ideas often make more sense than those of all the pundits and scholars and religious leaders put together. 

At least it seems that way to me. 

Here's an example I often use, and it feels more relevant and "bigger" now than ever before:

Hyperion Books, 2003

DON'T LET THE PIGEON 

DRIVE THE BUS, 

words and pictures by 

MO WILLEMS.

Since Pigeon's debut to the world of books in 2003 he's become a potent figure in the minds and hearts of kids and adults alike. His titles number at a dozen or more, in multiple languages, with his own interactive website and plush toys. Few kid-lit characters have reached such a level of popularity, and I don't begrudge him his success.

I'm writing this post to address the power this little bird has to offer high level wisdom for anyone of any age. He's such a confident little fellow that I'm counting on him to shoulder a symbolic role for all the other picture book characters with wisdom to offer. 

 I had the privilege of hearing Mo Willems speak about Pigeon shortly after it had been awarded the Caldecott Honor. Among his many engaging and entertaining remarks, Willems reported that some glowing reviews drew contradictory conclusions about what Pigeon was "teaching" kids. I'll paraphrase here: 

One reviewer praised the book because kids need to hear the message: NO MEANS NO.  Another's praise included this: Kids need to hear DON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.

Pictures: Mo Willems
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS.

When the laughter subsided, Willems remarked that interviewers seemed eager to ask him which message was "right". His reply (again, paraphrasing) was a shoulder shrug. This was followed by a general comment that his purpose was to entertain, and it was in the hands and hearts of the readers to decide what any message might be. 

Pictures: Mo Willems:
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS

When tragic events unfold, whether on our screens or in our neighborhoods, our world seems to have gone mad. It takes only a glance around us to connect extreme actions in the news with issues like impulse-control, resistance to regulation, and demands for "we-want-what-we-want-when-we-want-it". 

Pigeon is an example of these patterns and uses every ploy to achieve his dream. The page image on the right only scratches the surface of his tactics. In fact, his tantrum page is a favorite among initial and repeat readers, including me.

Pictures by Mo Willems:
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS

This tantrum page is best delivered in full voice while channeling every rant you've ever delivered or witnessed: 

LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!

In his initial book, and in subsequent titles, Pigeon's personality is unmistakable. Even so, defining that personality generates a debate as lively as the reviewers' "message" statements reveal. 

One one hand: Pigeon is a spoiled, demanding, defiant, stubborn character. He disrupts and disturbs the peace a reader should reasonably expect in a book.

On the other hand: Pigeon is a dreamer, out-of-the-box, an innovator, persistent, with a generous dollop of grit and he energizes the book and the reader.

Can we agree that both descriptions fit? In fact,  the descriptors from one point of view might well appear in thesaurous entries as synonyms for descriptors from the opposite position. The difference is connotation or value judgements.

Let me take a moment to add third view of Pigeon. He's a cunning, observant, creative, problem-solving bird with a dream. He's a bird who respects the rule of law and doesn't fail to seek and wait for permission. He recognizes the right of others to control their own property. He doesn't try to sneak onto the bus, distract the reader from vigilance, or lie about having permission. He is, at his core, honest and respectful of social standards, even while imaging himself in a role outside the norm. 
Even while his dream is being denied.

How many characters are in this book?

Another debate ensues when I ask this question of readers of any age.  

Should the answer be ONE? After all, Pigeon conducts the entire story other than the introductory and concluding lines by the Bus Driver.

But shouldn't the answer be TWO? After all, without those opening and closing lines, there is no problem to solve, no story for Pigeon to portray!

My additional view of the story is that there are THREE characters. Both Pigeon and Driver are essential to the story, but without the Reader playing a role-  actively upholding the Driver's directive throughout, resisting Pigeon's winsome and willful requests- there is no story. 

One could say that every book requires the reader to play a part, and yet I can easily imagine many tales lying inside a closed book like actors in a play, prepared to pop out and reveal the story in its entirety whether the reader is attentive or not. Just picture a video playing in an empty room. The entire story unfolds even without an audience.

In the case of Pigeon and the Driver, though, the Reader's unscripted role is a debate in itself: Was the Driver's trust well-placed? And, if not, if the Reader dares to say "YES" instead of "NO", the story ends. 

Circling back, now, to my introductory reference to tragic events. You may note that I didn't link or label the one closest to the date of this post. I began with that step, but removed it. I am sadly realistic enough to predict that other tragic, traumatic events will continue to occur and we'll need to continue to find ways to make sense of the world's horrors for young readers. The links and reflections here may continue to be useful if that happens.

Books can serve to develop empathy and care-taking, as are the examples in a post by fourth-grade teacher Laura Weakland for Nerdy Book Club Blog (Here).  Then there's this post from A YEAR OF READING. It dates back to 2014 and yet its featured picture book titles continue to be excellent resources for exploring topics of fairness and justice. I share both these posts and encourage you to search for others because kids (in homes, classrooms, libraries) need to have many opportunities to explore books on big topics, to engage fully as readers rather than as bystanders, and to recognize that open and peaceful debates allow us to become a stronger community rather than a divided one. 

In this election year more than any before.

A ranting adherence to black/white, right/wrong, good/evil beliefs is often at the heart of tragic news events. Our superhero culture may leave kids feeling that without superpowers they have no ability to affect their world. Books like these encourage them to see that each individual, as a thinker, a dreamer, and a member of a community, has a voice but also an obligation to listen respectfully, honestly. Talking about big ideas in little books provides valuable practice in growing safer citizens for the future.
Pigeon's ultimate respect for his place in society, even when that affects his dreams, is a good place to begin.
I hope even Pigeon would agree with that.