by Robert San Souci, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Penguin, 1989
GENRE: Folklore,
African American Culture
HONORS: 1990 Caldecott Honor Book, 1990 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book, ALA Notable Book, Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, Parents' Choice Award, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists
REVIEW: This is a
Cinderella-esque fairy tale utilizing African American culture and set in the
American South. Blanche lives with her sister Rose and widowed mother on a
farm. Rose and her mother drive Blanche away into the forest where she
encounters a sweet old lady who offers her a place to stay for the night. She
treats the woman kindly and winds up with riches she could not believe, but her
jealous family members have other plans.
OPINION: I have
not read much folklore from other countries or cultures, which most of my
experience being with fairy tales and fables. Using somewhat fantastical
methods, the tale sends a positive message of treating people with love and
respect and you will be rewarded.
IDEAS: This honored book would be great for a display to encourage kids and tweens to explore folklore, or to be used in conjunction with Black History Month displays and programming.
