Culture 2: African American Literature

Module 2


Pinkney, Andrea Davis. 2002. Ella Fitzgerald: The tale of a vocal virtuosa. Ill. by Brian Pinkney. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078680568-4

Summary: This biography highlights the life of Ella Fitzgerald, one of the foremost jazz singers of all time. It’s told from the perspective of Scat Cat Monroe, an imaginary cat who claims to have been there with Ella “from the get-go”. Ella is a young girl who likes to dance but discovers that her greatest gift is her voice. We see her as she starts out on the streets of Yonkers and winds up at Carnegie Hall. We see her as she grows from a young girl with “knees knockin’, teeth clackin’. A wanna-be, with a stomach full of butterflies” to someone who “everybody knew . . . was boss.” The story brings out her experiences with jazz musicians such as Chick Webb, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman in venues such as the famed Savoy and Carnegie Hall. The story gives a grand, imaginative picture of the life of a woman known as The First Lady of Song.

Critical Analysis: This picture book biography takes artistic risks both in the way it is written and illustrated. While it is factual, it is written from the point of view of an imaginary cat named Scat Cat Monroe, He takes his name after scat, “the sound that don’t hold you back”. His jazzy rhyme which introduces the book sets the tone and is an indication of the style of writing Pinkney uses throughout.

The book is historically accurate about the styles of music which were prominent during this period (jazz, bee-bop, swing etc). Also, in “A Note from the Author” at the end of the book, we learn more facts about Ella Fitzgerald’s life. Pinkney relied on the help of research assistance from the Museum of the City of New York, the Carnegie Hall Archives to lend authenticity.

The language and speech patterns used in the story mirrors the types of dialogue used by African American jazz musicians during that period. Phrases like “getting’ loose”,” jammin’”, “grits and gravy” and “slammin’ “. would have been used by musicians of color.

The story is told in four chapters or “tracks” (a music recording term). Each track tells about a different phase of Ella’s life, all the way from Harlem to Carnegie Hall. From the get-go the emphasis is placed on Ella’s talent, but we do get a tiny glimpse of her home life of growing up in Yonkers, in a single parent home.

A strong cultural marker is the support she receives from her African American community when they encourage her to go to New York. We see a slight emphasis on the effects of discrimination but Ella’s story shows the progress that her race was making when she was able to perform in clubs where blacks had never been before. According to Scat Cat “Ella’s popularity showed them that a true star has no color – it just shines.”

The story contains an important ingredient of creating a positive impression of the culture. We see the vast contributions of African Americans to American music, history and culture. African American musicians are compared favorably to popular white groups such as Benny Goodmans’.

Brian Pinkney studied the work of Harlem Renaissance artists from Ella Fitzgerald’s time period for this book which provides authenticity. The pictures were created from scratchboard illustrations which were then tinted with dyes and painted with acrylics. The illustrations are a little cartoonish, almost like a graphic novel, but they work well with the way the story is being told. They show the energy that jazz music provoked.

Children will enjoy the delightful pictures and dialogue while learning about a part of African American history. The book is recommended for ages 5-9.

Review Excerpts:
“The team behind Duke Ellington here showcases the First Lady of Song, in what PW's starred review called "a `skippity-hop-doo-dee-bop' picture book.” (Publisher’s Weekly, 2007)

“Brian Pinkney's distinctive scratchboard-and-acrylic paintings evoke the rhythm of the text and invite readers along on the ride. They will enjoy finding Scat Cat himself on most of the spreads. Bright colors, jazzy words, and energetic artwork bring the music of scat and Fitzgerald to life. A page of biographical information is included. This beautifully rendered tribute to the "Vocal Virtuosa" will be a welcome addition in all libraries.” (School Library Journal, 2002)

Connections: This book could be a part of a unit on art and/or music of the Harlem Renaissance. It could be paired with books about the life of Dizzy Gillispie, Chick Webb, Billie Holiday, Fletcher Henderson and others.

It could also be paired with a book of poems about the Harlem Renaissance. A good example is Entrance Place of Wonders: Poems of the Harlem Renaissance, compiled by Daphne Muse (illustrated by Charlotte Riley Webb).

Goin' Someplace Special

Module 2

McKissack, Patricia C. 2001. Goin’ someplace special. Ill. By Jerry Pinkney. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-81885-8

Summary:´’Tricia Ann is excited about setting off on her own to go “Someplace Special”. Along the way she meets a few obstacles that threaten to cloud her enthusiasm. Jim Crow laws prevent her from having a seat on the bus or sitting on a park bench. After being kicked out of the Southland Hotel she almost gives up until someone special reminds her of what her grandmother always told her “. . . just keep walking straight ahead – and you’ll make it.” She finally reaches her “someplace special: the public library, where everyone is welcome.

Critical Analysis: One key ingredient in this picture book is accurate factual information about African Americans in the south when Jim Crow laws were still in effect. ‘Tricia Ann is exposed to all of this on her bus ride, at the park, and nearly everywhere she goes.

One indication that this is a quality afro-centric book is that it has positive images. ‘Tricia Ann’s grandmother has instilled her with positive ideas about herself and this is reaffirmed by others in the community.

The book, while a children’s story, has themes that are deep. The effect of racism and legal discrimination are dominant, as well as the struggle for equality. We see how ‘Tricia Ann is hurt by this, but we also see how she is able to overcome it with the resilience that is common in the African American culture.

This book has definite cultural markers. The bus was an important mode of transportation for blacks during that time period. It was also a symbol of inequality because of Jim Crow laws. The dialect used in the story is also a cultural indicator. Dropping letters in words is common when African Americans are conversing with each other.

‘Tricia Ann lives with her grandmother. Grandparents raising grandchildren are common in this culture. Also, her name for her grandmother, “Mama Frances” is typical. The love of family is an African American cultural marker that is front and center in this book. Also, we notice the way all the African American characters stick together and support each other. This is an affirmation of ‘Tricia Ann, as well as to others in the culture and leaves a lasting impression.

The pencil and watercolor illustrations are created by Jerry Pinkney. ‘Tricia Ann is shown as a very pretty young girl in a brightly colored dress. It’s obvious that Pinkney is putting his culture on center stage. Many of the white characters are painted in monotones.

This story gives us a sense of hope felt by a beautiful young girl as she reaches a place where everyone is welcome: the library. This shows the commitment of the author to the theme of racial uplift and progress.

This book is recommended for ages 4-8.

Review Excerpts:
“Pinkney's (previously paired with McKissack for Mirandy and Brother Wind) luminescent watercolors evoke the '50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of 'Tricia Ann's eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end.” (Publisher’s Weekly, Sept. 2001)

“'Tricia Ann's first solo trip out of her neighborhood reveals the segregation of 1950s' Nashville and the pride a young African-American girl takes in her heritage and her sense of self-worth. In an eye-opening journey, McKissack takes the child through an experience based upon her own personal history and the multiple indignities of the period.” (School Library Journal, 2001)

Connections: This book could be paired with other books about children in similar situations during the time of racial segregation. Some good choices would be White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman and
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins. Also, it could be combined with biographies of real individuals who were part of the struggle for equality such as Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks or Dr. Martin Luther King.

Miracle's Boys

Module 2

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2000. Miracle’s boys. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0-399-23113.

Summary: Lafayette lives with his older brother Ty’ree and his middle brother Charlie. Charlie has spent some time in a youth correctional center for robbery and has come back hard and bitter – at the ripe age of 14. Their parents are both dead and the boys struggle to survive emotionally and physically without them. Lafayette misses his parents and doesn’t understand why Charlie is so angry and isn’t the same person he was before. His brother Ty’ree has put his dreams on hold to provide for his two younger brothers. The story presents many problems but gives us hope that these brothers have something powerful that can help keep their family together.

Critical Analysis: This book addresses fully the pain, struggles and real life hardships of three young men who have lost two of the most important people in their lives. Any child who has lost a parent can relate. It also gives us a vivid picture of poverty, and it isn’t sugar coated.

What sets this book apart as an African American story is a series of cultural markers. The language they use is a clear marker and we get a taste on the very first page: “Brothers is the baddest. . . “ Throughout the book we get a taste of phrases and slang used within the African American community. The boys' mother Milagro (Spanish for "miracle") is Puerto Rican, so the boys are mixed race, but they have grown up in a largely African American culture.

The brothers live in a poor area of the city. The fact that Charlie has been in a correctional center is a sad but true fact for many young people in those neighborhoods. Poverty often leads to crime. References to gangs is another marker. Young African American males living in poor neighborhoods are often tempted to join gangs in order to have a sense of belonging.

Other cultural markers are found in Lafayette’s descriptions of his brother’s and his own appearance. He describes Charlie as having “ . . . jet black curls that girls go crazy for.” (p. 3). He describes himself this way: “My eyes are more black than brown and my hair’s more kinky than curly.” (p. 38)

Strong family ties are a cultural marker in the African American community. The boys’ love for their dead parents is obvious. Their description of their father helps us to see that the stereotypes of the absent father in the African American community are not always the norm. Ty’ree and Lafayette are close and even though Charlie has given them trouble, they don’t give up on him. Even so, they want him to understand the consequences of his behavior. Their Aunt Cecile is the epitome of family love and loyalty as she comes to stay with them and even offers to let them live with her. In the African American community, relative caregivers are very common, especially in the older generations. Ty’ree assumes the role of the head of the family and gives up his dream of college to keep his brothers together.

While the events of this story give it a discouraging mood initially, we begin to see the strength that comes from family love. While we see clearly how difficult life is for a segment of our society, we also see something good being made out of what this family has been given.

This sometimes heart-wrenching story ends up with a glimmer of hope. It is recommended for ages 11-14.

Review Excerpts
“The book lyrically relays Lafayette's evolving feelings, leading the reader to the surprising end. Once again, Woodson demonstrates her unique mixture of extraordinary writing and story,” (Children’s Literature, 2000)

“Woodson's portrait of an inner-city family in a tough, contemporary world shows how much of a miracle it truly is when human beings are able to cobble together an existence with pride and all the love they can muster together, even when all the odds seem against them.” (The Five Owls, May/June 2000 ,Vol. 14 No. 5.

Connections
After reading this book, give the students a writing assignment. Have them write a sequel to the story which takes place ten years later. What do they think happened to all the brothers? Did Ty’ree go to college? Did Charlie stay out of trouble? What about Lafayette? Stories don’t always have a happy ending and we don’t have a promise of one in this book but children will get a chance to create their own ending.

The Breadwinner

Module 1

Ellis, Deborah. 2000. The breadwinner. Toronto: Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre. ISBN 0-88899-419-2

Summary: Parvana is a young girl living in war torn Afghanistan. The Taliban have taken over and all women must stay inside unless they are with a man. If they do go outside they must be covered from head to toe. When Parvana's father is arrested by the Taliban (simply because he received a foreign education), the family is faced with starvation. Parvana does the unthinkable, cuts her hair and dresses as a boy so she can earn money for her family. Her courage leads to adventures and new friendships.

Critical Analysis: Told from the point of view of Parvana, the story immediately gives us a taste of what living as a female in her country is like. This type of repression of women, while present in other countries, is especially harsh in Afghanistan. Deborah Ellis has gone to a great deal of effort to produce an authentic picture of life in this country under the Taliban. Her research included conversations with real women living in refugee camps. She heard real life stories similar to some of the events she wrote about in this book. She has done a good job of describing the struggles of women in such a repressive culture. While it is obvious that the characters are living in a Muslim country, religion is not the emphasis. The themes are more about freedom or lack of freedom.

The story is realistic in its descriptions of how war affected many families. Parvana's father had been injured by one of the many landmines planted in the ground. This is a fact of life for many in that region. Also, it is true that the Taliban were/are distrustful of anyone with a foreign education, so it is realistic that Parvana's father would have been a threat to them.

The author's descriptions of the clothing worn by the Afghans is a definite cultural marker. The burqua is a symbol for the imprisonment some women must feel inside of it. In contrast to that is the elaborate designs of the shalwar kameez. The stark difference between the way men and women are allowed to appear in public is one of the unique characteristics of a repressive, male dominated society such as in Afghanistan.

Each culture has its own unique foods. While the people in this story mostly eat simple survival foods, we see descriptions of food such as kebabs, nan (an Afghan flat bread) and dried apricots. Many of these food are sold in the open air markets which are common in many countries in that region.

Also, selling services such as reading, as Parvana's father did, and later Parvana herself is common to this culture. Illiteracy is still a problem in these countries and one could make a living if they were able to read.

Parvana and her family are living in this society of repression but they are not of it. The truth is that Afghanistan is a country of stark contrasts. Like some other modern day Afghans, her mother and father were educated. They respected the traditional ways, and their history (of which we get a glimpse in Parvana's father's stories), but they were broadminded about education and freedom. Even when Parvana's sister Nooria agrees to an arranged marriage, it is with the idea that she will have a chance to be educated. This shows the blending of tradition with modern ideas. Also, the strong family relationships are an important cultural marker in this society, even though it is not specifically unique to Afghanistan.

When the Taliban took over they took away freedoms, mostly for women,but in reality for everyone. Even so, while they were imprisoning people's bodies, they couldn't really imprison their spirits. Just like Parvana, many young girls found ways to break free.

It's hard to believe that a form of government anywhere in the world could treat women (or anyone) so poorly. An yet, even in this century, this has been a reality in Afghanistan. The stories Deborah Ellis gathered from women in refugee camps proves it and lends authenticity to the cultural aspects of this story.

Yet, we still see the universal strengths of human nature. Strong families, and courage will persist against all odds.

This book is recommended for children 9-12.

Review Excerpts:
"Parvana's story is a compelling look at modern life in Afghanistan through the eyes of a child determined to survive. (VOYA, June 2001)

". . .it takes on the significant issue of gender apartheid in Afghanistan by letting one individual's story be told with dignity, vivid detail, and a human voice. (The Five Owls, Sept./Oct. 2001)

Connections
This book could be used as part of a study on the rights of women around the world. It could be paired with other books by Deborah Ellis such as Parvana's Journey and Mud City.

The Pull of the Ocean

Module 1

Mourlevat, Jean-Claude. 1999. The pull of the ocean. Trans. by Y. Maudet. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0-385-73348-8

Summary: Yann is the youngest brother in a family of boys. The six older boys are all twins. Yann is physically much smaller than his age, and cannot speak. The boys live in poverty with parents who are both verbally and physically abusive. One night Yann wakes them up to tell them that they must run away because their parents are planning to kill the. The all leave together, in a cold pouring rain, led by Yann, the youngest, but most certainly the wisest. The boys experience frightening adventures together and leave lasting impressions on all those they encounter. After a near tragedy, the ending has a surprising twist.

Critical Analysis: This book is a reinterpretation of the Tom Thumb story (Charles Perrault) set modern times. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a different person. We learn about the Doutreleau boys from different angles: from the accounts of a social worker, a truck driver who picked them up, a writer, a baker who gave them food and others. We also hear from members of the family, his mother, father, brothers, and finally from Yann himself. Through all of their different perspectives we get a more complete picture of this troubled family.

The book is written by a French author and set in modern times, but the themes are universal and could have taken place in any modern culture. The only indication we have that this international book is set in France is in the French names. Even some of the slang used didn't mark the book as French. The story could just as easily have taken place in the United States.

The book is painful to read at times. Child abuse and neglect is not an easy subject, even when we know the story is fiction. While the book doesn't have graphic details, we know that the boys have been physically hit and grossly neglected. The parents have no concern for their emotional or physical well-being.

The overriding themes seem to be the love these brothers have for each other. In spite of the fact that they have been mistreated they have somehow learned to love, support and care for each other. Little Yann, despite his small size and apparent disabilities, is the strongest and most courageous of them all. The fact that he is able to communicate with his eyes to those who love him or those who are concerned about him, is an indication of his intelligence and his spirit. Only his uncaring parents aren't able to understand what he "says" or to see his true worth.

Published outside the United States and translated by Y. Maudet, the book can be shared across many cultures. The link to the Tom Thumb story perhaps it a bit of a fairy tale essence, but the story has a very realistic theme. Even so, as in many fairy tales, we see that sometimes good can come out of evil.

This book is recommended for ages 12 and up. Some sensitive children may find it depressing.

Review Excerpts:
"Mourlevat enchantingly blends the harshly read and the make-believe. . . (in this)effectively haunting, fluidly translated tale." (Publisher's Weekly, Jan. 1, 2007)

"A well-crafted mystery awaits anyone reading this fabled jigsaw puzzle . . . a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying." (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 2007)

Connections: This could be studied in the classroom along with the original Tom Thumb tale by Charles Perrault.

It could also be compared to a newer book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, which tells the story of a boy who is living and surviving by his own wits in a difficult situation and yet has the strength to make a better life for himself. Even though Hugo is alone, he eventually reaches out to others and finds strength in the same way the Doutreleau brothers help each other.

Hunwick's Egg

Module 1

Fox, Mem. 2005. Hunwick's egg. Ill. by Pamela Lofts. San Diego: Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN 0-15-216318-2

Summary: Hunwick is a bandicoot living near a desert in the Australian bush. One day he finds an egg near his burrow. He questions other animals about it but no one knows who it belongs to. Hunwick protects the egg while everyone waits for it to hatch. Even though it doesn't hatch (and only Hunwick discovers why), Hunwick learns about love and companionship.

Critical Analysis: This picture book is delightfully illustrated by Pamela Lofts, an Australian native, in watercolor pencil on Fabrian cotton watercolor paper. The details in the ilustrations reflect her knowledge of her environment while at the same time show her sense of humor. Mem Fox, also from Australia (although she spent much of her youth in Zimbabwe), has succeeded in producing a book which is authentic in the details unique to Australia, yet reaches across all cultures. This international story will teach children about unusual animals with unusual names in Australia, but it will also emphasize the themes of love and acceptance which can be understood everywhere.

Review Excerpts: Booklist says ". . .Fox's gentle text may resonate with young ones who feel a magical connection or companionship with their own cherished rock, shell, or shred of blanket." Gillian Engberg (American Library Association)

"Young readers will appreciate Hunwick's loyalty and may be curious to learn more about the exotic animals portrayed in the lovely artwork." (School Library Journal, 2005)

Connections: This book could be paired with others written by Mem Fox including Possum Magic, Wombat Divine, and Koala Lou. These books are all delightful stories about Australian animals and could be included as part of a unit on Australia.