Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Great Migration


 
 
 
 
Title: The Great Migration Journey to the North
Author: Eloise Greenfield
Illustrator: Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Age: 10-15
Award:  Coretta Scott King Honor
 
 
 
This story is told free verse poetry. It tells the story of a number of characters as they set out to move North. They are hoping to find a better life for themselves and their families. The South has become a dangerous place for African Americans and they are headed to freedom. This would be a great choice to read to a class during black history month.
What I liked best about this poetry book is the diversity of narrative voices. Greenfield tells the story of the Great Migration through a series of different voices--old, young, man, woman, boy, girl. Some find leaving bittersweet; others can't wait to start a new life. Some are anxious, hesitant. Others are exuberant and confident. All of the poems feel personal.

No comments:

Post a Comment