Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Show Way

Show Way 

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Hudson Talbott
Grade Level: 3-5
Genre: Non-Fiction/Biography 
Awards: Newbery Medal

Summary: This book begins telling the story of a woman.  As the book continues, the reader is introduced to that woman's daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter, etc.  As the generations go on, the woman's life still leaves an impression on the lives of those after her.  They all bear the marks she received and continue her journey to freedom.  At the end, the reader is introduced to the last woman in the family line - the author herself.

Evaluation: I loved this book.  This is one I plan to have on my classroom bookshelf.  It isn't just the story that's being told, but the way the story is being told.  The author tells her ancestors stories in a simple, short ways that help show the bigger picture.

The age appropriateness is between third and fifth grade.  The story itself is easy to read and follow along.  The illustrations play a vital role in this story.  The vocabulary is clear and easily understood.

I would work with the history teacher when reading this book.  I think this book would have a lasting impact on the students.  You could read this in English class during the time they learn about slavery in history class (cross-curricular teaching).  After doing a read aloud with this book, students could then do a writing assignment on this book explaining why they think the author chose to tell the story over multiple generations and how that played a role in the overall purpose of the book.

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