Patricia Polacco, Author and Illustrator
Philomel Books, Fiction, 2009
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: African-American, Slavery, Fugitives, Underground Railroad, Freedom
Opening/Synopsis: “Sadie, the youngest Crosswhite, shuddered when she saw the paddy rollers thunder into the slave yard on their horses, draggin’ a runaway on the end of a rope behind them. All the slaves had been ordered to stand at the porch rail that mornin’.” Sadie was horrified when she realized that the men were dragging and beating January, who was like a brother to her. He had carved a sparrow for her days earlier and she knew he was going to run. Adam and Sarah Crosswhite overheard that two of their four children were going to be sold. The fled the Kentucky Plantation with only the clothes on their back and in the middle of the night. They made a harrowing trip across the Ohio River into Indiana and traveled the Underground Railroad north to freedom in Marshall, Michigan. In Marshall, there was a growing number of Negro families who found support and friendship in the white community. Sadie’s father and brothers found jobs, and Sadie attended school. But, the family was always on the look-out for bounty hunters and angry masters searching for runaway slaves. One day a package arrived with Sadie’s treasured sparrow inside. Attached to it was a note that said, “I found you.” What will her family do? Readers will be surprised by the ending.
Why I like this book: Patricia Polacco has taken a true story that she discovered a few miles from her Michigan home and written a compelling story for children about slavery and the underground railroad. In fact the home she lives in was site of underground activity. In writing this story, Polacco used “dialect modified from slave narratives,” which enhanced the unique voice of January. Polacco did a lot of research about the Crosswhite family and the amazing community of Marshall, MI, which adds considerably to the story’s authenticity. Polacco’s vivid and colorful artwork is done with charcoal and watercolor. She captures the fear, terror, pain and the joy in her powerful, detailed and expressive illustrations. Visit Patricia Polacco on her website. You can see a photo of her home built in the 1800s, and learn some interesting facts about famous visitors.
Resources: Patricia Polacco has a Guide for Educators with Curriculum Connections, Discussion Questions and Classroom Activities, including a Reading Response Journal. You will need to scroll down the PDF file to find January’s Sparrow.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
What a compelling story, Pat. It sounds very well researched. It’s so important that kids learn about history that you don’t find in a history book.
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Patricia is a master storyteller. She talked about the research that went into the book. I found it interesting that she lived in a very historical home that had a history.
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Sounds like a good book to spur that necessary but difficult slavery discussion with kids. Nice choice. Can’t go wrong with Patricia Polacco. I love her.
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Agree, you can’t go wrong with Polacco.! This book was a long picture book, but worth every page. She was able to develop her story.
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I’ve never seen this Patricia Polacco book. Sounds like a gem. Thanks for sharing!
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It is a gem and a great story to teach kids about slavery.
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I agree with Genevieve, that one can’t go wrong with Polacco! There is so much raw emotion in the cover alone. I’d love to read this.
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Polacco is a favorite author. You would love her illustrations! Very expressive and emotive.
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Polacco’s books are always amazing and so diverse. What an amazing story-teller she is. This one is new to me and very timely. 🙂 I’ll look this one up.
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Think you’ll love it Michelle! It’s quite long, but the illustrations are stunning. Though of you and your books as I read it.
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Patricia Polacco spoke at our middle school. What a treat! She has such a knack for finding the heart of the story.
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Wendy, I saw her present her “Keeping Quilt” book to children — and she really knows how to connect at their level! It was a treat for me to see her.
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What a fascinating book! This time in US history saddens yet draws me. We studied it in homeschool and visited one of the Underground Railroad stops. I’m going to check out the author’s site. Thanks!
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Jarm, I feel the same way. It is a sad part of our history, but I’m drawn to reading and learning about this period. Polacco’s story is a good book for older kids. There was a huge house across from my neighborhood, that was part of the Underground Railroad. As a child I made up stories in my head about what happened inside that home.
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Another fine children’s book. Around here (in Utah) there’s been an uproar in schools over a children’s book that features a child with two moms. It’s been banned/ unbanned/ banned again/ then unbanned. Ay carajo.
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Thanks Michael. That is sad, but hopefully times will change.
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Patricia,
I love your reviews. They make me want to run out and buy the books to read for myself. With a new Kindle I now have more books than I can read in months, but you make reading more interesting expecially for the young. Thanks for sharing the reviews.
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Priscilla, thank you. I am glad you enjoy my reviews. I am always looking for the “gems” that I want to promote as good children’s books.
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This sounds like a very powerful story, Pat, and a great selection for older readers. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Susanna, thought you’d like a book for older children. This one is so well researched.
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I don’t know this Polacco! Thanks – love stories based on facts!
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This one was so close to home for Polacco. She did a lot of research. You would absolutely love her illustrations!
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I love her work – but my library doesn’t have this one!
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Yes they do! Yay!
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As Catherine has said, a compelling story. One that draws you in. Thankyou Pat for sharing it. Great review.
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Thank you Diane! It is a compelling story. I loved it!
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Such an emotive issue. I remember first learning about slavery and reading books such as “Black Like me.” These books had such a profound effect on me as a young person. We must always keep the memory of it alive and be aware of places in the world where slavery is sill alive and kicking!
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Couldn’t agrree with you more Niamh! It is emotive issue and it pains me to know it still exists around the world.
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A compelling story, Pat. Congratulations Patricia, a terrific contribution to Black History Month. I pinned it to my BOOK REVIEWS on Pinterest. These stories must be told, and the lite of day needs to shine on them – ever bright!!
Books for Kids – Manuscript Critiques
http://www.margotfinke.com
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Lovely comment Margot! Stories like this must be told. As Niamh pointed out, “slavery is still alive and kicking “in the world. A new generation of children need to understand this dark period of our history.
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wow! So much story just in the cover! Ms Polacco can sure do a story right! Thanks for this review!
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Each page was filled with expressive and emotive illustrations. Love her work!
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I like Ms. Polacco’s books! I’m surprised I haven’t read this one yet, seeing the history it teaches.
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Erik, I know you’d like this book — it’s really for older kids. And, it is qute long. Love that the story was true and almost in her own back yard.
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This sounds like a valuable book to read to and discuss with children.
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Darlene, I hope a lot of children read this book during Black History Month. Especially because it is a true story and because it is so beautifully illustrated. You really experience the story.
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What a wonderful story, Pat. I agree with one of the other comments…I always want to run out and buy the books you review…you do a GREAT job! Thanks for sharing this winner.:)
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Thank you Vivian! I get excited when I find a really good book! This one is a winner.
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I LOVE Polacco’s books and this is a new one for me. I’m pinning this and then looking for it in the library. Thanks so much, Patricia!
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You won’t be disappointed Barbara. It is an outstanding read. Very lengthy, but the illustrations and story are worth it!
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