Title: Follow the Drinking Gourd
Author: Jeanette Winter
Illustrator: Jeanette Winter
Theme: historical fiction
Summary: In this account of the United States’ history with slavery and the Underground Railroad, a small group of slaves escape and travel north to freedom with the help of several supporters along the way. Rooted in truth, the story provides realistic, yet easy to understand, examples of what the experience of traveling on the Underground Railroad was like.
Characters: Peg Leg Joe, Molly, James, Isaiah, Old Hattie, George, slave owners, various people who helped along the way
Comments: This period of time in our country’s history can be difficult to explain to young children; however, this story makes the experience one that children can visualize and attempt to relate to. By explaining the real historical events through understandable characters and situations, children can begin to empathize with the slaves and those who helped them to escape to freedom. While incomplete in explaining the whole history, I think it provides a good introduction to this important topic.
Grade level: First-Third
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2 comments:
Hi, thanks for your post on the Jeanette Winter book. You can find a detailed review of the book, including its historical elements and use in teaching, here (puy yhr URL together in your browser)
http://www.followthedrinkinggourd.org/
Appendix_Childrens_Books.htm#Winter
I hope it is helpful to your readers.
Best,
Joel Bresler
Very sorry, let's try that agagin!
Hi, thanks for your post on the Jeanette Winter book. You can find a detailed review of the book, including its historical elements and use in teaching, here (put the URL together in your browser)
www.followthedrinkinggourd.org/
Appendix_Childrens_Books.htm#Winter
I hope it is helpful to your readers.
Best,
Joel Bresler
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