Show Way
by Jacqueline Woodson

written by Jacqueline Woodson
illustrated by Hudson Talbott

Show Way is a very special book about the author's own family history is beautifully told and accompanied by stunning illustrations. 

The story follows the women in Woodson's family tree, from the women who lived many generations ago through slavery and the Civil War, to the women who experienced emancipation and early freedom, right up to the woman who lived through the Civil Right movement and raised the woman who wrote this book. Together, it makes for a moving story that's both tragic and inspirational.

Every part is gloriously illustrated in vibrant colors and designed around the motif of a quilt (a 'show way' was a special quilt design that was used at the time of the Underground Railroad to help runaway slaves know which way to go to reach freedom.) 

As much of the book focuses on the first few generations' lives in slavery and contribution to the Underground Railroad, this book would make an excellent addition to American History units on slavery and the Civil War. 

School Library Journal and Booklist both gave this book a starred review. Booklist called the book "a must for the classroom" and promises that it "will move many readers to explore their own family roots." And S.L.J. called it "an outstanding tribute, perfectly executed..."

Awards Won by this book

  - Newbery Honor 2006
  - American Library Association Notable Children's Book 2006
  - National Council for Social Studies Notable Children's Book 2006 
  - National Council of Teachers of English Notable Book 2006

Reading Levels for Show Way

Interest Level:  Grade 3-6           DRA Level: 24                   Lexile Measure: 720L
Grade Equivalent:  3.9               Guided Reading: M

See Inside Show Way

Here's a spread from this book, showing a slave family being torn apart. The child depicted is one of the generations of women highlighted in this book--all ancestors of the author.


This spread depicts the author's distant relative sitting by the fire at night listing to stories about freedom told by Big Mama, who raised her and the other parent-less children.








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