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.
This is a great book, but if it's not exactly the book you are looking for, you can see:
