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BOOKS
Illustration by Anna Alter from Priscilla and the Hollyhocks (Charlesbridge, 2008)
used by permission |
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Priscilla is a slave in the Big House. The
hollyhocks her mother planted by the cow pond are all Priscilla has
left to remember her by. When Master dies, Priscilla is sold to a
Cherokee family. Another plantation, same life. Based on a true
story, Priscilla and the Hollyhocks follows Priscilla from
her early years on a Southern plantation to her forced march along
the Trail of Tears to the chance encounter that leads to her
freedom. On her journey from slave to free woman, Priscilla carries
something precious with her: hollyhock seeds... and hope.
"Priscilla and
the Hollyhocks tells a story too often ignored or overlooked
- a story of how the west was not won but captured. Reading about
Priscilla's remarkable life makes all our hearts a bit warmer while
filling our heads with a much-needed piece of American history."
Nikki Giovanni, poet
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• Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People |
• Bank Street
College's The Best Children's Books of the Year
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Massachusetts Book Awards recommended reading list (one of five picture books chosen) |
Learn more...
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Illustration by Leane Morin from Shy Mama's Halloween (Tilbury
House, 2000)
used by permission |
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Anne's first children's book, Shy Mama's Halloween tells the story
of a Russian immigrant family's first experience of Halloween in the
United States, their adopted country. Although most North American
children take for granted wearing costumes and going from house to
house trick-or-treating, Anya, Irina, Dasha, and Dimitrii have never
known the magic of Halloween. For their mother, who is uncomfortable
with America, this holiday becomes a courageous step into a new
world. The oldest daughter, Anya says, "Here, in the darkness,
surrounded by what seemed like hundreds of other children, we, too,
were American. No one cared that our 'Thank you' was said with an
accent. No one cared that our Mama, in her babushka, could speak
only a few words of English. Halloween was our holiday, as much as
anyone else's."
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• Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
for 2001 |
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• the McNaughton List |
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• Teachers' Choice 2002 Award, Learning Magazine |
Learn more... |
You can order these books from your favorite bookstore (check Booksense.com for a list of independent booksellers).
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