Young Adult Book Fun

Title: Show Way

Author: Jacqueline Woodson , Illustrated by Hudson Talbott

Publication: Putnam Juvenile (September 8, 2005)

ISBN: 978-0399237492

Grade Level: 3-5

Awards: 2006 Newbery Honor Book

Summary: The story of Jacqueline Woodson’s family traced through the maternal line to the pre-Civil War era. Focuses on the history of the family and the tradition of quilting and storytelling.

Comments: Woodson’s geneology is the basis of her poetic picture book, Show Way. She creates lyrical explanations of the events in the lives of her mother, great-grandmother and beyond. Through quiliting the legacy of storytelling and a hope for freedom and equality is passed down from generation to generation.

While this is a lovely picture book, it seems to be more appropriate for smaller groups to allow children to appreciate the different pieces in each collage on each page, or for an art class where the illustrations can be discussed more thoroughly.

In addition to the amazing artwork there is an overview of African-American history that will lend itself to discussion for younger readers. Elementary teachers will be able to find Social Studies, Art and Literature applications for the book which make it deserving of its Newbery Honor.

Georgia Performance Standards:

ELA3R1 The student demonstrates the ability to read orally with speed, accuracy, and expression.

ELA4R1 The student demonstrates comprehension and shows evidence of a
warranted and responsible explanation of a variety of literary and informational
texts.

ELA5R2 The student consistently reads at least twenty-five books or book equivalents (approximately 1,000,000 words) each year. The materials should include traditional and contemporary literature (both fiction and non-fiction) as well as magazines, newspapers, textbooks, and electronic material. Such reading should represent a diverse collection of material from at least three different literary forms and from at least five different writers.

SS5H2 The student will analyze the effects of Reconstruction on American life.
c. Explain how slavery was replaced by sharecropping and how African-Americans were prevented from exercising their newly won rights; include a discussion of Jim Crow laws and customs.

Extensions:

• Have students make a collage using copies of family pictures.
• Have students create a timeline of major events and include the history of Soonie’s family.