A story set in the pre-Civil War South, in which an enslaved boy makes friends with a white teacher as he secretly learns to read and write while hiding in a sycamore tree outside the schoolhouse.
Awards
Myers Outstanding Book Award
Honorable Mention
Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights in North America
Best Picture Book Honor
Society of School Librarians International
Best Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College of Education
Storytelling World Honor Award
Stories for Young Listeners
Storytelling World
2006-07 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee
South Carolina Association of School Libraries
Interest Level
Grades 1 - 4
Reading Level
Grades 2 - 3
Themes
Slavery, Sharing & Giving, Historical Interest, Education, African/African American Interest
Accelerated Reader
Level: 3.4
Points: .5
Derek Blanks received his B.F.A. degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore. He has served as a painter and freelance illustrator for galleries, museums, and art publications, and he currently works as a graphic artist and photographer. A native of Mississippi, Blanks now lives in College Park, Georgia, with his wife. This is his first picture book. To find out more about Derek Blanks, visit dblanks.com
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