Did you know African America slaves in America used quilts to depict the path of the underground railroad? This inspirational book by Jacqueline Woodson captures this story through the eyes of a little African American girl looking into her family history. The text is in a unique half-rhyme verse and pictures look like quilted pieces on each and every page. Following Soonie's great-grandma's historic enslavement, to years later when Soonie is born, this story brings to light the colors, structure, historic "jumping of the broom" and other African American slave traditions. A superb read for young readers, and something older readers will embrace with understanding, this Newbery Honor Book is Highly Recommended for Grades 3-5.
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Beautiful story, from slavery to freedom.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
What Parents Need to Know
About Show Way
Parents need to know that though this is a picture book, it's aimed at middle grade kids. There are historical references that will need explaining, especially for younger kids, as will the information in the collages. There are some references to violence: a slave killed, a silhouette of the capture of a runaway, news images from protest marches.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the history. What was slavery and how did it end? What happened to the freed slaves? What was the Civil Rights era? How is life for African-Americans different now than it was even in Mom and Dad's childhood?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Great illustrations
Newbery Honor Book
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I was really touched and moved
This book has really torched me because, it tells a real story about real ppl. and it like moves u and u think like that’s sad and u want to now what happens next so u like read on cause u want to find out, if they live happily ever after or not .
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are great illustrations |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
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