 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales
- By Virginia Hamilton
- Genre: Folklore
Common Sense Media says
Folktales full of humor and history.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that these engaging folktales contain nothing of concern.
What's the story?
The theme of freedom prevails in these twenty-four folktales, most of which came to this country on a "slave boat out of Africa." Each story tells of a loss--of family, beliefs, customs, and language--but also celebrates the rich heritage and spirit that continues despite these losses.
The author retells two dozen black American folktales centered around several themes. In the first section, which includes animal tales, characters such as Bruh Rabbit and Tappin the land turtle take on the characteristics of people met in this new country. Fanciful fairy tales and stories of the supernatural are also included, along with accounts of slavery and efforts to gain freedom.
Is it any good?
This anthology of stories told by and about African-American slaves, and accounts from their history, should be required reading for anyone studying American history. Animal tales based on stories brought over from Africa by the slaves' forbears communicate through the antics of their clever underdog heroes the slaves' desires for freedom and triumph over their masters, while other fanciful stories convey hope for the future.
Virginia Hamilton aptly captures the longing and the loss, the hope and the hurt, that carried these stories (often passed on orally) through the generations. The black-and-white drawings that illustrate some selections are rendered in a unique style. The compositions are bold, and some elements break free from their borders, echoing story themes. Moods and feelings are captured with shades and shadows.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the power of storytelling. These stories are more than just mere fantasy: What did they mean to the storytellers and the listeners?
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AGE
Ok but on the edge.
I think that the particular story is not violent, but a touch scary for the fact that there is whipping involved and many details about it; in which I believe shouldn't be exposed to younger aged children.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 31, 2012
AGE
Suitable
I think that this book is suitable for children, because though there is whipping in it, it shows the reality of slaves back then. Also I assume that kids are studying about slaves in school, so I think that this book would give a good impression on them.
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| Author: | Virginia Hamilton |
| Illustrators: | Diane Dillon, Leo Dillon |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Folklore |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1985 |
| Number of pages: | 168 |
| Paperback price: | $13.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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