Magnolia Flower
By Stephanie Snyder,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Beautifully illustrated folktale of freedom after slavery.
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What's the Story?
In MAGNOLIA FLOWER, figurative language personifies a River and a Brook, as the River tells a story that demonstrates humans' interconnectedness with nature. Slavery leads Bentley, a large, strong man, to escape and to establish a village of runaways. Bentley and his wife, an Indigenous woman named Swift Dear, have a daughter whom they name Magnolia Flower. Magnolia Flower grows up free, but it is not until she meets a man named John who teaches her to read that she feels truly free. Bentley forbids their relationship, but love prevails.
Is It Any Good?
This modern adaptation brings beauty to a story of oppression often told for how ugly it is. Magnolia Flower, from its charming title and colorful pages to its lovely figurative language and endearing love story, takes the first step towards accomplishing author Ibram X. Kendi's important mission: making the work of Zora Neale Hurston accessible to young readers. And it does so delicately, shifting the focus from the horrors of this time in history to the love, loyalty, labor, and perseverance that Black and Indigenous people have exuded for centuries, without denying the traumas.
Though it is a picture book, it is better suited for readers who are familiar with the true history of the United States. Additionally, the folktale structure and flowery language could be difficult for the youngest readers to digest. Nevertheless, young eyes will be captivated by the stunning artwork of illustrator Loveis Wise. The book is a true launchpad for recentering the narrative of U.S. history, honoring Zora Neale Hurston and her legacy, and building cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical references in Magnolia Flower. What do you know about the enslavement of Black people in the United States? What do you know about the relocation of Native Americans? Why is it sometimes difficult for people to have conversations about these topics?
How would you describe Magnolia Flower? What makes her a strong character? Do you think she could be described as weak?
Find examples of similes, metaphors, and personification. How do these examples make the dialogue between the River and the Brook fun to read?
Book Details
- Authors: Zora Neale Hurston , Ibram X. Kendi
- Illustrator: Loveis Wise
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism , History
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Amistad Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: September 6, 2022
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: September 13, 2022
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