Common Sense Media Review
By Joanna H. Kraus
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lyrical story of a rope and one family's migration North.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THIS IS A ROPE traces the significant role a rope plays in three generations of an African American family. It's used not only as a jump rope but also to secure possessions to the roof of a car that heads north, to dry flowers and diapers in a city apartment, and to help make new friends. The story is told from the point of view of a young girl, who relates the rope's history in her family and how it helped them realize their goal of having a better life.
Is It Any Good?
Together, author Jacqueline Woodson and illustrator James Ransome have tackled a huge topic and made it accessible for young readers. Woodson uses spare, poetic text to show through a single family how hopes and dreams of a better life drove an estimated 6 million African Americans in the 20th century to leave the rural South for new beginnings in northern cities. And Ransome's oil paintings are realistic yet filled with emotion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about family objects handed down through generations. Are there any items you use that were your grandmother's?
How much do you know about African American history? Check out our recommendation list of Award-Wining African American Books.
In a circle with friends or family take an object, like a piece of rope or a stick, and demonstrate all the different ways you could use it.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : James Ransome
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Young Readers Group
- Publication date : August 29, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 8
- Number of pages : 29
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate