Commentaire descriptif
The accoutrements of mid-nineteenth century farm life provide an informative backdrop for this story’s wordless drama, in which a young girl is sent to fetch something from the family barn and detects a human eye peering from the rippling stacks of corn. She starts bringing food to the fugitive slave she discovers hiding there, courageously keeping the secret from both family and slave-hunters.
Lavish, loving texture imbues the drawings that create this story. Spreads vibrate with subtle variations of pencil markings. A cow’s eye glints within the whorls of its hide; the girl clasps a fuzzy cat as Confederate soldiers pass by on horseback.
Bravery, friendship and wordless communication are all exemplified in the fugitive’s gift of thanks to the girl: a corn-husk doll, left for her in the storehouse.
Readers of all skill levels can profitably engage with this book. It also invites further investigation into the history of the US Civil War. An author’s note discusses the inspiration and oral history behind the book, and urges young readers to put their own words to the story.
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Pistes d'exploration
: Discuss the story that is portrayed through the illustrations.
: Prior to reading, research the Underground Railroad and share your information with the class in order to give background to the story.
: Write the story depicted in the illustrations. Compare your story with a classmate’s to see the similarities and differences. Discuss how you decided what to write for each page.
: Notice the hands against the checked cloth that holds the slave’s food. What is the meaning of the fact that they are different?
: Discuss the illustrations and retell the story orally, as a group.
: Discuss situations in which people might need to hide.
: Prior to reading, research the Underground Railroad and share your information with the class in order to give background to the story.
: Write the story depicted in the illustrations. Compare your story with a classmate’s to see the similarities and differences. Discuss how you decided what to write for each page.
: Using a teacher-selected website, find a definition and map of the Underground Railroad. Create a word web to summarize your findings to share with the class.
: Enumerate clues that help you understand that this story is about the Underground Railroad. Compare lists with a peer.
: Do a 3-2-1 activity. Write three important adjectives that connect to the story, two “I think” sentences and one question. In small teams, compare and discuss your work.
: Select a format to rewrite the story from the point of view of the person in hiding.
Mots-clés
Picture book, American Civil War, Black history, courage, illustrations (monochrome), slavery, Underground Railroad, wordless book
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