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Coretta Scott King Honor Book for Writing: Francie
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From: Christine Hill <chill>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 11:10:51 -0500
I also loved Francie. I think the reason for the contrast in the roles of Cassie's and Francie's parents is that the Logans are better educated (mother is a teacher) and more financially independant of the white community (they own their own land.) The analogous character (an African American landowner who is spokesman and source of advice) is Mr. Grandy. Francie's mother seems less supportive because she is working her fingers to the bone every day. One of the things I liked about this book is its depiction of how very hard everyone worked just to survive, even children. Very few Americans in the year 2000 even approach this level of mind-numbing drudgery. I loved the line from Francie's mother that some day she would just like to go to church on Sunday, rather than wait on someone's table. I also liked the warts and all picture Francie gives of a community assailed by racism. In addition to devoted teachers and clandestine support of Jesse's flight, there is class and color prejudice and plain old jealousy. What a wonderful cast of full-bodied characters, sometimes sketched in just a few lines! No stereotypes here. I think children would be shocked to learn how recently life was like this. The year is not specified, but FDR is referred to as "our last president," so it sounds to me like we are approaching 1950. One other thing that struck me pleasantly was the book's strong resemblance to Langston Hughes's novel Not Without Laughter, so much so that I wondered if it was intended as homage. Both books emphasize the work people did and have marvelous, memorable characters. Both feature vibrant, flavorful dialogue in distinctive voices. In both the young protagonist goes North, hoping for education. Christine M. Hill Willingboro Public Library One Salem Road Willingboro, NJ 08046 chill at willingboro.org My new book! Robert Ballard: Oceanographer Who Discovered the Titanic, Enslow, 1999
Ginny Moore Kruse wrote:
Received on Mon 14 Feb 2000 10:10:51 AM CST
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 11:10:51 -0500
I also loved Francie. I think the reason for the contrast in the roles of Cassie's and Francie's parents is that the Logans are better educated (mother is a teacher) and more financially independant of the white community (they own their own land.) The analogous character (an African American landowner who is spokesman and source of advice) is Mr. Grandy. Francie's mother seems less supportive because she is working her fingers to the bone every day. One of the things I liked about this book is its depiction of how very hard everyone worked just to survive, even children. Very few Americans in the year 2000 even approach this level of mind-numbing drudgery. I loved the line from Francie's mother that some day she would just like to go to church on Sunday, rather than wait on someone's table. I also liked the warts and all picture Francie gives of a community assailed by racism. In addition to devoted teachers and clandestine support of Jesse's flight, there is class and color prejudice and plain old jealousy. What a wonderful cast of full-bodied characters, sometimes sketched in just a few lines! No stereotypes here. I think children would be shocked to learn how recently life was like this. The year is not specified, but FDR is referred to as "our last president," so it sounds to me like we are approaching 1950. One other thing that struck me pleasantly was the book's strong resemblance to Langston Hughes's novel Not Without Laughter, so much so that I wondered if it was intended as homage. Both books emphasize the work people did and have marvelous, memorable characters. Both feature vibrant, flavorful dialogue in distinctive voices. In both the young protagonist goes North, hoping for education. Christine M. Hill Willingboro Public Library One Salem Road Willingboro, NJ 08046 chill at willingboro.org My new book! Robert Ballard: Oceanographer Who Discovered the Titanic, Enslow, 1999
Ginny Moore Kruse wrote:
Received on Mon 14 Feb 2000 10:10:51 AM CST
