From: Denise <deeceebee>
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 08:34:08 -0800

Since there have been no comments on "Only Passing Through," I'm wondering if anyone has read this historical picture book.

I'm in charge of a small (approximately 1500 books) children's library. I selected "Only Passing Through, The Story of Sojourner Truth" without knowing that it was being considered for the Coretta Scott King Award. I chose it for its powerful words and message---its begins with this sentence, "Strangers stared while the auctioneer poked and pointed at the girl with his stick---showing how tall and strong she was" and continues throughout the story to make the reader confront shameful elements of U.S. history and show what one seemingly powerless Black female slave was able to do. The dark, somewhat abstract artwork effectively reflect the pain in this story.

One adult who borrowed this book from my library read it aloud
(including the Author's Note and historical time line at the back) at Juvenile Hall as a bedtime story. This lead into a meaningful discussion of Civil Rights and Women's Rights. These 13 to 19 year old girls also expressed their appreciation of learning about a Black woman who made a difference. Some of them had heard only of Rosa Parks.

Denise Sciandra Fresno, California
Received on Mon 12 Feb 2001 10:34:08 AM CST