Working Cotton (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

Williams, Sherley A.

ISBN 10: 061302351X ISBN 13: 9780613023511

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 1997

Synopsis

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. A young girl relates the daily events of her family's migrant life in the cotton fields of central California.

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From Publishers Weekly

A hot, arduous and typical day in the life of a family of migrant cotton pickers is the subject of Williams's striking first picture book. Shelan describes how her parents, brothers and sisters arrive at the cottonfields before dawn and toil till night to fill sacks with the fluffy white harvest. At times both gritty and poetic, Williams's text is written completely in Shelan's dialect. Though the phrasing may require careful reading, it adds a necessary authenticity to the story while presenting a difficult way of life. However, the author does not pass a negative judgment here: her characters play, sing and admire nature--when they have the chance. Bayard's intense acrylic paintings capture the beauty of the California landscape as well as the intensity of human struggle--thoughtfully reflected in her cast's sweaty faces. Vast fields of white cotton tufts against an endless blue sky create an appropriate sense of isolation. Though some may object to the portrayal of African Americans picking cotton, Shelan's family is to be respected for embracing life and doing whatever it takes to make their way in the world. An auspicious debut. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 061302351X
• ISBN 13: 9780613023511
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Byard Carole