Silent Thunder - Hardcover

Pinkney, Andrea

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0786823887 ISBN 13: 9780786823888

Publisher: Jump At The Sun, 1999

Synopsis

In 1862 eleven-year-old Summer and her thirteen-year-old brother Rosco take turns describing how life on the quiet Virginia plantation where they are slaves is affected by the Civil War.

About this title

About the Author

Andrea Davis Pinkney has written several acclaimed picture books, works of nonfiction, and novels. Her fiction for middle-grade readers includes Solo Girl, Raven in a Dove House, Silent Thunder, and Let It Shine, a Coretta Scott King Honor winner. She is also the author of the picture books Alvin Ailey, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald, all illustrated by her husband and frequent collaborator, Brian Pinkney. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-Set in 1862 in Virginia, the narrators enhance the poignancy of this story by Andrea Davis Pinkney (Hyperion, 1999) about two siblings, Summer and Roscoe, who are slaves on the Parnell Plantation. Roscoe, age 13, has learned to read while accompanying the master's son to his lessons. He teaches Summer, 11, her first letter by pointing out to her that the scar on her body is really the letter P, the master's brand. Andrea J. Johnson captures Summer's innocence and excitement about this new power and passion in her life, as well as the wisdom of Thea, the slave who can predict the future, and Mama's anger at what she considers her children's willfulness. Peter Jay Fernandez narrates Roscoe's dreams of freedom and also anxiety, as well as the grandeur of Dr. Bates' abolitionist speech on New Year's Eve, and Clem's desperation to gain his freedom. The arrogance of the "benevolent" masters and the indignity as well as forbearance and anger of the slaves are clearly presented in these voice. At times Summer sounds much older than her 11 years. Bits and pieces of the story are not always realized as fully as they could be; the hateful brother-in-law of Mrs. Parnell who comes to run the plantation leaves before he has even been fully introduced, and the ramifications of Dr. Bates' highly controversial speech are never included. Still, the story is engaging, and listeners feel as if they are sharing in the trials and tribulations as well as the triumphs of Roscoe and Summer. This historical novel helps students understand this period in history.-Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Washington,DC

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Jump At The Sun
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0786823887
• ISBN 13: 9780786823888
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160