A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day - Hardcover

Henderson, Leah

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1419736302 ISBN 13: 9781419736308

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2021

Synopsis

Leah Henderson’s picture book A Day for Rememberin’ is a moving tribute to the little-known history behind the first Memorial Day, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper.
 
Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.”
 
Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and white, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
 
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country. The book is illustrated by award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper and includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
 
 

About this title

About the Author

Leah Henderson writes for young readers of all ages, and her books have been named a Children’s Africana Book Awards Notable and a Bank Street Best Book. Leah holds an MFA in writing and is on the faculty of Spalding University’s graduate writing program. Her books include The Courage of the Little Hummingbird, The Magic in Changing Your Stars, and Daddy Speaks Love. She resides in Washington, D.C.

Floyd Cooper has received a Coretta Scott King Award and three Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations. Mr. Cooper received a degree in fine arts from the University of Oklahoma. His books include Max and the Tag-Along Moon, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, and Jump!: From the Life of Michael Jordan. He lives in Easton, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children.

Reviews

Gr 2–5—Henderson's latest tells the story of the first Memorial Day celebration from the perspective of a young African American boy whose family has recently been freed following the Civil War. The boy longs to go with his father to help him refurbish a racecourse that was made into a prison for Union soldiers during the war. Finally, he is allowed to assist in painting the fence while the adults establish a graveyard for the fallen soldiers. Once the memorial is complete, the entire African American community in Charleston marches from their homes to the cemetery in a parade. Though the event is sad, it is also a celebration of the end of slavery. Cooper's mixed-media illustrations beautifully depict the community's emotions and their actions in creating a memorial. Soft colors gently envelop readers in the story. Back matter includes an author's note, the roots of Decoration Day, a time line of the Civil War and Memorial Day, and a bibliography. VERDICT An enchanting account of the first Memorial Day, this book is recommended for all collections.—Sara Thomas, New Castle P.L., DE

Edition details

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1419736302
• ISBN 13: 9781419736308
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Cooper Floyd
• Number of pages: 40