Up the Learning Tree - Hardcover

Vaughan, Marcia K.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1584300493 ISBN 13: 9781584300496

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 2003

Synopsis

Henry Bell is not allowed to learn to read and write. In fact, most enslaved children, like him, are severely punished if they are even caught with a book. But Henry is curious. He suspects there is something powerful in books, and he wants to know what it is. One day Henry finishes his chores quickly, then runs to the schoolhouse. He hides in a sycamore tree just as the teacher begins reading a story. His heart pounds as he listens with astonishment, and right then he makes up his mind to learn to read. Henry s fierce determination and bravery in the face of serious consequences lead him to a special friendship, and a journey of discovery that changes his life forever. Set in the pre-Civil War South, UP THE LEARNING TREE is a story of hope and humanity during difficult times, and a poignant reminder that the freedom to learn should never be taken for granted.

About this title

About the Author

MARCIA VAUGHAN is the author of numerous children’s books, including THE SECRET TO FREEDOM, a Teachers’ Choices Award winner published by LEE & LOW BOOKS. Vaughan was inspired to write UP THE LEARNING TREE after reading Civil War-era oral histories of former enslaved people, many of whom risked their lives to learn to read and write. Vaughan lives in Vashon Island, Washington, with her husband and their son. DEREK BLANKS received his B.F.A. degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore. He has served as a painter and freelance illustrator for galleries, museums, and art publications, and he currently works as a graphic artist and photographer. A native of Mississippi, Blanks now lives in College Park, Georgia, with his wife. This is his first picture book.

Reviews

Grade 2-4-Henry Bell walks young Master Simon to and from school every day. Education is forbidden to the Grismore slaves, but Henry seizes the opportunity to learn what he can anyway. He finishes his work early and rushes back to the schoolhouse, where he climbs a sycamore tree and eavesdrops on the lessons. The other children write their work on slates, but Henry uses the branches of his tree instead, carving letters and words into the bark. Simon's teacher notices Henry's efforts and risks everything to help him study, eventually losing her job and getting run out of town. But by then, Henry knows enough to continue his education on his own. Vaughan's text relates the child's bold, determined struggle to learn in spare but descriptive language. Blanks's dense, deep oil paintings subtly juxtapose the lush, green grass around the schoolhouse and in the leaves of Henry's tree against the hard, red clay around the Grismore plantation. This inspiring collaboration makes a solid contribution to most collections.
Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

K-Gr. 3. "Master Grismore says he'll take an ax to the finger of any slave who touches a book." Slave child Henry Bell risks serious punishment when he secretly learns to read and write, first by listening to white kids in the schoolhouse, and then with help from the young teacher, Miss Hattie. Even when Miss Hattie's "treachery" is discovered and she's driven away by angry plantation owners, Henry knows that he will secretly continue to learn because it will help him escape slavery. Both the words and the oil paintings are overblown, a fulsome simile on almost every page ("Hugging that book's like hugging hope"), but the focus on one brave child will bring listeners close to the cruel historical facts and the message about the power of literacy. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1584300493
• ISBN 13: 9781584300496
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Blanks Derek
• Number of pages: 32