Becky Birtha

This book is incredible powerful for a children's book. It describes what African-Americans went through in a way that makes it easy to understand for children. I love how strong grandma is portrayed in the book. She directs the girls attention somewhere else when the girls start to notice segregation. Grandma would tell them that they wouldn't want to go to that bathroom or drink from that water fountain anyway because they are dirty. It is inspiring to see how the family in this book takes something so negative and discouraging and handles it easily and with grace. They are great examples of powerful and smart women who know their worth.… (mer)

I found this story to be more about a math lesson than about the Great Depression. Marshall is frustrated with his family’s financial situation, he has to eat beans every single night. One day in a store window Marshall sees a contest, guessing the number of beans in the jar, and the prize was a brand new sewing machine. Marshall wants to win for his mother. Marshall is able to use his knowledge of measurements to correctly guess the number of beans. This story touches on the importance of education, family, hard work, and even a touch on segregation. The illustrations were my favorite part of this story. I really enjoyed the watercolor.… (mer)