Courtni Wright

Journey to Freedom title describes the book very well. First off, let’s start by acknowledging the wonderful illustration depicted throughout this book. This book is about a family that was led by Harriet Tubman as they traveled on the Underground Railroad in the mid 1800s. They started their journey in the southern states where slavery was enforced to Canada, where they gained their freedom. Harriet Tubman did an astonishing job guiding Joshua’s family through the night as they hid out in the darkness and dense forest to escape slavery. This book is great for children because it gave them a clear insight on the hardship people had to go through during a struggling time as people eventually gained their freedom.… (mer)

I really enjoyed this book for three reasons. First, I like the fact that it is based on the depressing topic of slavery, yet it is a joyful book. For example, when the main character, Lettie, is describing how much work they have to do on a daily basis she is extremely optimistic. Instead of complaining about the struggles she faces, she focused on the delightful traditions they have at the plantation.
Focusing on traditions was another reason why I really enjoyed this book. I think this book is a great example for children to understand what a tradition is. Also, this particular tradition is very interesting because it is not common. Not many people know what “jumping the broom” means because it is an African American tradition that was extremely popular during slavery. This would be a great book to read to children to introduce the importance of multi-culturism. Since our nation is extremely diversified children need to learn understand different cultures. This will help create a judgmental free lifestyle.
Finally, I enjoyed this book since it explained what the tradition meant. The newly married couple jumps over the broom for two reasons. First, the broom is a symbol for sweeping away their past lives as they begin a new life together. Also, the broom is a symbol for sweeping away evil spirits. I believe this explanation is extremely important because it shows the significance of traditions. I enjoyed how this got the reader to think about meaning of traditions. Many people participate in traditions but have no idea why. This might even get the reader to think about the meaning of the traditions they celebrate.… (mer)

Summary: Lettie is looking forward to her sisters wedding. The women that live in the slave quarters had been busy getting ready for weeks to prepare for the wedding. They have been getting things in the field ready, sowing a quilt, making wooden presents for the new couple. The wedding day finally arrives and as a tradition the couple has to jump over a broom that is lying on the ground. It is supposed to signify sweeping away bad spirits as well as sweep the couple into their new life with one another. After the broom jumping ceremony, the reception is underway. Everyone sings, dances, eats, plays games and prays for the new couple. After the ceremony, Lettie gets in her bed and becomes sad. She is sad that she will no longer be sharing everything with her older sister but she also is happy, thinking back on the day and what a special day it was.

Argument: I think the main message in this book is that even in sad situations such as the one Lettie went through when she realized her sister wasn't going to be living with them anymore, its important to remember the good times. The way Lettie got through her sorrows, was thinking about all the good times at the wedding that her and her sister had with one another. This book also shares a lot about slavery as well as slave traditions which is something that children find very interesting to read about. It also is a more fun way to read about things in history that are very heavy and dry. Reading a book like this one gives the children insight on slavery and civil rights but also something happy such as a wedding to make the topic lighter.… (mer)