Bibliographic data
McKissack, Patricia C. Goin’ Someplace Special. New York: Athenum Books for Young Readers, 2001. ISBN 0689818858
Brief plot summary
‘Tricia Ann is ready to head to Someplace Special all on her own, but Mama Frances is nervous about letting her go out all by herself. Readers follow along as ‘Tricia heads towards the special place. We see her get on a bus, sitting past the “colored section” line. This book, set in the 1950s, explains the Jim Crow laws to children of today. Near a water fountain she goes to sit on a bench but finds that it is inscribed with “FOR WHITES ONLY.” Everyone she comes across tell her to keep her head up, walk proud, and don’t let the laws or the signs steal her happiness. She finally arrives at Someplace Special, and it is indeed special.
Critical analysis
The language in this book demonstrates the vernacular of African Americans, but it is not difficult to read as some books with heavy vernacular. ‘Tricia asks if she can go to this place and Mama Frances answers, “hold yo’ head up and act like you b’long to somebody” (3). The narrative has a little vernacular language in it, but not too much.
This is a great book to introduce children to the Jim Crow segregation laws. McKissack covers important places where the population is segregated, buses, benches at parks, hotels, and movie theaters. Finally, ‘Tricia is allowed into one special building, the public library. Chiseled in the stone of the building the words “PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME” is a welcoming site to ‘Tricia and to many people of all color. This book with its soft watercolors is an important book to add to any collection and to use for school introductions in history/social studies/language arts classes.
There is a lovely relationship story in this book. ‘Tricia and her grandmother have a special bond, which is an important aspect in many African American novels and picture books.
Jerry Pinkney beautifully illustrates this book. His fresh watercolors and drawing brings a softness look over the large pages. Pinkney has been the only illustrator to have won the Coretta Scott King Award four times. The way he has drawn and painted the hair with so much detail with life-like features for the characters really makes the illustrations more special.
McKissack, Patricia C. Goin’ Someplace Special. New York: Athenum Books for Young Readers, 2001. ISBN 0689818858
Brief plot summary
‘Tricia Ann is ready to head to Someplace Special all on her own, but Mama Frances is nervous about letting her go out all by herself. Readers follow along as ‘Tricia heads towards the special place. We see her get on a bus, sitting past the “colored section” line. This book, set in the 1950s, explains the Jim Crow laws to children of today. Near a water fountain she goes to sit on a bench but finds that it is inscribed with “FOR WHITES ONLY.” Everyone she comes across tell her to keep her head up, walk proud, and don’t let the laws or the signs steal her happiness. She finally arrives at Someplace Special, and it is indeed special.
Critical analysis
The language in this book demonstrates the vernacular of African Americans, but it is not difficult to read as some books with heavy vernacular. ‘Tricia asks if she can go to this place and Mama Frances answers, “hold yo’ head up and act like you b’long to somebody” (3). The narrative has a little vernacular language in it, but not too much.
This is a great book to introduce children to the Jim Crow segregation laws. McKissack covers important places where the population is segregated, buses, benches at parks, hotels, and movie theaters. Finally, ‘Tricia is allowed into one special building, the public library. Chiseled in the stone of the building the words “PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME” is a welcoming site to ‘Tricia and to many people of all color. This book with its soft watercolors is an important book to add to any collection and to use for school introductions in history/social studies/language arts classes.
There is a lovely relationship story in this book. ‘Tricia and her grandmother have a special bond, which is an important aspect in many African American novels and picture books.
Jerry Pinkney beautifully illustrates this book. His fresh watercolors and drawing brings a softness look over the large pages. Pinkney has been the only illustrator to have won the Coretta Scott King Award four times. The way he has drawn and painted the hair with so much detail with life-like features for the characters really makes the illustrations more special.
The author's note at the end of the book states that this story is based on actual events, the author's as a matter of fact. This also brings in so much realism to the story and situation.
Review excerpt
Publishers Weekly
Pinkney's luminescent watercolors evoke the '50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of 'Tricia Ann's eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end.
Booklist
Pinkney's watercolor paintings are lush and sprawling as they evoke southern city streets and sidewalks as well as Tricia Ann's inner glow.
Connections
Have a discussion about the Jim Crow segregation laws
Ready more books illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
- Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
- The Patchwork Quilt
- Minty: A Story of a Young Harriet Tubman
- God Bless the Child
Review excerpt
Publishers Weekly
Pinkney's luminescent watercolors evoke the '50s, from fashions to finned cars, and he captures every ounce of 'Tricia Ann's eagerness, humiliation and quiet triumph at the end.
Booklist
Pinkney's watercolor paintings are lush and sprawling as they evoke southern city streets and sidewalks as well as Tricia Ann's inner glow.
Connections
Have a discussion about the Jim Crow segregation laws
Ready more books illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
- Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
- The Patchwork Quilt
- Minty: A Story of a Young Harriet Tubman
- God Bless the Child
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