Blog Partner Discussion 5: Historical Fiction
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6. Your personal response to the book
7. Evaluate it in terms of its genre
8. Evaluate its literary quality
9. Evaluate its illustrations
10. Evaluate in terms of multicultural considerations including the credibility of the author and illustrator
11. Discuss for whom the book is intended and the ways in which it might be used in the classroom
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When Harriet met Sojourner written by Catherine Clinton and illustrated by Shane Evans more or less tried to give a credible depiction of the struggles and eventual liberation of two black stalwart pioneers who fought for the freedom and abolition of slavery in the United States. Clinton a historian ably repesented the histories based on her studies and imaginings. The setting was appropriate as the story was set in the time of slavery back in the 1700's. Characters didnt seem flat or mechanised but was ably represented. However, the illustration was abit of a turn off. The pictures are quite unattractive and adds little value to the text. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteMaria I agree with you about the illustrations. Before I read the story I tried to do a picture walk. It was difficult for me to make the connections. After reading the book I made comparisons with my picture walk and the real story. Maria I must say for most part my predictions were inaccurate.
ReplyDeleteThe characters looked very ugly,but Shane Evans, the illustrator, was an African American. So, I think he would have a good knowledge of the characteristics of African Americans,unless these characters were really ugly people.
The story was not engaging. It speaks of families in slavery, yet I did not feel any emotions while I read. It was lacking description. I do not think it is a great history book for our students.
Do you think the author being white was biased in relating the story? She mentioned that there were no recordings of the events neither newspaper interviews. So then where do you think her information was sourced? Do you think it is authentic?
hmmm...I think what the author was trying to do was recount an event. And I think she did it based on what she studied as a historian. She would not be able to accurately document the facts because as she plainly stated there were no records kept of this event that she could make reference to. So as I pointed out before some was also based on her imaginings. I deduced this because at one point in the recollection of the facts she said "So we can only imagine what they might have said to each other..." I think that any one who tried to capture this story whether black or white would have to imagine some of what took place because there were no records..However, its also my thought that a person who is a part of the black culture would be able to add more feeling and depth to the events as he or she could relate better to the situation.
ReplyDeleteMaria I do agree with you. I am seeing another side as to why the story lacked certain information based on your posting. However I still believe that if the story were told by an African American it would connect more with the reader. When I was about to read the book I first read about the author. My first impressions were "oh she is white" so maybe I too read the book with some level of bias, thus having a biased understanding of the story.
ReplyDeleteHowever, let me focus on how the book could be best utilised. I think it could be used to help children to be appreciative to their ancestors. I think the moral of the story could be to teach children to stand up for what is right and what they believe in. Don't you think?
Yes it could. It could also be used to build background to educate them about their black ancestors and heritage and the part these persons played in achieving emancipation for our race.
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