Alexander, E. & Nelson, M. (2007). Miss Crandall’s school for young ladies & little misses of color : poems. Pictures by Floyd Cooper. Honesdale, PA:  Wordsong.

Artwork: Pastels and pencil; technique called oil wash on board--the artist paints an illustration board with oil paint and then erases to create a picture (a "subtractive" process) -- See more about Floyd Cooper at http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai/fcooper.html .  He is quoted as saying, "I strive to create books that are a bridge between cultures." (HarperCollins website).  Also available is a 20-minute webcast from the Library of Congress National Book Festival at http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3589 .

ISBN-13: 978-1-59078-456-3

In 24 beautifully-crafted rhythmic sonnets which perfectly pace the story and give melodious voices to her students, the details of how Prudence Crandall dared to educate young African-American women in 1833 Connecticut is told.  Well-supported with an introduction and authors’ notes, the triumph and the tragedy of yearning for an education is revealed in both the poetry and the mixed-media illustrations of delicate pastel colors.  The strength and convictions of a lone Quaker woman stand the test of time and character.

Curricular connection:  Civil rights/ Grade 8 History-Social Science CA HSS 8.6

Pair with novel Suzanne Jurmain's Forbidden Schoolhouse

Prudence Crandall Museum website -- http://www.cultureandtourism.org/cct/cwp/view.asp?a=2127&q=302260

Subjects: Race relations; Bigotry; Discrimination in education; Value of education; Educators

Theme:  Everyone deserves basic civil rights, including an education.

Literary Devices: Sophisticated language; Rhythm

Age Level Recommendation:  Middle School (and up)

Category: Non-fiction; Poetry

Note:  Both authors are distinguished.  Nelson was the poet laureate of Connecticut, a Newbery and Coretta Scott King honor awardee, and a 3-time National Book Award finalist. Alexander is a Yale professor and Pulitzer Prize finalist-- access her website at  http://elizabethalexander.net/home.html . 

Rating: 5Q/3P

AAS 5-4-08