Broyles, A. (2008). Priscilla and the hollyhocks. Illustrated by Anna Alter. Watertown, MA:  Charlesbridge.

Artwork: Acrylic folk art paintings

ISBN-13: 978-1-57091-675-5

As a young slave girl, Priscilla is separated from her mother when the woman is sold to a new master.  Priscilla treasures hollyhocks and carries hollyhock seeds with her as a way to remember her mother. When the girl’s master dies, Priscilla is purchased by a Cherokee family and later must march the “Trail of Tears,” on the way meeting a white man, Basil Silkwood, whom she encountered before.   Silkwood purchases Priscilla, raises her as one of his 15 children, thus giving her a stable and comfortable life.  Though fictionalized, this book is based on a true story.

Curricular connection:  Treatment of Native Americans/Trail of tears/ Grade 11/ CA HSS 11.1

Subjects: Slavery; Trail of Tears; American history

Themes: There is always a piece of the ones we love within us. Human beings are resilient creatures.

Category: Fictionalized (Based on a true story)

Age Level Recommendation: Middle School (and up)

Rating: 3Q/2P

AAS 5-4-08