Stella by Starlight (Sharon M. Draper)

Title:  Stella by Starlight

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Target Ages:  8-12

Genre:  Middle Grade Historical Fiction

Publisher Summary:

Stella lives in the segregated south—in Bumblebee, North Carolina, to be exact about it.  Some stores she can go into.  Some stores she can’t.  Some folks are right pleasant.  Others are a lot less.  To Stella, it sort of evens out, and heck, the Klan hasn’t bothered them for years.  But one late night, later than she should ever be up, much less wandering around outside, Stella and her little brother see something that they’re never supposed to see, something that is the first flicker of change to come, change not welcome by any stretch of the imagination.  As Stella’s community—her world—is upended, she decides to fight fire with fire, and learns that ashes don’t necessarily signify the end…

First Lines:

Nine robed figures dressed all in white.  Heads covered with softly pointed hoods.  Against the black of night, a single wooden cross blazed.  Reflections of peppery-red flames shimmered across the otherwise dark surface of Kilkenny Pond.

Two children, crouched behind the low-handing branches of a hulking oak tree on the other side of the pond, watched the flickers of scarlet in the distance in fearful silence.  Dressed only in nightshirts, Stella Mills and her broker Jojo shivered in the midnight October chill.

Evaluation: 

I am writing this review months after I finished the novel, so it is not fresh in my mind.  However, I want to share some of my thoughts and impressions of the book.  

Coming from my perspective as an English teacher, I especially enjoyed the protagonist's struggle with writing. It borders on cliché that so many protagonists are inspired or gifted writers.  Unfortunately, it gives young and old the impression that writing is a inborn gift—some have it, and some don’t.  Stella has good ideas.  Like most people, though, she has difficulty expressing them.  Nevertheless, she finds a quiet place to practice her writing.  Stella does not just wait for a school assignment.  Instead, she writes about what is going on in her life and town to help her improve her school writing.

Readers get a glimpse as she writes, struggles, and revises.  For instance, early in the narrative, she tries to write for a school assignment.  Nothing is coming to her.  Stella makes a decision, “If she [is] gonna really write with honesty she ought to start, like Mrs. Grayson said, with herself.”  It takes her five tries, but she finally succeeds.

Stella uses writing as a way to cope with difficulties.  Spoon Man for instance encourages her to “Trust the words.  Maybe that image will fade.”  She takes his advice and writes about that night she saw the KKK bonfire as well as her observations about racism, which is cathartic for her.

The writing struggle is valuable for middle grade readers to see.  They need to realize writing does not come naturally or easily for most people.  However with practice and determination, their skills can improve dramatically.

The novel depicts a strong sense of community and family.  For instance, when the Spoon Man arrives in town, everyone comes together for a potluck.  Later, when a family’s house is on fire, dozens of people rush to help put it out.  More importantly, neighbors give the family a place to stay and help them rebuild. 

There are some deeper, more serious issues as well.  The most prominent is the racism of the historical era.  As previously noted, Stella witnesses a Klan rally.  Later, she travels with her father to register to vote, where they are met with hostile resistance.  Afterwards, the Klan burns down a family’s home.  When her mother is bit by a poisonous snake, the town’s white doctor refuses to help her.  The evil actions that come out of racism are illustrate in a genuine way while being age-appropriate in detail.

Even though racism is an underlying issue from beginning to end, the narrative stays hopeful.  There are kind white people who do work together with the African American community.  Her teacher tells inspiring stories that instill strength and pride—even in racist and difficult times.  Stella (and others) empower themselves through education, self-discipline, and good character—which are the pillars of making personal and social change. 

The only aspect of the novel that I felt did not ring 100% authentic is the ending.  Stella ends up saving the daughter of the racist and cruel town doctor.   The positive aspect is the daughter is not racist like her father, which is hinted at in other parts of the novel as well. Nevertheless, it seemed too “neat” to have her drowning with Stella walking by right after Stella's mother is refused medical care by the girl's father.

Overall, I found the characterization and the storytelling engaging. I highly recommend Stella by Starlight for middle grade readers.

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Writing:  Model for students or children the writing process.  Let them see you free writing and then going back to revise.  Then, encourage them to do the same.  Praise them for the improvements and effort more than the initial draft.
• History:  Include this novel in a study of 1930’s, segregation, and/or Jim Crow laws.
• Research and Analysis:  Pull in one or more non-fiction texts that describe one of the historical aspects depicted in the novel.  (Older students can do their own research.)  Compare and contrast the non-fiction with the fiction for authenticity. 
• Figurative Language:  Hyperbole and tall tales are used.  Discuss each one and their overall significance in the storytelling/culture.

Historical Connections:

Civil Rights

African American Voter Registration

Segregation

Klu Klux Klan
Presidential Election 1932

Always in the Middle

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes (Julia Finley Mosca)

Title:  The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes:  The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath

Author: Julia Finley Mosca

Illustrator: Daniel Rieley

Target Ages:  5 and up

Genre:  Picture Book Biography

Publisher Summary: 

Meet Dr. Patricia Bath—the scientist who never lost sight of her dreams!  As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor.  When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threated this goal, she persevered—brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness. 

First Lines:

If you like to think BIG,

But some say you’re too small,

or they say you’re too young

or too slow or too tall…

Pay no mind to their doubts,

and just follow the path

of one AWESOME inventor,

PATRICIA E. BATH!

Memorable Moment:

So, if helping the world

seems too hard, you are wrong.

If some say you can’t do it,

don’t listen.  Be STRONG.

Like Patricia, stay FOCUSED.

Push FORWARD. Shine BRIGHT.

And you’ll find all your DREAMS

will be well within SIGHT.

Evaluation:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  There is so much about Dr. Bath’s life that is inspirational.  She had to overcome difficulties to get an education and dealt with racism and sexism early in her career. The narrative is more focused on what she did to overcome those negative people and social constraints than the actual incidents themselves, which is empowering.    

There are several pages devoted to her childhood that give an nice picture of the influences in her from her parents to her brothers to her first science kit.  Her parents instill some vital lessons that parent and teacher readers will want to highlight, explore, and expand on. 

Another admirable character trait is her never-ending quest to learn and to advance in her field.  Her post-school educational pursuits are what led to eye treatment advancements that have helped millions around the world. 

The story keeps a steady pace, focusing on the highlights of her career.  The information is the right balance of being informative without being overwhelming.  However, the author provides plenty of additional information for teachers and parents to share with students, including Fun Facts and Tidbits from the Author’s Chat with Patricia, Timeline of Dr. Bath’s life, and About Dr. Patricia Bath section.

YouTube has a short, animated video about Dr. Bath in her own words.

Here is a Reading Guide for the book.  

Check out other women in STEM biographies. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Science: Learn about the parts of the eye—pupil, cornea, lens, and so forth—what the parts do, and how to keep eyes healthy.  To spark of love of science, order a science kit for the family or plan some science experiments in class. 
• Senses:  Read this biography while studying the 5 senses.  Some fun five senses activity ideas are HERE. 
• Time Line:  The book includes a timeline of Dr. Bath’s life.  Use this organizer in a history unit or to outline the life of another famous scientist.  Another possible way to apply it is to have student create a timeline for their future.  What do they hope to accomplish and by what age?  This ties in nicely with math as well since they have to calculate the year they will be the target age for each accomplishments. 
• Geography:  Identify the places on the map that Dr. Bath lived or traveled to for her work, such as California, New York, and Paris.
• Community Helpers:  Connect this book with a unit on community helpers for younger children.  Older students can learn more about the process of becoming a doctor and their important contribution to the community.
• Letter Writing:  Write a letter to Dr. Bath.  Tell her about what you enjoyed most about her story or what inspired you from her life story. 
• Writing—Personal:  Dr. Bath accomplished many “firsts.”  Students can write about what they want to be the first to do or to discover.  Younger students can fill in a simple sentence like:  “I want to be the first to ______.” Older students can write more, depending on age and ability.
• Writing—Argument:  Pick one of the lessons her parents taught her (“We’re equal—all genders, all shades.”  “Nothing’s off limits—no job, dream, or role.”  “Education is the key to success.”).  Use it as a prompt for students to write an argument, such as arguing why the quote is true or how it was the lesson that impacted her life most (based on the evidence in the story). 
• Poetry:  The story is written in poetic form.  Possible connections can be anywhere from identifying rhyming words to students writing their own poetic lines.  Poems can be about Dr. Bath or about their own goals for the future.  Assign a specific poetic form or allow them to write in free verse.

Historical Connections:

Civil Rights Movement

For more great picture book recommendations, visit the Perfect Picture Book Friday Round Up.

Tubman and Truth: American Heroes

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky

Faith Ringgold, author and illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Flying way up, so far up that the mountains look like rock candy and the oceans like tiny cups of tea, Cassie and her brother, Be Be, encounter a fantastic train—the Underground Railroad train—and a tiny woman in a conductor’s uniform.  The woman is Harriet Tubman, who transports Cassie and Be Be back to the terrifying world of the slave plantation and on a desperate—but ultimately triumphant—journey of escape.  Drawing on historical accounts…and her own imagination, Faith Ringgold has created a book that both recounts the realities of slavery and joyfully celebrates freedom. 

What’s to Love:

This imaginative encounter puts modern day children in the role of escaped slaves—hiding is often frightening places like cobwebbed attics and even a confining coffin.  The constant threat of being caught and punished echoes in the story elements as well as the nefarious faces lurking in the shadows of the illustrations. The flying metaphor for modern day African Americans is used to illustrate how far they have come in their fight for freedom.  Unlike their ancestors who were in shackles, they can go anywhere and be anything.  The story ends with Cassie and Be Be reunited as people past and present remember the bravery and sacrifice of Harriet Tubman.

Before She Was Harriet

Lesa Cline-Ransome, author

James E. Ransome, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  

Moses. General Tubman, Minty, Araminta—the woman we know today as Harriet Tubman went by many names.  Each represented one of her many roles as a spy, as a liberator, as a suffragist, and more.

What’s to Love:

Using gorgeous watercolor paintings and lyrical free verse, the story of Harriet Tubman is revealed as a non-linear retrospective.  Each two-page spread depicts one of her amazing accomplishments—starting  with her role as a suffragist fighting for women without a voice and looking all the way back to when she was a slave named Araminta who was taught by her father to read the woods and stars.  To conclude, the story shifts back to Tubman as an old woman, “tired and worn and wrinkled and free.”  For those who only know her by her more famous role, conductor of the Underground Railroad, this book paints a fuller view of the woman who fought so hard to create a more just and free world. 

Moses:  When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

Carole Boston Weatherford, author

Kadir Nelson, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

I set the north star in the heavens

And I mean for you to be free…

Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman hears these words from God one summer night and decides to leave her husband and family behind and escape.  Taking with her only her faith, she must creep through woods with hounds at her feet, sleep for days in a potato hole, trust people who could have easily turned her in.

But she was never alone.

What’s to Love:

Readers walk along as Harriet experiences the peril and hardship of her escape. They learn about how her faith gives her strength through her doubts and fears.  Her faith, also, gives her courage to help others to freedom.  To be a beacon of hope.  To be the Moses of her people.  The incomparable Kadir Nelson illustrates another stunning picture book about courage, perseverance, and hope in a time of rampant injustice and inequality. 

Only Passing Through:  The Story of Sojourner Truth

Anne Rockwell, author

R. Gregory Christie, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Isabella was only nine when she was sold for the first time.  And at first no one wanted her.  The slave auctioneer had to throw in a flock of sheep before someone bid on the skinny young girl.

But this young girl would grow.  She would grow to become a brave, strong, towering women who would speak out against the evils of slavery.  She would transform herself into one of the most powerful voices in the abolitionist movement and would help to change the course of a nation. 

The slave girl Isabella would become the legendary Sojourner Truth. 

What’s to Love:

This fascinating picture book biography focuses primarily on Sojourner’s early personal life as a slave, mother, and freed woman.  Her bravery and boldness are highlighted, such as when she went before a White court and argued for her son’s freedom (and won).  Readers learn about her name, which she changed to represent her new life as well as her faith, her purpose, and her message.  The pivotal moment though is when she speaks before a large group of White people, and some men get rowdy.  Fearful, yet bold, Sojourner begins to sing, causing the crowd to calm.  She goes on to give her speech that night and for many nights afterward—throughout the land.  Her courage, boldness, and message are an inspiration. 

My Name is Truth

Ann Turner, author

James Ransome, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

God spoke in my heart a new name

which fits me like a new dress made

just for me…

I think with a name like

Sojourner Truth

a body has some respect at last. 

Here is the celebrated story of how former slave Isabella Baumfree transformed herself into the preacher and orator Sojourner Truth, one of the most inspiring and important figures of the abolitionist and women’s rights movement. 

What’s to Love:

Written as a first person narrative from Sojourner’s perspective, readers get snapshots of her life from birth to old age.  Concrete similes bring out her fierce faith and bold personality, such as “God spoke in my heart a new name that fits me like a new dress made just for me” and “at times my voice is like Gabriel’s trumpet.”  Though she constantly travels and tirelessly advocates for freedom and equality, she never forgets her family, who are like shining stars in the sky waiting for her arrive in heaven.  This poignant tribute is an ideal introduction to her legacy and message as a civil rights leader.

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride

Andrea Davis Pinkney, author

Brian Pinkney, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Sojourner Truth was as strong and tall as most men.  She was big, black, and so beautiful.  Born into slavery, Sojourner ran away as a young girl.  She cherished her freedom, and believed it should be granted to everyone.  But she didn’t fight for it with her mighty fists, and she didn’t stomp for it with her giant boots.  Sojourner spoke the truth, and struggled against injustice with her brave, beautiful voice.

What’s to Love:

This book covers much of the same material as the others.  There are a couple differences though.  This narrative emphasizes her big, strong, and beautiful appearance to focus more on her physical strength and presence which goes with the “step-stomp stride” of the title.  In the beginning she is a strong slave woman who can do any physical task a man can do.  This metaphor continues as she walks as a free woman and uses her strong feet and presence to take on jobs in the city.  Eventually, she stomps out ignorance and intolerance as a powerful speaker.  Another major difference in this story is the focus on her work for women’s rights.  This role is epitomized when she listens to a group of preachers declaring all the reasons women should remain in an inferior status.  In response, Sojourner walks up to the podium to refute each one of their arguments using truths from the Bible.  Sojourner is a model for the importance of using your words to fight injustice, no matter how much physical strength a person possesses. 

When Harriet Met Sojourner

Catherine Clinton, author

Shane W. Evan, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

To women with similar backgrounds.

Both slaves; both fiercely independent.

Both great in different ways.

Harriet Tubman:  brave pioneer who led her fellow slaves to freedom, larger than life…yearning to be free.

Sojourner Truth:  strong woman who spoke up for African American rights, tall as a tree…yearning to be free.

One day in 1864, the lives of these two women came together. 

What’s to Love:

Unfolding in gripping parallel portraits, this beautiful tribute celebrates the common work and message of two heroes of the abolitionists’ movement.  Though they were born decades apart and in different parts of the country, their common faith and powerful message made them sisters in the fight against the evils of slavery.

For Older Children…

Harriet Tubman:  The Life of an African-American Abolitionist

Rob Shone & Anita Ganeri, authors

Rob Shone, illustrator

The book begins and ends with a few pages of historical information.  The majority of it is written as a graphic novel beginning with Tubman’s childhood and ending with her death.  Not only are her activities with the Underground Railroad shown but also her work with the Union army and other efforts to help the needy.  In addition, Civil War moments are revealed—specifically ones noteworthy for African-Americans. 

Frederick Douglass Books

Looking to teach your students or children about a great American?  Frederick Douglass is the perfect choice!  He was a real life hero, whose tireless work for human rights resonates generations after his death. Read on to find out more…

Frederick Douglass For Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities

Nancy I. Sanders

I was immediately caught up in Douglass’ life story!  This resource is written in an appealing way both in the storytelling of his life as well as with the inclusion of documents, quotes, and pictures. There are also sidebars of information on other relevant people and events. The text is engaging enough to read out loud to younger children or to offer to older ones to read independently.

Teachers and parents will find Frederick Douglass For Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities is an excellent introduction to a study of this great man.  It covers his life from birth to death in seven chapters.  In addition, there are several activities from crafts to recipes for lesson plans at school or extension ideas at home.

While reading this resource, here is what I learned about Frederick Douglass…

Douglass embraced education. As a life-long learner, he epitomizes how reading and learning frees the mind and the spirit. His speaking was so articulate and intelligent, people began to doubt he was ever a slave!  He demonstrates an essential truth: Education is the ticket out of poverty and ignorance.

Douglass is a symbol of determination. Refusing to move to an inferior train car due to the Jim Crow laws, he help pave the way to change the law so whites and blacks traveled as equals on the rail line in the state (before the Civil War was even fought). He was instrumental in other similar laws being changed.

Douglass was brave. Not only did he escape slavery, he spoke publicly against it. Slave hunters could have captured him and returned him to his owner, but he was not deterred. Though he had opportunities to leave America to go where he would be treated as an equal and no longer fear for his life, he chose to stay and to fight for equality.

Douglass was a hard worker. He was not too proud to take whatever work he could get to support his wife and children.  Though the work was often beneath his skill level and intellect, he did what he had to. 

Douglass did not give in to hate—even though it would have been an understandable response based on his experiences and treatment.  He worked along side both Whites and Blacks toward common goals.  Though he did not agree on all of President Lincoln’s policies, he met with and developed a great respect for him.  Also, there were many objections to his second marriage. Nevertheless, he married a white woman he fell in love with. 

Douglass fought for others. Not content with being free himself, he worked to help others who escaped slavery.  Along with other abolitionist, he convinced the state of Massachusetts to change its laws to protect former slaves.  During the Civil War, he met with President Lincoln where he advocated for equal pay, protection, and recognition for Black soldiers.  Eventually, all those policies were enacted. 

Douglass was a visionary. As the war came to a close, he knew that just freeing the slaves was not enough.  He urged antislavery societies to focus on bringing “freedoms and civil rights to the former slave.”

Douglass believed in the constitution. Unlike some in the abolitionist movement, he rejected the idea of abstaining from voting because the constitution was an unsound document that promoted slavery.  Instead, he asserted, “that the Constitution of the United States not only contained no guarantees in favor of slavery, but, on the contrary, was in letter and spirit an antislavery instrument, demanding the abolition of slavery as a condition of its own existence as the supreme law of the land.” 

Picture Books about Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass: Writer, Speaker, and Opponent of Slavery

Suzanne Slade, author

Robert McGuire, illustrator

Beautiful illustrations and straightforward text give a brief overview of Douglass’ life.  This book is perfect for young readers.

Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass

Doreen Rappaport, author

London Ladd, illustrator

Douglass’ own words are mingled in with this more detailed account.  Striking illustrations and absorbing storytelling reveal key moments of his life as a slave, his daring escape, and his abolitionist work. 

Words Set Me Free:  The Story of Young Frederick Douglass

Lesa Cline-Ransome, author

James E. Ransome, illustrator

Written in first person through Douglass’ perspective growing up, the impact and power of words is focus.  This story highlights his determination to learn reading and writing skills. The narrative illustrates how he was free inside, as a result of his ability to read and to write, well before he was free physically.  In addition, he began to teach other slaves these skills before he executed his first attempt to escape (which is where the story ends).