I really enjoyed reading this book. The pieces of writing in this book were lively and entertaining which allowed me to paint a vivid picture of what life was like for young African Americans in the twentieth century. The writing in this book addressed important issues for children that are still around today. It teaches children to respect and love everyone; that color should not matter. Since I am majoring in Childhood Education, this book would be an incredible book to have in my classroom to foster multiculturalism and diversity.
Many of the passages in this book had a range of issues that all children and young adults can relate to, such as dealing with parents and friends ("Turkey Drumsticks"), school work ("The Heritage"), and much more. This book also provides children and young adults with stories of African Americans who were influential during a time of slavery and struggle. For instance, "The Story of Harriet Tubman" provides the reader with an understanding that "The tributes to this woman whose charity embraced the whole human race, the slaveholders as well as the fugitives, were remarkable" (96). Through the biographies of historic African American figures, African American children are better able to comprehend their heritage and develop a sense of pride toward their race.
The variety of writing in this book was also intriguing how it addressed the intellects and spirits of African American children and young adults. Short stories are separated with fun poems about jumping rope (Salt! Vinegar! Mustard! Pepper!), and other games that children played during this time period (The Teasing Hoop, and The Runaway Kite). There are also sections devoted to "Little People of the Month," praising children for their heroic acts, "The Grown-Up's Corner," with letters and comments from parents, and "The Jury," featuring letters from young readers.
Overall, this book provides an accuracy of culturally centered images, stories and information about African Americans.
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4 comments:
These writings really do seem to do an excellent job of connecting to children's interests. They also educate and motivate with their morals and lessons. All around great reading found in this book.
I also really liked the variety of writing styles that were included in The Brownies’ Book. The editors of this magazine seemed to be very conscious of children’s needs as readers. It is important to incorporate variations in the text in the form of short stories, poems, and articles to keep children’s interest. I also seem to think that the editors modeled the magazine after the magazines of the time written for African American adults. This was probably motivation for children to read because they were receiving a magazine that was similar to what their parents read.
The Brownie's Book really is a great collection of diverse literary pieces. Each has it's own meaning and lesson, but all share the similar theme of getting African American children to rise above the white race and prove wrong all the stereotypes that have been put on blacks.
I really enjoyed the Brownies' Book as well! Not only was it an easy read but it was kind of fun to read. It was interesting getting the views from the children here as opposed to just the adults point of view. This book does show alot of diversity and would be a good thing for children to read. The lessons taught that you meantioned; love and respect are very important lessons! Not only do alot of the stories teach acceptance as wll as many other important lessons, some of them also give a historical background to African American people. A lot of the children mentioned not knowing alot or not knowing where ot find the information. This book gave them that information they were unable to find before.
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