Show Way

This book is wonderfully written and beautiful illustrated. Jacqueline Woodson has a way with words that's moving and lyrical. Hudson Talbott's illustrations capture the periods the book moves through perfectly. It's an amazing book for people of all ages and should be read in every classroom. It covers a wide range of issues from slavery to civil rights, family histories to passing traditions down the generations. The book itself has large print and colorful imagery on glossy pages; it's easy to read. The front cover has a picture window that peeks in on the title page. I'd recommend this excellent book to anyone. If you have the chance, go to a Jacqueline Woodson reading and request Show Way; hearing her read it aloud is an entirely different and wonderful experience.

My four-year old daughter loves this book. It's an excellent addition to her library and we read it again and again. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is a common American historic thread for children to enjoy and attempt to understand. Young children's literature has taking a turn toward teaching the very young children, in our country, history, biography and lessons in human nature--ideals that apply to the formation of values, which come at a very young age. These books are an excellent tool for teaching the young acceptance so, as adults, they can move toward peace in this world. (They also remind the parents!) I recommend this story and Zen Shorts (both 2006 Caldecott honorees) for anyone's young child's library.

One of the few picture books included in the Newbery pantheon, SHOW WAY is a lyrical journey through the maternal family tree of author Jacqueline Woodson. Although not written in verse, the text of SHOW WAY has a rhythm that would lend itself to reading aloud. And the story honestly -- but not too graphically -- depicts the tragedies and triumphs of the civil rights struggle of African-Americans. Quilts - or show ways - are the thread tying this story together and, as might be imagined, the illustrations are just as powerful as the text; the words and images are joined together to form a stronger whole. Pair this book with Betsy Hearne's SEVEN BRAVE WOMEN. 2006 Newbery Honor Book.