Up the Learning Tree

I love this book! It is so encouraging to young students, because it shows them the obstacles that so many people had to overcome in order to learn in the past. In addition to being a great piece of historical fiction, it let's today's children see that nothing should ever stand in their way of learning. This book is perfect as a read aloud story, and one that children 9 and up can read independently. Up the Learning Tree tells the story of Henry and Ms. Hattie. Henry is determined to learn how to read, despite having a slave master who will chop off his finger if he's caught. Ms. Hattie is a teacher who moves to the south and does not believe "in slavery or in keeping people ignorant". The two work together at great personal risk. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Honestly - I've never read this book. My 7-year-old nephew, all lit up and enthused, told me the story after his 1st grade teacher read it to his class. He had been so impressed by the plot and characters that he was able (and eager) to tell me, in great detail, the entire story. A book having this much impact on a young child is a truly beautiful thing. He learned much about history, the importance of learning, and compassion.

Up The Learning Tree is a picture book story ably written by Marcia Vaughan and set in the American South before the Civil War. In an era when black slaves were not allowed to read or write, one young boy burns with curiosity to know about the power hidden within books. His determination to learn in spite of the threatened punishment pushes him to make a remarkable discovery about himself, and to discover the highest kindness from others. Impressively illustrated by Derek Blanks, Up The Learning Tree is a very thoughtful story for young readers ages 4 to 8 with powerful underlying messages about history and personal drive.