Who Owns the Sun?

I borrowed this for free from the library. It is an excellant book for a 3rd grader. I used it with the Five in a Row study.

The story unfolds as a dialogue between father and son. It reveals the heartbreak of slavery in a slave family. This is told in a manner that is neither preachy nor detached. I have brought my copy to the library to encourage them to order it and have recommended it multiple times.

We homeschool and this book was recommended through the "Five in a Row" curriculum, by Jane Claire Lambert. Perhaps the main theme of Who Owns the Sun? is the value of uniqueness of a human being. Just as no one can own the sun or the wind, so no one can own the person's soul, even if the person is a slave. This is a thoughtful, tender story introducing the reality of slavery and through it we discussed things like: family relationships, (listening to a father's wisdom, as the boy demonstrates when he listens carefullly to what his father says), perseverence through difficult situations, changes and seasons of life (the father lives long enough to see his children live as free men) It is packed full of opportunites for discussion and the pictures are vibrant and colorful. We really enjoyed this book.

Being a certified teacher and Homeschool mother of 2, I'm constantly on the lookout for great children's book that teach important messages, and this is a great one. It's written by a young student herself, and illustrated as well. The book content hits deep truths within us. I used this as a springboard for many discussions and lessons, including studying Harriet Tubman and slavery in the south. My 5 year old loved reading it over and over, and was introduced to such a difficult topic in a simple and truthful way. I stongly recommend this book!

This is a marvelous book for several reasons. If you are interested in getting your children involved in writing it will inspire them. This is a book written and illustrated by a young girl, although, by its content you would never know it. It is beautifully written and illustrated.It is a touching, gentle treatment of a boy who looks up to his father, but then discovers for the first time that his father is "owned" by his master. The boy comes to grips with this in a powerful way.Highly recommended. Ages 8 and up. Even an adult will enjoy it. I did.