An American Story

Picture book 

     When Kwame Alexander's daughter was in the fourth grade she was being taught about life in the colonies without being taught about the enormous harm and trauma created by slavery.  He realized she (and so many other teachers) hadn't been really prepared to present such a hard, scary topic.  He wrote An American Story to help them to "speak the truth to children".

"How do you tell a story

that starts in Africa

and ends in horror?"

     The first part of the book depicts the horrors of the kidnapping of Africans, the middle passage that many didn't survive, and the cruel exploitation of survivors in the colonies.  

"How do you tell a story

about strength

and pride

and refusing 

to be broken

and refusing 

to stop smiling

and loving"

     That part tells about resistance and hope.

     Alexander's evocative poetry and Dare Coulter's amazing illustrations create a narrative we all need to read and take to heart.

On a purrrsonal note, the second day of the blood drive went well.  We had good numbers.  I'll share our stats as soon as I learn them.  I also had a fun time at Union Fest.  It was where a bunch of organizations tabled.  I was very excited to see that Orono Public Library had a table.  I saw lots of friends and got cool stuff including FOUR squishies.  People enjoyed making book marks.  Today is my hectic but fun birthday.  So far it's a very happy 😊 😃 😀 😄 😁 one.  (Jules)

An occasion to celebrate 🍾 ✨️ 🙌!  🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️ 😺 🐱 treats and belly rubs!

A great big shout out goes out to all blood drive participants!

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone