Growing up, history was my least favorite subject, yet, now I am hungry to learn all that I missed. I've been reading books on the history of Charleston and Daniel Island, but the best book so far has been Bury Me Not in a Land of Slaves by Joyce Hansen. And wouldn't you know it -- it's a children's book.
Ms. Hansen brings to life this period of Reconstruction of the South through the former slaves' own voices and adding historical context. You begin to see that freedom and equality were destroyed by violence and laws that oppressed the newly freed slaves.
But courageous African men and women persevered and of many we get a glimpse through the brief biographies that Ms. Hansen provides. The narrative is peppered with photographs and drawings and quotes of the time. It is sure to pique any child's interest to learn more about this hopeful and tragic period in our history. This is what I love about children's books.
The abolition of slavery makes me hopeful that one day we as a nation will also bring an end to abortion. Pray, pray, pray to stop the assault on our most vulnerable and defenseless members of society.
Thank you, Joyce, for this gift.
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5 comments:
I hated history class in school, but when I homeschooled my children, it was like I relearned everything as I taught them. And I enjoyed it a lot more that time around.
This is a book I know I'd enjoy. And as you may have gathered...I love history, always have. It was hard to ignore it in the islands, it's so visible.
inluv, isn't that the greatest thing about having kids? You get to learn what you missed first time round.
Bish, you're lucky you loved history even as a child. I was surrounded by history but it didn't do a thing for me. I especially like how beautiful this book is; there are extensive notes and sources that the author cites in the back, so plenty of fodder for the hungry.
I think appreciation for history takes a little maturity. When I got that history was STORY, it really helped.
Doesn't Joyce Hansen teach at ICL?
Marcia, that's exactly how Joyce approaches history -- via story. This is why it's so good. She and I trained together at ICL.
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