First I'd like to celebrate the fact that I've reach 500 Views!!!! Thank you all so much for stopping by my page. I know I haven't been on here in a while, but school is in session and my mom has me doing everything. However, I am still an active reader, I just need to be better about blogging what I've been reading.
Ok, now lets get to the good stuff. A NEW BOOK!
A Ride To Remember was written by Sharon Langley and Amy Nathan, released on January 7, 2020.
This book is so cool because it's a true story and talks about something so real that happened back in 1963, but in a way for people of all ages to understand. The illustration, which was done by Floyd Cooper, helps to capture a very real and important situation and make it alluring to draw readers in.
The author's approach to this story is brilliant and welcoming as well as informative. This book is a Civil Rights story about a young girl who represented change during a time when segregation was still law in some parts of the US.
I can't stress enough how important and relevant this story is in today's society, because I don't know how it is in anyone else's school, but ever since I was a kid, none of my schools ever talked about black history. My mom always had to go up to my schools and fight for that knowledge to be taught. She even got one of my schools to have me play the Black National Anthem on the schools so they can discuss it in class.
I think this book is important because this was a time that wasn't so long ago, yet, somehow is being forgotten. I really appreciate the presentation and the gentle approach to share history in a family book. I definitely recommend this book.
MY INTERVIEW WITH SHARON LANGLEY
1. What inspired you, after all these years, to tell the story of the little girl (you)
who made history on August 28th 1963? A few years ago, Amy Nathan and I talked about working together to tell the story for young readers and their families.
2. Because you were so young when the laws change for segregation, can you recall a time when you truly understood what segregation meant and how you represented hope and change? If so, how would you describe your realization? My parents told me the story of our family’s role in Gwynn Oak’s integration many times. It’s important that we have a sense of history, acknowledging those barriers that have come down and addressing those that still remain. I appreciate my parents telling me the Gwynn Oak story, as well as the experiences that they had growing up. It helps to have an appreciation for the things that our ancestors endured and overcame. It also helps you to be aware of circumstances and situations.
3. What do you hope the readers take from this book? This event was not very long ago. Situations where people are excluded and marginalized are still occurring. We all have an opportunity and a responsibility to speak up, stand up and take action when we know that something is wrong.
4. Because I am growing up in a different time and it seems some of our history is slowly becoming forgotten, what advice can you give an African American kid like myself to help contribute to our cause, our purpose and our history? As a continuation to the question number 3, it’s important that you’re aware of your history. It’s also important that you’re aware of the sacrifices that previous generations gave to improve our lives, the lives that we live now. But, even with progress, there’s still more progress to be made. How are your neighborhoods? How are your schools? How are your prospects for the future? If you see any inequity, that’s letting you know that there’s still work to be done and most likely, you and your generation are the people to do it.
5. I read online somewhere that you were a teacher. Are you still teaching? If so, Which subject(s)? I do still work in school, but as an elementary administrator. Now, I work with students, teachers, parents, and our school community.
6. Have you ever shared this story with your students? If so, what were their thoughts? Before the artwork for A Ride to Remember was completed, I shared the story along with some photographs from the protests and the day my dad and I rode the carousel. Although the groups of students were young (first and second graders) and the photographs were from a time long ago, they were able to tell me quite a bit about the story and what they understood about segregation.
7. I had the opportunity to interview Floyd Cooper over the summer and it was super awesome. He's really nice and cool. How was it for you to work with him? I had the opportunity to meet him in person at National Conference of Teachers of English (NCTE) in November 2019. We were scheduled to appear together on a teacher round-table. It was great to finally meet him. Working together on the panel was a pleasure.
