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Reviews (7)

Day of tears
This book is called Day of tears by Julius Lester. This book is VERY suspenseful. It is about the largest slave auction in ever held in America. It takes place in Savannah, Georgia. It is a non-fiction book and at some parts it can be really sad.Some of the main characters are Mattie, Will, and Emma. They are a family of slaves that work for a guy named Mr. Butler. Emma, is the daughter of Mattie and Will. She takes care of Mr. Butlers daughters, Sarah and Frances. Their mother, Mrs. Butler, died a few years back, and Mattie's job is to clean the house and greet guests. Will works with other men in the fields and in the stables.
Let it rain
I have a big ole head.A big, swelled, I-know-more-children's-books-than-Leonard-S-Marcus type head.I think I'm pretty hot stuff when it comes to kiddie lit and I defy anyone to tell me different.Problem is, I'm not that hot.More lukewarm really.And I remember this fact when I read books like "Day of Tears".For all my boasts and brags, I had never read a Julius Lester novel until now.Oh I'd read plenty of his picture books and his folktales as well.And he's certainly written enough novellas in his time.There was "When Dad Killed Mom" and "To Be a Slave" and something called "The Autobiography of God".After hearing a variety of different people squawking over the brilliance of his "Day of Tears", however, I finally got around to reading him.With the same clear concise voice used to such advantage in tales like "The Old African", Lester turns his sights on a little remarked historical moment in time and the repercussions that have reverberated ever since.
Sold!
Ripped away from her family, friends and home, twelve year old Emma is sold in one of the biggest salve auctions in American history.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - 19th Century    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Historical Fiction    10. People & Places - United States - African-American    11. Slavery    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Situations - General    14. Juvenile Fiction / General    15. Bargain   

Reviews (6)

A man ain't nothing but a man
The story of John Henry fleshed out and made magical at the same time. The paintings are evocative watercolors, beautifully done. The language is an interesting mixture of puns and idioms. The story of John Henry is so compelling to my little boy that he resists reading the part where John dies because he just can't stand it. We have to skip over to the page where it explains that you can still hear the hammers ringing out if you listen in the night out front of the White House. He likes that. Odd and mystical. Recommended.

Tall, Tall, Tale!
This wild and wonderful retelling of the classic John Henry folk tale will not disappoint any reader. From the moment John Henry is born and all the animals come to see, excitement and splendor beg the reader on. John Henry is a man of indomitable spirit. He works hard and large at whatever he sets his hand to. We are left with a feeling of 'can do' by the example of this mighty legend.
Just what I was looking for.
This was a great addition to my Tall Tales collection.It offered more information than any of the songs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Black American    5. Fairy Tales & Folklore - General    6. Folklore    7. John Henry (Legendary character)    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Legends    10. People & Places - United States - African-American    11. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title   

Reviews (19)

UNVEILING EVEN DARKER SHAME
This book should be required reading for all Black History classes. Lester spent long weeks researching documents in the Library of Congress, assimilating first-person accounts of runaway slaves, former slaves and descendents of slaves in order to reconstruct a shameless timeline of slavery in America.Each quotation is followed by a literary acknowledgment of one of his three main sources.Interspersed among the abundant personal recollections by long-desceased informants, the author adds his own historical introspection and insight in italics.
To Be a slave

To be a slave
Do you think the book your read is lousy, well get ready for an amazing hearttouching true story. ''To be a slave'' is a true event in history about slavery. Read how slaves worked and how the were treated. As importantpeople talk about how they were treated or how thier family was treated .Iwould reccomend this book to kids and to adults or even people who intersted in history or slavery. This book takes place in the east coastand the southeast of the us. I think the message of the story is treat people how you want to be treated. And don't discriminate because of hair, skin, and color. This book was amusing.CassieH. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Historical - United States - General    5. History - Other    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. People & Places - United States - African-American    8. Quotations    9. Slaves    10. Social conditions    11. United States    12. American history    13. Fiction dealing with multiculturalism    14. Historical fiction    15. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American    16. Multiculturalism    17. USA   

Reviews (2)

Can't go over it.Can't go under it.Must go through it.
Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney may as well just declare themselves the kings of African-American children's literature, cause I can tell you right now that no one is going to contest the title.Virginia Hamilton?She's not making any additional literature at the moment.Leo and Diane Duane?They're far happier illustrating books than doing too much writing.Nope, it all comes down to the dynamite team of Lester & Pinkney.These fellows have it all worked out.They've single-handedly liberated Brer Rabbit from his antiquated vernacular (as in "The Tales of Uncle Remus"), reinvented Little Black Sambo into a far more presentable fellow (as in "Sam and the Tigers"), and even gave "John Henry" his full undeniable due.So where do you go from there?When you've covered everything from black cowboys to old racist standbys, what is there that's left to say?Well, there's always African-American history.In 2004 Virginia Hamilton's, "The People Could Fly" was republished from its short story collection as a picture book with illustrations by the aforementioned Duanes.Now, and in the same vein, Lester and Pinkney bring us their own tale of slavery, the supernatural, and the power of creating new myths from old pains.
Richie's Picks: THE OLD AFRICAN
The title page of THE OLD AFRICAN is preceded by the pictorial story of the hunt and capture of the runaway called "Paul."
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Extrasensory perception    6. Fiction    7. Historical - United States - 19th Century    8. Historical - United States - General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Lester, Julius    11. People & Places - United States - African-American    12. Slavery    13. Telepathy    14. Visionary & Metaphysical    15. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (3)

A classic reworked for our times
Julies Lester and Jerry Pinkney are forever finding new ways of retelling classic African American tales while removing the stigma once attached to their early presentation.Their other works include a whole new version of the old L'il Black Sambo story.Far more daringly is this collection; a retelling of the classic Uncle Remus stories.There is much to admire in this collection and a little to criticize.Admirable are the ways in which the stories are made interesting for kids today.The character of Uncle Remus has been made omnipresent.No longer are there pictures of little white children crouching at his feet.Instead, his narration encompasses everything that happens, and his humor infuses each and every story.Less admirable are some of the the moremodern twinges placed here and there.Sometimes the narrator will mention a shopping mall or a pair of expensive running shoes.These "updates" seem to date an otherwise modern story.The violence found in these tales often seem straight out of a Grimm fairy tale.They are a bit similar in the methods of killing (boiling with water, burning alive, etc.).It is difficult in this day and age to find such tireless reworkings of classic American stories.Stories that should never be forgotten because they represent a part of our American past.If you have any interest at all, or nostalgia for, these tales then read this book immediately and do not dilly dally.

Lifetime Memories
I was raised on these tales of the wiley rabbit.My mother read me to sleep with The Songs of The South.Being from the heart of Dixie I have a very personal feeling for these wonderful colorful and enlightning tales of old.My middle age has allowed me to pass these tales on to my children and I am now reading them to my Grandchildren.In fact they are in demand from my kids wanting to read them to their children them selves when not convenient to do so by me. This book one is one of my all-time childhood favorites!
I personally haven't read the book in years, but my Grandmother (Mama Toler, we called her) bought that book for me when I was very young.Actually, if memory serves, it was a collection of stories with Uncle Remustelling the tales, and included several stories about the adventures ofBrer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Wolf, and the Doogang.Oh, I can't forget tomention "Tar Baby" either!Even before I was old enough to readon my own, Mama Toler would hold me in her lap and read all about theAdventures of Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch.I loved it when she wouldmimick Uncle Remus' laugh because her belly would jiggle and make me wiggleand giggle (can you tell the little child in me has been awakened?).Thisbook is one is one of my all-time favorites and, although I haven't seen itin years, I'm thinking that this would be the perfect time for me to buy acopy for my four-year old granddaughter (and ME!) since she spends everyother weekend with us and loves for "Nanna" to read to her. Thanks for rekindling some happy memories.Happy Reading to you all, too!Diane ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - American    7. Folklore    8. Tales    9. United States    10. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies   

Reviews (10)

Uncle Remus: The Complete Tales
Julius Lester has updated the language of the popular Joel Chandler Harris tales into contemporary, comprehensible, and amusing English.This is a real service for fans of Br'er Rabbit and his associates. The stories are well told and boast many an interesting twist at the end. Pickus's abundant black and white and two-page color illustrations form a rich complement to this beautiful treasury. A real "keeper" for many collections.

Get the audio book
I have not read the original Uncle Remus stories so I can not compare these with them.What I can say is that these stories show Brer Rabbit's and the other animals' resourcefulness and cleverness and are told with humor.It is the humor which sets them apart from other fairy/folk tales.I don't think I would be able to read these effectively myself, but the audio book, which is read by the author, has mesmerized my children (ages 18 months to 6 yrs) and left them cackling over and over again.

My children and I thouroughly enjoyed Lester's telling
I remember my mother reading me the Brer Rabbit stories when I was small and I was trying to retell them from my recollection, but thankfully I found this version on tape read by Lester at the library.My children loved the stories and I really enjoyed Lester's wit, humor, and colloquialism.I only gave the book four stars because of the violent and underhanded nature of Br'er Rabbit, himself.Both of my children are fairly sensitive but didn't have trouble with this aspect of the book--it was me.I didn't want to keep telling them the ones where Br'er Rabbit would have some innocent, gullible creature sacrificed in his place. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Animals    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Black American    7. Folklore    8. Tales    9. United States    10. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Anthologies   

Reviews (3)

We're all the same...

Refreshing Teaching Tool
There is nothing like a thoughtful picture book to inspire rich discussion. LET'S TALK ABOUT RACE, by Julius Lester, is a perfect example. This compelling picture book is a simple, yet elegant, exploration of personal identity.It is easily read in one sitting, and yet the layered illustrations encourage the reader to linger on each page.Julius Lester's well-chosen words, combined with Karen Barbour's extraordinary drawings make this a must-have for schools and libraries.

important message for kids to know
Everyone has a story that is made up of lots of things like when they were born, what race they are, who their parents are and lots more.This book is all about race.It teaches us that we are really all the same deep down.Everyone is a person that deserves to be treated with respect no matter what color their skin is.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Juvenile Multicultural Studies    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. People & Places - General    8. Prejudices    9. Race awareness    10. Race relations    11. Racism    12. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    13. Sociology    14. United States    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Situations / Prejudice & Racism    16. Lester, Julius   

Editorial Review

Slavery is a difficult concept to address with children, especially because many adults would prefer to forget that period of American history. In Read more

Reviews (7)

I disagree with this book for young children
Don't be fooled by the looks of this book.It isn't for little kids.This powerful narrative asks students to step into the role of a middle passage slave, a master whipping a slave, an abolitionist, and a salve who has just been set free after the Civil War. For classroom use I would send small sections home with CAREFULLY selected students for them to practice reading as a homework assignment.By numbering their entries, students can circle in order to read their parts aloud in order.To be on the safe side, sending permission slips home to parents might be a good idea.This is powerful, expect to see emotions from your students.I would not use it with students any younger than 8th grade, and that might be pushing it.

Amazing is not strong enough
I am a college student that had this book read to me in one of my literacy classes.I have never seen a "children's" book so powerful.Most elementary social studies books give a less graphic approach to slavery. I think that this is a great book to use in the classroom. Many history books paint a more rosie picture of slavery. This book can open up the eyes of many students. I fear though that parents and administrators may be disapproving of this text. That probably is because they are afraid or ashamed of history. This book would work wonders for a social issues literacy discussion. Students are encouraged to reflect feelings of empathy not sympathy when reading this book.This is a wonderful book and I encourage teachers and parents everywhere to use it when dealing with the topic of slavery. It can open many people's eyes!!!!

A powerful exploration of African-American history
"From Slave Ship to Freedom Road" combines text by Julius Lester with the superb paintings of Rod Brown. Together they tell the story of African-American enslavement and freedom.Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans in art    2. Art - Painting    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. History - United States/General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Slavery in art    10. Human & civil rights    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Ethnic / African-American    12. Slavery    13. USA   

Editorial Review

In the original story by Helen Bannerman, Little Black Sambo must tread carefully, lest his clothes be stolen from him by a gang of tigers. Today, it is the teller of the tale who must tread carefully, lest the forces of political correctness attack, charging racism. Because of the names she chose for her characters, the book has become a symbol of intolerance in the century since it was written. Strip away race, however, and the tale underneath is both simple and affecting. To make it more palatable to modern readers, Julius Lester has recast the tale in a "Southern black storytelling voice." ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Nice Illustrations, But Doesn't Replace The Original In My Heart
My mother read the story of Little Black Sambo to me when I was just a little kid. Ofcourse I could not see any racism in it at that time. To me it was a book with vivid colors where I used my imagination to put myself in Sambo's place, and seeing those pancakes made out of tigers made my mouth water. I remember that as I heard my mother telling me how the tigers chased each other's tales faster and faster, in my mind there was a race going on, and I loved to hear the ending of how Little Black Sambo had been so smart and lucky, and how his parents were so proud of him. The pictures in this new book are beautifully enchanting, but the story lacks its original feel. I miss this book, and I was shocked to hear that it was considered racist. I never thought of it that way, and I'm not racist in any way, shape, or form. This new story is NOT the original and it will never replace the original one in my heart. ALSO, the original is a piece of history, and I think it is the most horrible thing we can do to ban books of any sort. I agree with the other reviewer that I will never give up my copy of the original, but if you don't have a copy of the original, then buy the new one, because the framework of the story is still there. It's one that you CAN read to your kids, which I honestly would not recommend for the original tale.

Sam and the Tigers:A New Telling of the Little Black Sambo
The new version of this story puts humor into an old story. The illustrations invite the reader to look at all the details on each page.

Sambo's Story Retold is Still Very Good
I don't want to fall victim to political correctness as I am an avid believer in free speech. However, I also don't want my young son reading the original "Little Black Sambo" until he's a bit older. Taking care that very young minds are not polluted is not censorship as far as I'm concerned. That said, this is a superb retelling of the Sambo story. Sam, who lives in the town of Sam-sam-sa-mara where everybody is named Sam, needs new clothes and now Sam is old enough to pick out his own. He picks out a red jacket, purple pants, a yellow shirt and silver shoes and to top it all off, a green umbrella. However the next day he runs into a hunger tiger on his way to school and so, like in the original story, Sam barters his clothes, piece by piece, for his life. Yes, Sam winds up in his undies, and yes he gets his clothes back and yes he gets that butter for those pancakes and yes this is a very good book for children of all ages. I promise you, your child will enjoy this one.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. Humorous fiction    8. Humorous stories    9. Tigers    10. Juvenile Fiction / Legends, Myths, Fables / General   

Editorial Review

What can we learn from a lazy lion, or an eagle who's afraid to fly, oran angry ant who eats an anaconda? Plenty, if Newbery Honor author Julius Lester(Read more

Reviews (4)

Funny, Good humor for preschoolers also, tales with morals
A cute collection of funny tales with morals.Can be read to preschoolers.The material is not "dumbed down."Without necessarily focusing on it, the book helps expands a child's exposure to more complex ways of writing and using language and more complex vocabulary.
Fantastic Fables, Fun For Everyone.....
What could be better than six original modern fables by Julius Lester?Not much!His stories, about unusual, quirky creatures in absurd situations are full of witty and imaginative alliteration, wordplay and puns, from the Bee who lost his buzz and is now a Been, to the alligator who can't stand the heat in Florida and finds a better life with a bear in Vermont, to poor Ellen the Eagle who's afraid of heights and yelled her first word, HELP! because she saw the ground and realized she wasn't on it.His clever text including colorful display type and thought provoking morals are complimented by Emilie Chollat's bright, vivid collage artwork and together this dynamic team has authored an unrivaled book full of insight, wisdom and humor.Perfect for youngsters 5 and older, Ackamarackus is a wonderful read-aloud book the whole family can enjoy and a sumptious feast for both the ears and the eyes.If you buy only one new book this year,Ackamarackus should be the one!

New Fave
I agree with Deb Beall who wrote the first review.In fact, I sold her the book.I am a bookseller of children's books and I see a lot of things, but this book is exceptional...exceptionally funny, exceptionally alliterative and exceptionally well illustrated.These funny fables frolic across the pages and entertain with hilarious illustrations, anthropomorphic animals and sensible morals.It is a standout and a keeper. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fables    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    8. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Other    9. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

Sadly can't recommend this book
Although the writing is not very good it makes up for it by having a story that goes nowhere and has no real ending. Being a mother of two black boys I am alway looking for books that have black charactors in them--so I was quite pleased to buy a black cowboy book for them. This books disappoints in almost everyway. The purple prose is so overwrought that you feel as though you are reading a new line of pulp romances for children. The story involves an ex-slave enslaving wild horses while wishing he himself could leave this life and let his horse ride free into the distant horizon. In the midst of the book we are introduced to a lively wild colt only to have this colt immmediatly bit by a snake and die. It is this tragity that unsettles the herd of horses so that the mounted cowboy can take over as alpha horse and lead them to a waiting corral to be broken by the cheering white cowboys to whom he never speaks. Multiethnic Biographical Picture Book
This book is based on a true story about Bob Lemmons, a African American Cowboy.The pictures are outstanding representations of the story.It is a tale of a cowboy and his ability to ride with wild horses.He has theability to lead the horses into thinking that he is one of them. Yes, awild horse! This book could be used as an introduction to biographies orcowboys for young people. I would read it to 5-10 year old children. It iswonderfully written and would be a asset to any school or public library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals - Horses    3. Biography & Autobiography - General    4. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Cowboys    8. Fiction    9. History - United States/19th Century    10. Horses    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Mustang    13. People & Places - United States - African-American    14. Westerns    15. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American    16. True stories   

Reviews (13)

Sacrilege best describes this book.
I was absolutely appalled to see this disrespectful book.I would not allow my children to read it.As a published children's book illustrator, I was attracted to the whimsical cover and illustrations.I picked it up, and I started to read.I could not believe my eyes!As a Christian, I find this book to be one of the most demoralizing depictions of God that I have seen available to young people.Certainly, children need to learn that God is not a respecter of persons or races, and God is for everyone, and He does have a sense of humor, but I do not approve of God being brought down to a human level. He is Divine.The book depicts God as having a wife, which is not found anywhere in the Bible.Some may say, "Relax. It's only fiction."I don't think we should fictionalize God.To add to this, the dialogue in the book is improper grammar.God is perfect.Humans are not.Does it make sense that a perfect God would use slang language???The other characters in the book use extremely casual dialogue when conversing with God.To cite an example, "Yo, Deity! What's going on?""Yo, Deity,"how disrespectful can you get?I am not intending to sound "holier-than-thou," but I am truly ashamed of What A Truly Cool World represents.The bits of humor and witty viewpoints of creation would have been cute, if used in more appropriate context.The way I see it is that the disrepectful view toward a holy God outweighs the cuteness.

Appalled
I regret that the rating system for this book does not have an option of "0" stars because this book is not worth 1 star.My daughter checked this book out of her public school library and I stopped reading after the first page.I continued to read it myself and was totally offended.We are a christian family who believe that God deserves more respect than what is shown in this book.God is not like us and we should not allow ourselves to think we are equals.Many people applauded the book that it put God on their level like He was one of them. He is not one of us. He is the creator of our world.The way the characters spoke to God was disrespectful and disgusting.Some reviews said it was easy to read.Some of it's not even written in complete sentences people!Bruce tells his wife, "Don't wait dinner." and "Look what you done done."WHAT!!!!Are you kidding me?This is in our library and teaching our kids what?That God has a wife, that He actually needs help in creating the world, that you don't have to be respectful and you don't have to use correct English.I would not recommend this book to ANYONE.It is very confusing for children and offensive.DO NOT BUY IT!!!!

Lucifer was the angel of light
Lucifer was the angel of light; however, his goal was to distract everyone from worshipping the God of Truth.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Angels    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Creation    6. Fiction    7. God    8. Humorous Stories    9. Religious - Christian    10. Butterflies    11. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (1)

Perfect, except for the bit with the blood
A wonderful little childrens book - if you don't mind a blood drenched last chapter.My little boy woke up screaming for a solid week.Stay away from that, is my advice.Otherwise, a light-hearted romp through a pumpkin patch of delights. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fairy Tales & Folklore - American    7. Folklore    8. Tales    9. United States   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Message
This book uses wonderful artwork and good wording to tell a story that ends with a message that shows a need for tolerance. The book is a great book to read to children to start a conversation about the value of tolerance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Country/Ethnic-General    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Lester, Julius    8. Mutism, Elective    9. People & Places - Africa    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Fiction dealing with social issues    13. General & Literary Fiction    14. Human geography / peoples of the world    15. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    16. Picture books    17. Self-awareness & self-esteem    18. Special needs & learning difficulties    19. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Folklore    4. General    5. Ila (African people)    6. Zambia    7. Fiction   

Reviews (4)

a beautiful retelling of Genesis for kids
Julius Lester has succeeded where other authors have failed.He has successfully gotten the attention of my 9 year-old while at the same time using beautiful imagery and humor to tell Genesis to younger children who find standard bible stories dry and far from compelling.He should do one of Exodus.If he could retell Leviticus it would truly be a miracle!

Beautiful
This book has beautiful illustrations and can be used for a great way to expand minds as to how the earth and all that's on it came to be. It can also help children use their imagination to experience God being refered to as a woman. Lester uses great similes. This book is beautifully written.

The Beginning... A Very Good Place to Start (never finish!)
When I first glanced through Julius Lester's take on creation I thought I would never read it through.I tend to view most retellings of Creationbased on how they represent Eve and whether they allot any responsibilityat all to Adam - and I was afraid that this book, like so many others,would fall short of my hopes.Then, as I began reading, I thought I lovedit so much that it would be the easiest book I ever reviewed for anyone. Instead, the book forced me to explore so many facets of possibility - bothof my own sense of God and how others might feel about the differentaspects of this book - that it became a decidedly more complex task. Perhaps a book that raises more questions that it provides answers for isthe greatest book of all - but that doesn't make it a simple task for thereviewer!Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible stories, English    2. Children's 9-12 - Judaism    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Creation    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Legends, Jewish    8. O.T. Genesis    9. Religion - Bible - Stories    10. Religious - Christian    11. Religious - Jewish    12. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Jewish   

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Bedtime & Dreams    4. Behavior    5. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Fiction    8. Human behavior    9. Juvenile Fiction   

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fairy Tales & Folklore - Anthologies    5. Folklore    6. Tales   

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Animals    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Classics    6. Folklore    7. Juvenile Literature    8. Tales    9. United States