Up the Learning Tree - Softcover

Marcia Vaughan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1600604455 ISBN 13: 9781600604454

Publisher: LEE & LOW, 2010

Synopsis

Now available in paperback, Up the Learning Tree tells a story set in pre-Civil War America, in which an enslaved boy makes friends with a white teacher as he secretly learns how to read and write while hiding in a sycamore tree outside the schoolhouse. It's a story of hope and humanity during difficult times and a poignant reminder to young readers that the freedom to learn should never be taken for granted.

About this title

About the Authors

Marcia Vaughan Crews has written numerous books for young readers, including picture books, beginning readers, and both fiction and nonfiction series. She was inspired to tell Irena Sendler's story after reading her obituary in 2008 and discovering more about her through the work of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, an organization dedicated to bringing Irena Sendler's story to the world. Crews lives in Tacoma, Washington.

Derek Blanks received his B.F.A. degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art in Baltimore. He has served as a painter and freelance illustrator for galleries, museums, and art publications, and he currently works as a graphic artist and photographer who has done campaigns and cover shoots for CoverGirl, ESSENCE, BET Networks, and Sony Music Entertainment, among others. To find out more about Derek Blanks, visit dblanks.com.

From the Back Cover

Henry Bell is not allowed to learn to read and write. In fact, most enslaved children like him are severely punished if they are even caught with a book. But Henry is curious. He suspects there is something powerful in books, and he wants to know what it is.

One day Henry finishes his chores quickly, then runs to the schoolhouse. He hides in a sycamore tree just as the teacher begins reading a story. His heart pounds as he listens with astonishment, and right then he makes up his mind to learn to read. Henry's fierce determination and bravery in the face of serious consequences lead him to a special friendship, and a journey of discovery that changes his life forever.

Set in the pre-Civil War South, Up the Learning Tree is a story of hope and humanity during difficult times, and a poignant reminder that the freedom to learn should never be taken for granted.

Edition details

• Publisher: LEE & LOW
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1600604455
• ISBN 13: 9781600604454
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Derek Blanks
• Number of pages: 32