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

Review:

Blanks's dense, deep oil paintings subtly juxtapose the lush green grass around the schoolhouse and in the leaves of Henry's tree against the hard, red clay around the Grismore plantation. This inspiring collaboration makes a solid contribution to most collections. -- Children's Reviewer "Publishers Weekly"

The focus on one brave child will bring listeners close to the cruel historical facts and the message about the power of literacy. -- Children's Reviewer "Booklist"

Ably written by Marcia Vaughan and . . . impressively illustrated by Derek Blanks, Up the Learning Tree is a very thoughtful story for young readers ages 4 to 8 with powerful underlying messages about history and personal drive. -- Children's Reviewer "The Midwest Book Review"

About the Author:

MARCIA VAUGHAN is the author of numerous children’s books, including THE SECRET TO FREEDOM, a Teachers’ Choices Award winner published by LEE & LOW BOOKS. Vaughan was inspired to write UP THE LEARNING TREE after reading Civil War-era oral histories of former enslaved people, many of whom risked their lives to learn to read and write. Vaughan lives in Vashon Island, Washington, with her husband and their son. 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. A native of Mississippi, Blanks now lives in College Park, Georgia, with his wife. This is his first picture book.

About this edition

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