Follow the Drinking Gourd

$6.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Knopf Books for Young Readers
On sale Jun 25, 2014 | 9780307982780
Age 6-9 years
Reading Level: Lexile AD630L | Fountas & Pinnell Q
Sales rights: World
Illus. in full color. "Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.  
  • WINNER | 1988
    Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice
  • WINNER | 1988
    Library of Congress Children's Books of the Year
  • WINNER | 1988
    Reading Rainbow Feature Books
“A fine rendering of history in picture book format.”–Booklist, Starred

“An extraordinary and inspiring tribute to a unique part of African-American
history.”–Boston Globe

“The artist’s hauntingly muted pictures propel the story forward and make
it memorable.”–Washington Post Book World

About

Illus. in full color. "Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.  

Awards

  • WINNER | 1988
    Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice
  • WINNER | 1988
    Library of Congress Children's Books of the Year
  • WINNER | 1988
    Reading Rainbow Feature Books

Praise

“A fine rendering of history in picture book format.”–Booklist, Starred

“An extraordinary and inspiring tribute to a unique part of African-American
history.”–Boston Globe

“The artist’s hauntingly muted pictures propel the story forward and make
it memorable.”–Washington Post Book World