Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein
​Illustrations by James E. Ransome
 
In the segregated South of the sixties, Granddaddy works hard on his farm, but makes time to fish with his grandson Michael. One special day, they walk into town--under a new law, Granddaddy is going to vote. Michael photographs his grandfather holding the ballot over his heart. When it’s finally Granddaddy’s turn, though, a deputy holds up a book full of long words and orders him to read it--when he can’t, the deputy tears up the ballot and throws it away. It’s a heartbreaking moment. Michael promises, “Don’t worry, Granddaddy, I’ll vote for you one day.” Years later, a college-age Michael takes along Granddaddy’s photo and proudly casts his vote. Ransome’s brilliant watercolors enhance the story with glowing greens and yellows for the farm and with the characters’ expressive faces. Based on a true story, the book brings to vivid life the struggle of black Americans for the right to vote.
2015, Ages 6 to 10

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.

​February is Black History Month--celebrate with award-winning artist Kadir Nelson’s tribute to South Africa’s iconic hero! Turning the pages, readers will discover striking double-page paintings of episodes in Mandela’s life, many with dark backgrounds or bold figures silhouetted against glowing light. Nelson’s rich palette of browns ranges from deep reddish-brown to chocolate and golden, with figures emerging from or shadowed in black. After portraying Mandela’s tribal beginnings, Nelson takes readers through his education, activism and, most poignantly, shows Mandela’s time in prison with repeated silhouettes of prisoners hammering rocks into dust. In contrast, the final two paintings burst into color. Sunlight strikes Mandela’s face as he greets multicolored citizens against an azure sky, standing at last as President of South Africa. Though images dominate the text, the words are evocative and poetic, giving young readers a sense of Mandela’s struggles, sufferings and hopes. An author’s Note adds more details.
2015, All ages

Check it out from your library using the library catalog. Donate to an improved Sebastopol Regional Library here.

Recommended by: Barbara Talcroft
Barbara Talcroft reviews children’s books professionally for childrenslit.com and for Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.  She has a Master’s degree in International Children’s Literature.  She also has many years’ experience as a teacher.  Barbara is one of the founders of LANTERN and its past chairperson.