1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2007. BIRMINGHAM Pennsylvania
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Through the eyes of a 10 year old girl, the tragic story of the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church September 15, 19 63 begins as a wonderful day for this young girl because it is her birthday. She receives her first sip of coffee as she practices for her upcoming solo at church. However, on this same day, someone planted dynamite under the steps of the church. Moments before her time to sing, the young girl’s plans are interrupted when a loud blast rocked the church. After witnessing blood spilled and her daddy crying, the young girl prayed herself to sleep that night wondering if it will ever be safe for children to play outside again.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Carol Boston Weatherford’s choices of words help the reader hear this young girl, her hopes, dreams and fears. The language and dialect is evident of the time period in which the story occurred. Children will easily connect with the excitement of this young girl as she anticipates the excitement that accompanies a child’s birthday. The inclusion of blurbs about the four young girls who died that day allows the reader to see how real this was; how children like them were harmed out of hatred.
The illustrations do a nice job of complimenting the text. By sticking with four basic colors of red, black, gray and white, the sullen mood of the text is carried over into the illustrations. Children’s items such as shoes, gloves, socks and bows are placed strategically on the light gray pages. Splashes of red design, representing the spilled blood, stand out on every page. Actual photographs of this tragic event convey the depth of destruction and heartache that was felt by many throughout the world.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “An emotional read, made even more accessible and powerful by the viewpoint of the child narrator.”
LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, starred review: “This is a reminder of a time when ordinary people became involved in extraordinary situations in the cause of freedom. This is a book that should be in every library collection.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS review: “Exquisitely understated design lends visual potency to a searing poetic evocation of the Birmingham church bombing of 1963...It's a gorgeous memorial to the four killed on that horrible day, and to the thousands of children who braved violence to help change the world.”
2008 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award
5. CONNECTIONS
*After reading, first allow students think time. When ready, the students can offer their thoughts and opinions not only about the book, but about prejudices and racism in general.
*Using the excerpts about the four young girls found at the end, students can choose which girl they are most alike. Either in small groups or through a written assignment, students can explain their choices.
*Other books relating to this topic:
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM
Woodson, Jacqueline. THE OTHER SIDE . ISBN 0399231161
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