Although all books in my bibliography contain material valuable to both teacher and pupils, in many the teacher must select those excerpts appropriate to this unit and the maturity of the class.
Comer, James.
Beyond Black and White
. New York: Quadrangle Books, 1972.
While exploring the roots and effects of racism in America, Comer includes many applicable anecdotes from his life.
Comer, James.
Black Child Care
. (Misplaced book—info in final) Contains applicable anecdotes from Dr. Comer’s life.
Comer, James.
Maggie’s American Dream
. New York: New American Library, 1988.
DuBois, W.E.B.
The Souls of Black Folk
. New York: Viking Press, 1990.
Discussion of sharecropping and description of rural school and his experiences there are particularly appropriate.
Gutman, Herbert.
The Black Family in Slavery and Freedom 1750-1925
. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976.
Excellent reference on African American family for teachers.
Harris, Alex, ed.
A World Unsuspected
. New York: Penguin Books, 1987.
Contains anecdotes from childhood of African American born around 1940 or later. Excellent family photographs for discussion.
Harris, Middleton.
The Black Book
. New York: Random House, 1974.
A collection of photographs, sketches, and text relating to African American history and accomplishments. Contains some excellent photographs but harshness of others calls for teacher selectivity with younger pupils.
Hughes, Langston.
The Big Sea
. New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press, 1940.
Contains useful anecdotes from childhood appropriate to younger children. Since many of his poems also are appropriate for this level, some knowledge of his life could enhance understanding.
Jacobs, Harriet.
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
. Cambridge: Howard University Press, 1987.
Story of a woman’s flight to freedom especially illustrates the support of family and friends.
Mebane, Mary.
Mary
. New York: Viking Press. Excellent images from childhood in Durham County, North Carolina. If explored in more detail, provides interesting contrast to Jim and Cassie’s family. Contrasting Mary and Cassie could be interesting.
Sherrod, Barbara. “A Conversation With Mildred Taylor,”
Writing
, Vol. 7, No. 5. January 1985.
Interview gives us brief insights into the life, especially childhood, of Mildred Taylor.
Taylor, Mildred.
Let the Circle Be Unbroken
. New York: Bantam Starfire, 1981.
Follows Cassie through ages ten and eleven.
Taylor, Mildred.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
. New York: Bantam Book, 1976.