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Uncle Jed's Barbershop
By Margaree King Mitchell, illustrated by James Ransome
Summary | Reviews | In the Classroom | Related Books of Interest | Bulletin Board
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 40 pp., ages 7-10
A Coretta Scott King Honor Book
In this story about dreams and determination,
Sarah Jean remembers her uncle who sacrificed his dream in order to
help others. Uncle Jed, the only black barber in the county, always
dreamed of owning his own barbershop, but after many years and many
setbacks-from Sarah Jean's operation to the Great Depression-he finally
opens his barbershop.
School Library Journal
"Mitchell's text is eloquent in its simplicity. Straightforward, declarative
sentences explain such concepts as segregation and sharecropping without
emotional overtones, while her subdued prose makes readers keenly aware
of the injustice of segregation."
Booklist
"A real strength is the paintings, which capture memorable characters
and family life in the rural South with a warmth and depth that is truly
moving." - September, 1993
Horn Book
"There are poignant descriptions of the hard life of sharecroppers and
small farmers during the times of segregation, but the story of the
dream deferred and ultimately fulfilled is a positive one. Ransome's
oil paintings present a warm portrait of a loving family in both hard
times and good."
After reading aloud Uncle Jed's Barbershop, discuss with your students
the themes of determination and family history. Ask your students to
research and retell a family story that has a special meaning for them.
Their retelling of the story could be a poem, a written story, a song,
a collage, etc. Ask each student to present their retelling of a family
story in front of the class.
Related Books of Interest
Related Readings with African-American Protagonists
The Patchwork Quilt
By Valerie Flournoy, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney E.P. Dutton,
32 pp.,
ages 4-8
Tanya loves to listen to her grandmother tell the stories of the colorful
fabric she is using to make a quilt. When Grandma becomes ill, Tanya
decides to finish Grandma's masterpiece that tells the story of her
family's life.
Aunt Flossie's Hats (and Crab Cakes Later)
By Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, illustrated by James Ransome Clarion
Books,
32 pp., ages 4-8 9-12
Sunday afternoons are special for Sarah and Susan because that's when
they visit Aunt Flossie who has a memorable collection of hats, each
with a special story. "A picture book warmly expressive of personal
history and intergenerational affection." -- Booklist, starred review
Knoxville Tennessee
By Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Larry Johnson Scholastic Inc.,
32 pp.,
ages 5-8
Giovanni describes the joys of summer spent with family in Knoxville:
okra and greens from the garden, barbecue and buttermilk at the church
picnic, and the warmth of a close family.
Please share your lesson plan ideas, or read about how other educators
are using Uncle Jed's Barbershop in their classrooms on our Book of
the Month bulletin board.
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