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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
This fictional telling of a significant historical moment for African Americans is intriguing. It provides the origin story of jumping the broom in the marriage ceremony, a tradition some African Americans continue today. It links this tradition to the rights that were denied to slaves, and shows in accessible language how some things changed after slavery ended. A lovely glimpse into a small but important aspect of African American history.
The writing seemed a little stilted to me. I couldn't get into the story.
A tale of joy from the Reconstruction period - a somewhat rare thing! Kelly Starling Lyons' story of what one African-American family was able to celebrate when slave marriages were deemed "legal" is a delightful testament to family heritage as well as abiding commitment. The broom of Ellen's Broom is symbolic of both these very important aspects of ancestry. The story is richly depicted by Daniel Minter, a Coretta Scott King honoree for his wonderful illustrations, which are lively and beautifully textural.
Slave marriages were not protected by law and husbands and wives could be separated and sold at any time. For many slaves, who were married in secret, "jumping the broom" was the only wedding ceremony they had.
During Reconstruction, former slaves were allowed to register their marriages legally for the first time.
In the author's note, Kelly Starling Lyons describes the historical connections to Ellen's Broom and her own family's experiences.
During Reconstruction, former slaves were allowed to register their marriages legally for the first time.
In the author's note, Kelly Starling Lyons describes the historical connections to Ellen's Broom and her own family's experiences.
It's a great topic and I sure didn't know about it (the legalization part, not the broom part; I'm well aware of jumping the broom), but it wasn't that captivating a story.
Beautiful, sweet story about the tradition of "jumping the broom." Gorgeous linoleum block print illustrations.
Ellen’s Broom
After finding this title in “Children’s Books in Children’s Hands” I wanted to read it to see a different era of history than I feel is frequently talked about in picture books. Ellen’s broom tells the story of a girl living in the Reconstruction era after slavery was abolished in the US. The law has changed, allowing former slaves to be married in the eyes of the law, and Ellen’s parents plan to do so, after telling her the story of their first wedding. The bright, colorful pictures show the joy of the story that the world is changing for this family. I think this book would be best suited to a middle elementary level, because there are some concepts that children need to understand. It gives good historical background without getting too deep, so it could stand alone if needed. I found this as a read aloud on YouTube, which was a fun way to read it because it would be how my students would experience it.
After finding this title in “Children’s Books in Children’s Hands” I wanted to read it to see a different era of history than I feel is frequently talked about in picture books. Ellen’s broom tells the story of a girl living in the Reconstruction era after slavery was abolished in the US. The law has changed, allowing former slaves to be married in the eyes of the law, and Ellen’s parents plan to do so, after telling her the story of their first wedding. The bright, colorful pictures show the joy of the story that the world is changing for this family. I think this book would be best suited to a middle elementary level, because there are some concepts that children need to understand. It gives good historical background without getting too deep, so it could stand alone if needed. I found this as a read aloud on YouTube, which was a fun way to read it because it would be how my students would experience it.
This is a great story that explains how marriage was treated when there was slavery. It talked about how people weren't "legally" married when they were slaves, so they could be taken away from their loved ones if their master wanted it. This book takes place right when African-American marriage becomes allowed legally by law.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A lovely book on the origin of the tradition of jumping the broom in African American culture.
Read for Youth Librarian Book Group
One of the things I loved about being a history major was finding out little details from the past. The author seems to have the same enjoyment because this book is based on a little bit of history she found: a list of former slave couples who were finally able to really marry once they were free. In this book, Ellen tells the story of her parents who were first married by jumping the broom, but after freedom were able to walk to the courthouse and make it official. Illustrated with lovely woodcut illustrations.
One of the things I loved about being a history major was finding out little details from the past. The author seems to have the same enjoyment because this book is based on a little bit of history she found: a list of former slave couples who were finally able to really marry once they were free. In this book, Ellen tells the story of her parents who were first married by jumping the broom, but after freedom were able to walk to the courthouse and make it official. Illustrated with lovely woodcut illustrations.