February is Black History Month, and I’m pleased to share with you the recipient of the 2012 American Library Association Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, Shane W. Evans, illustrator and author of Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom.
The Underground Railroad was created and run by several people, black and white, who helped fugitive slaves escape to the North and Canada from about 1780 to 1862. Some of its most notable participants were John Fairfield, the son of a slaveholding family; Levi Coffin, a Quaker who aided more than 3,000 slaves; and Harriet Tubman, who brought more than 300 slaves to freedom. Between 1810 and 1850, the Railroad helped to free 100,000 slaves.
Evans tells the story of the Underground Railroad through the eyes of a child in a family of slaves. “The darkness. The escape. We are quiet. The fear . . . We run. We crawl.” Their lengthy journey throughout the night is filled with stirring encounters with friends and foes. His monochromatic, mixed-media illustrations beautifully contrast the glittering stars in the night sky with the bright, fearful eyes of the fleeing slaves. Their hopes are fulfilled when at last they are free and hold up a baby, born on their journey to freedom, to the rays of the rising sun.
Evans’ simple, intense use of a few words per page reveals the family’s fears and hopes as they flee to freedom, and is easy for very young readers to understand. The story is a compelling one for adults to appreciate as well. This is a wonderful book for generating discussion with youngsters about history, courage, and compassion.
“What Kids are Reading” is a regular feature in the Sun, highlighting children’s books. This week’s recommendation is made by Ariel Waterman.
This article appears in Feb 9-16, 2012.
