Status
Available
Publication
Schwartz & Wade (2020), 40 pages
Library's review
"Mary Walker, who learned to read at the age of 116, is introduced to young readers in this lovingly illustrated picture book.
Born into slavery in Alabama, Mary Walker was not allowed to learn to read. When the Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery, she was 15. She was later gifted a Bible,
Enjoy this book with every child you know; let Mary Walker become a household name. (selected bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)" A Kirkus Starred Review (www.kirkusreviews.com)
Born into slavery in Alabama, Mary Walker was not allowed to learn to read. When the Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery, she was 15. She was later gifted a Bible,
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which she couldn’t read, but she kept it and made marks in it when her children were born. She worked hard and took care of her family and kept postponing her goal of learning to read. But she outlived her family, including a son who died at the age of 94. In 1963, she enrolled in a literacy program. “Could someone her age learn to read? She didn’t know, but by God, she was going to try.” By 1969 she had learned to read, been certified the nation’s oldest student (twice), received the key to the city of Chattanooga, and had her birthday celebrated by the city to recognize her achievement. While the author’s note mentions that some of the details that round out the text are invented, the most amazing facts of this story are the ones that are documented. Mary Walker was a living connection to a history people wanted to forget, and her indomitable spirit comes across beautifully in this book. Caldecott honoree Mora’s (Thank You, Omu!, 2018) collages endear Walker to readers, each spread creating an intriguing scene of textures and layers.Enjoy this book with every child you know; let Mary Walker become a household name. (selected bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)" A Kirkus Starred Review (www.kirkusreviews.com)
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Awards
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2022)
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Informational Books — 2022)
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Nominee — 2022)
Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Juvenile Literature — 2021)
Bluestem Award (Nominee — 2022)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — Nonfiction — 2023)
SCBWI Crystal Kite Award (2021)
Rhode Island Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
Comstock Read Aloud Book Award (Winner — 2021)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — Primary — 2022)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Picture Books — 2022)
Colorado Children's Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2022)
Cocheco Readers' Award (Nominee — 2020)
Great Kids Can Read Award (Winner — 2023)
Charter Oak Children's Book Award (Nominee — Nonfiction — 2021)
Floyd's Pick Book Award (Honor Book — 2021)
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award (Nominee — 2023)
Star of the North Picture Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
CCBC Choices (2021)
Great Reads from Great Places (Tennessee — 2020)
Notable Children's Book (2021)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Children's Books — 2020)
Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 (Selection — 2021)
Penn GSE's Best Books for Young Readers (Selection — Picture Books — 2020)
Great Texas Mosquito List (2022)
Picture This Recommendation List (Nonfiction — 2021)
El día de los niños / El día de los libros (K-2 — 2020)
Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List (Grades K-2 — 2021)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Informational Books for Younger Readers — 2020)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020
ISBN
1524768286 / 9781524768287