Pappy's Handkerchief

January 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-In Oklahoma in the late 1880s and '90s, would-be settlers were offered free land if they staked a claim on a designated day and agreed to farm it for five years, after which they owned it outright. Narrated by young Moses, this story follows a black family from Baltimore who risk everything and suffer many tribulations in order to get to the Oklahoma territory line. When the older members of the family are incapacitated for various reasons, it falls to Moses to retrieve the family's fortunes and race to stake the claim with his grandfather's handkerchief tied to a pole. This history of a unique and interesting part of the settling of the West is illustrated in beautiful paintings of warm, soft browns, yellows, and blues that complement the narrative, together creating a fascinating look at the past. It's a handsome, oversize volume that is certainly worthy of consideration by most collections to enhance a unit on Western history and an understanding of an important facet of African-American history, as well."Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2007
This addition to the picture-book Tales of Young Americans series follows Moses, a young African American boy, and his family as they endure hardships traveling by wagon from their home in Baltimore to the Oklahoma territory, hoping to claim some of the free farmland being offered as part of the Oklahoma Land Run. When the wagonis disabled in the land rush and his father breaks his leg, Moses continues alone on horseback, claiming the land by burying his fathers handkerchief in the ground. Whether they are portraits or action scenes, the painterlyillustrationsare beautifully rendered. Theimpact of theharsh environment isclearly depicted as the family moves fromthe cityand travels westward, wherelandscapes sweep across the pages. Children caught up in the action will be relievedwhen Moses and his family successfullystake a claim.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)