I CAN’T IMAGINE a world without books. From the time I was first read to and then learned to read as a young child, I have loved books. From books, I’ve learned, I’ve escaped, I’ve broadened my world well beyond southern Minnesota.
From reading the writing of others, I’ve grown, too, as a writer. Laura Ingalls Wilder, in her Little House books, taught me the importance of detail, of setting, in writing. I grew up on the prairie, some 20 miles from Walnut Grove, once home to the Ingalls family. A grade school teacher read the entire Little House series to me and my classmates. Books have, in many ways, shaped me.
But imagine a world without books. That was a reality for slaves in America, denied access to books and to education. I just finished reading Kin: Rooted in Hope, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by her son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford. The young adult book, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, was named a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book 2024. It is a book that ought to be read by everyone not only for its insightful poetry-style storytelling, but also for its haunting scratchboard art.
Adding to the overall subliminal effect is the way in which the book is printed. Black words ink white paper. White words imprint black pages. And the artwork is made by etching away black ink to reveal white. This mixed usage of black and white, reinforces the storyline of slavery and slave owners. Black. White.
As I read Kin, which I pulled from a book display for kids and teens at my local library, I was increasingly horrified by what I read. Sure, I’ve read about slavery in history books. But this approach of historical fiction really brought home the ugliness, the abuse, the violence, the awfulness of slavery in a personal way. Fiction rooted in truth.
Children born into slavery. Whippings. An auctioneer’s gavel. Names written on an inventory list along with commodities. Jemmy. Big Jacob. Lyddia. Tom. Walter. Isaac. Mush ladled into a trough. Swimming banned lest an escape to freedom be attempted. And on and on. Atrocities that seem unfathomable to inflict upon individuals chained in Africa, sailed to Maryland, sold, abused, treated like property by wealthy white families.
But in the all of this, threads of kinship, endurance, strength and hope, even defiance, run. Perhaps my favorite line in the book is that of Prissy, a house servant waiting on a dinner guest. He leers at her, making an inappropriate comment. She wants to tell him that she spit in his soup. At this point half way into the book, I applaud her unstated rebellion. As the chapters unfold, so does the move toward freedom for slaves. The author writes of freedom at last and of current day issues (controversial statues in public places, the murder of George Floyd…), all interspersed with a whole lot of history (including historic figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman…).
Even though this book is written for young adults, it should be read by older adults, too, who need to hear Prissy’s defiant voice. Author Carole Boston Weatherford gives voice to those who endured slavery, and to those whose family histories trace to enslavement, including her ancestors. Her son’s detailed scratchboard art reinforces the story, the words which wrench the spirit.
Kin: Rooted in Hope proves an especially fitting read during February, Black History Month. Through this book of historical fiction, I’ve learned more about a part of U.S. history which is horrendous in every possible way. That humanity can treat humanity so atrociously seems unfathomable…until I consider underlying and outright racist attitudes which continue yet today.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
this sounds like an amazing and powerful book for any age, and a must read. I love that many of the books written with the ya audience in mind, have crossed over to adults as well. one that I loved was ‘the book thief,’ one of my favorite books ever. when this happens, it leads to good discussions between the generations, and that is so important. I recently listened to the audio book: the invention of wings, by Sue monk Kidd. (secret life of bees, author), and it also dealt with days of slavery and the life of both the slaves and the gentrified. it was an amazing and powerful book as well. I really think that it is one you’d enjoy, judging by this post. much of it is based on real, people, and women, and slaves who refused to be quieted.
Beth, thank you for your book recommendations, which I’ve added to my ever-growing list of books I NEED to read. I find myself increasingly drawn to children’s picture books, especially, for the art and the stories.
What I absolutely Love about you and your writing Audrey, is how varied and broad it is. I love how you deliberately search for ways to understand how other humans have been treated. You aren’t afraid to pursue knowledge and truth. Whether you’re writing about people who have been violently mistreated, who are hurting, or writing about different types of celebrations,… I’d love it if more people would take the time and responsibility to reach out and try to understand others as you do. Thank-you. ❤️
This post adds a deeper level of meaning to Wynn Leon’s about why would we want to feel other’s pain. …”we all take turns hurting and healing”… https://wynneleon.com/2024/02/21/mama-why-would-we-want-to-feel-their-pain/
My dearest Rose, your generously kind words have moved me to tears this morning. Thank you. Simply, thank you. I try. My mom taught me to be kind, compassionate and caring and I strive to emulate her. (There are days when I miss her soooo much.)
Being bullied as a child and pre-teen and growing up in a rural area without any diversity (except for the diversity of being Lutheran or Catholic) created empathy in me, led me to search out information about others different than me, to care deeply about others. When I ask, “How are you?,” I really mean those words. They are not just Minnesota Nice words without meaning. I want to know. As my husband tells me, “Audrey, you can make anyone cry.” And he means that in the best of ways.
Rose, I can tell you care with depth and genuineness also. Thank you for being kind, compassionate and caring YOU.
There are really some great young adult and children’s books that address important issues like this. One of my favorite books from my childhood days was a book about Harriet Tubman. I remember just being amazed at her story and her strength during such a tumultuous time. Books have always been a part of my life as well. Aren’t we just the lucky ones?
The way you feel about that Harriet Tubman book is the way I felt about a Helen Keller book as a child. Yes, we are fortunate to be avid readers, to have access to books.
sounds like an interesting read. I will have to add it to my never ending list of books to read.
It was an interesting read. I understand the “never ending list of books to read.” Mine is lengthy.