The Black Snowman (Blue Ribbon Book) [Paperback]

Phil Mendez (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Blue Ribbon Book

A disillusioned black boy discovers his heritage as well as his own self-worth with the help of a magical snowman made from city slush. An ALA Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field Social Studies. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Jacob Miller is an inner-city boy who hates being black and poor. He reluctantly assists his little brother Peewee in making a black snowman from the filthy snow in the back alley. The figure comes alive after they unknowingly drape him in a fragment of the magical kente , a cloth worn by African storytellers for hundreds of years. The snowman challenges Jacob's outlook on life by telling him all the wonderful things that are black, and mysteriously conjuring forth brave heroes from African tribal tradition. When Peewee is trapped inside a burning building, the snowman shows Jacob a way to save his brother while exhorting the boy to believe in himself. Using mystical elements and the power of the past, Mendez, in his first book, weaves a stirring tale of Jacob's transformation from a bitter victim of his situation into a proud fighter for his life. Byard's haunting color drawings bring to life not only the snowman; they successfully portray the many contrasts between Jacob's dour moods, Peewee's optimism, the dingy apartment and the eerie parade of stately African tribesmen. The valuable lesson inherent in The Black Snowman is not just for black children but for all who struggle for identity within their own worlds. Ages 7-10.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-- Working in full color with pastels and watercolor, Byard illustrates an unusual story which successfully blends contemporary realism and historical fantasy. Jacob Miller is an angry, bitter city child who associates his family's poverty with being black. Despite Jacob's pessimistic attitude, his younger brother Peewee persuades him to help build a snowman, even though the snow is black from city dirt and traffic. "A black snowman," says Jacob, with his usual sarcasm. "Just what I always wanted." Picking through trashcans to find a wardrobe for the snowman, Peewee comes across a colorful rag which he drapes around their new creation. It turns out to be a magical kente cloth from West Africa which has the power to restore memory, and it brings the snowman to life. Through a dreamlike sequence later that night, the snowman transforms bricks and trashcan lids into majestic African warriors and queens. He tells Jacob stories of his ancient African ancestors, thereby instilling in the boy a sense of self-respect and pride in his heritage. Mendez' message for the current generation of black youth is clear: be proud of yourself and your African ancestry. Due to the length and complexity of the story, The Black Snowman is suitable for a slightly older audience than is typical for the picture-book format. A large, clear typeface makes it accessible to newly independent readers, while Byard's large, bold illustrations make it a candidate for reading aloud to the same age group. And Byard's illustrations are not to be missed. In mood and content, they most closely resemble her work for Eloise Greenfield's Africa Dream (Crowell, 1977), although here her use of color gives added emotional depth and power to her work. While the art style is realistic, the soft, rounded shapes express the homey security of Jacob's family. A wide range of luminous blue, gray, brown and purple hues enriches the textured beauty of the illustrations. The artist's focus on a glowing darker spectrum in the dramatic nighttime sequences subtly reinforces the snowman's message to Jacob that there is dark beauty all around him, if he would only look for it. --Kathleen T. Horning, Madison Pub . Lib .#
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (October 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590448730
• ISBN-13: 978-0590448734
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,003,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant story enjoyed by teacher and her first graders, August 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Black Snowman (Blue Ribbon Book) (Paperback)

Every winter, for five years, I shared this book with my first graders. As I read, we would be drawn into the setting and feelings of the characters, especially those of Jacob. Then we'd have interesting discussions about the snowman, the kente and what it represented, and the various emotions invoked from hearing the story. Now I teach college students (preservice elementary teachers) and will use the book for conversation about multicultural education and integrated curriculum. Thank you, Phil and Carole.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A peak into the Black experience., December 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Black Snowman (Blue Ribbon Book) (Paperback)

Christmas is a time filled with traditions mostly associated with European values. Many families in this country come from different cultures and do not feel that they fit or are comfortable with the traditional celebrations. This book offers a peak into one Black families experience during the holiday times. Within the story are samples of African values of character and bravery. There is a warmth within the characters as well as exciting action filled ending. Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive children's story, February 25, 2006

By 

Debra Ann Harris (Philly USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Black Snowman (Blue Ribbon Book) (Paperback)

A positve children's story for all nationalities but especially for African Americans!