Customer Reviews

The Black Snowman (Blue Ribbon Book)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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

I am a third grade student.

I really enjoyed this story. Although, I didn't like it when the snowman melted. The way they talked was funny to me and I liked that. I really liked the Kente cloth.

I think everyone would really enjoy this story.

This book is one that I knew I had to buy immediately. The illustrations are beautiful, and it is a story that will help children who are dealing with differences in life they feel are due to the color of their skin. It encourages pride in ethnicity.

I found this book to be terrible for young children! There are a lot of big words that my daughter did not understand. All she learned from the story was it is ok to go into a burning house to save someone you love. And it was ok because the blanket was magic. What kind of lesson is that?! I have read the book,and I think it should be for third,forth and fifth graders. I am very upset that this was read at school to my five year old and she came home talking about magic blankets being ok to hide under when there is a fire. And that is what she taught my three year old son! God forbid-if there is a fire-will he remember me saying " crawl below the smoke and get out fast " or is he going to remember his sister(the light of his life) saying " I heard at school that some blankets are magic and will keep you safe in a fire!" I pray I never have to find out whose words he remembers! I do not recommend this book for kids under 8.