Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad? [Library Binding]

Sandy Lynne Holman (Author), Lela Kometiani (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-Montsho, a young African-American boy, is concerned: black cats are bad luck, witches wear black, the bad characters are in black on television, etc. When he poses the question to his Grandpa, "Is everything black bad?" the man reassures his grandson that it isn't so and takes him into a special room that looks like an African kingdom. While beating a drum, he recites a poem that relates their full and rich cultural background. The book ends with Grandpa saying that "the dark color of your skin and your African heritage is a good thing, a very good thing indeed." Eye-pleasing watercolor-and-ink illustrations wash over each page, adroitly depicting the child's concerns, the characters, and the African images. The message is obviously worthwhile and important, but the text is at times heavy-handed. This aside, the title is worth reading and sharing, and will be especially of value in classrooms emphasizing cultural awareness.
Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-8. Like Langston Hughes in his poetry, this picture book openly confronts the way we often associate darkness and blackness with what is bad; it then answers the negatives with a vibrant celebration of African roots. For several pages, a child named Montsho asks his beloved grandfather about dark, scary nights, black eyes, black cats that bring bad luck, black as the color of mourning, negative stereotypes on television--and close to home, about why his aunt calls him the "black sheep of the family" because he is darker than his brothers. Grandpa hugs him close, beats a great African drum, and tells Montsho that black is beautiful. Handsome double-page spreads acclaim the history, spirit, and culture of Montsho's African heritage: "Africa is beautiful and so are its people with their beautiful, dark black skin." Children will appreciate both the candor and the comfort. This is a good book for bibliotherapy and to open up a discussion, especially if you use it with some of the singing poetry that celebrates "I am the darker brother." Hazel Rochman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Culture Co-Op; 1 edition (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964465507
• ISBN-13: 978-0964465503
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 12.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,025,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated!, November 1, 1999

By 

Indigo Ramzy "indigoramzy" (Glenn Heights, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad? (Library Binding)

Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated! This book delves inside of a child's perception of race, heritage, and skin color. The messages of self-love and African pride taught by the Grandfather are touching and will warm the hearts of the Parents while teaching the Children a sense of pride! A must read for children of all ages and nationalities.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book reveals Black culture in an endearing way., October 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad? (Library Binding)

This book is a big hit in our multicultural children's library! A grandfather teaches his grandson the history of African Americans. Looking back on history, grandpa also looks ahead to the future of his sensitive grandchild -- who will be grounded in the African past as he faces an American future. Splendid, splendid, splendid!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proud to own this book, July 2, 2001

By 

"rkfj" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad? (Library Binding)

This book has helped tremendously in teaching my daughter to love her skin and herself. The story is enchanting, and the pictures only add to the enjoyment.