Customer Reviews

Second Cousins

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The first time I met Virginia Hamiliton was when I read "Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush." I thought, this author rivals Toni Morrison with her vivid language, but she writes for children. How wonderful! "Her Stories : African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales" is a illustrated collection of folk stories that any child would enjoy. Parents could read the tales to a young child to introduce Hamilton's work. Then later the child could begin to read some of the easier Virginia Hamilton stories such as "Cousins." Virginia Hamilton has written books that appeal to elementary, middle, and high school students. A student who finds her early will have a fine author to befriend him/her from kindergarten to high school.

Here is another fantastic anthology from Virginia Hamilton, the award-winning author of "House of Dies Drear" and "The People Could Fly". This volume, also featuring the wonderful illustrations of Leo & Diane Dillon, is an eye-opener for those only familiar with European folktales.

Hamilton's book is divided into five sections: (1) Her Animal Tales, (2) Her Fairy Tales, (3) Her Supernatural, (4) Her Folkways and Legends, and (5) Her True Tales. Each section contains an average of four stories, accompanied by informative and entertaining background historical data.

Young readers will love the author's prose and the illustrators' beautiful paintings. Older readers and parents will gain a greater appreciation for a culture that has been too long ignored.

These stories are as valid and fanciful as any of their more familiar European counterparts.

The book ends with a list of valuable resources where one can find other examples of African-American folklore.

Note: This review refers to the book "Her Stories" and NOT "Second Cousins," though for some reason reviews of both books appear on both product pages.

"Her Stories" is a delightful collection of nineteen stories from African American culture, retold by award-winning author Virginia Hamilton. The stories are divided into five categories: Her Animal Tales, Her Fairy Tales, Her Supernatural, Her Folkways and Legends, and Her True Tales. Each story focuses on a female, African American protagonist, and is about 3-4 pages in length. Hamilton's writing is vivid and colorful, yet remains simple enough that younger readers should have no trouble. The stories would also be great to read aloud. While Hamilton has translated the tales into contemporary language for easier understanding, she leaves a few conventions from Creole, Gullah, and other forms of speech that are best read aloud for full effect.

The book is also a great study in African American literary and oral tradition, and is suitable for adults as well as children. Each story is followed by commentary from the author, providing the history of the tale, how it reflects African American heritage, explanation of any unusual aspects of the story, and any additional points of interest. Some of the stories are based in history, and others are entirely ficitonal. Some bear likenesses to more familiar tales as well - "Catskinella" is an alternative form of the popular Cinderella story, and "Little Girl and Buh Rabby," comes from the tradition of Brer Rabbit stories.

"Her Stories" is also beautifully illustrated, bringing out the best in each tale. At the end of the book Hamilton has included some reflections on her own childhood, and how her mother influenced her decision to compile stories about strong African American women. This book is perfect for anyone, young or old and of any culture, interested in reading traditional folklore.

Although I am an adult, I really enjoyed this book. As Cammy and Elodie are learning to deal with the death of their cousin, Patty Ann, two new cousins come into the picture. Cammy starts to feel betrayed because Elodie likes to be around Jahnina and Gigi. Cammy envy's Jahnina and wishes that she could be more like her with her city ways and computer skills. While Cammy is dealing with her cousins she also starts to wish that her divorced mom and dad will get back together. All of a sudden, Cammy becomes angered when she realizes that Jahnina is not her cousin but her father's second daughter through an afair with another woman. Cammy eventually accepts her sister and realizes that adults are not human and they make mistakes. She also redeems her relationship with her mourning aunt (Patty Ann's mother) who helps her to realize that everyone is not perfect.

I had the pleasure of buying the book "Herstories" from the author herself.

It is a "Must Have" book if you've read any of her earlier books. Ms. Hamilton told me that many of the stories in this book came handed down to her.

As you may already know, Virginia Hamilton died on February 19, 2002. "Herstories" is the perfet gift for those who want to keep her memories alive.

The art work that Leo and Diane Dillon bring to the pages of "Herstories" is like nothing that you've ever seen in a childrens book - they make the stories come alive on the pages!

Readers note: Please note that spell-check was not avalible to me as I was writing this review!

Wonderful short stories, from other eras that is absolutely perfect for young chldren; good reading for people of all ages and of any ethncity.

One of the biggest reasons I purchased the book was for the fantastic artwork of Diane and Leo Dillon. The couple has a long, varied history of illustrating all kinds of books, including those dealing with African and African American lore. Their wonderfully rich work paired with the retelling of many African-American "herstories" makes the book a real treasure for all those that read it, no matter the reader's age, race or country of origin.

In "Her Stories," African American women tell their tales of magic, supernatural and real life, while emphasizing their strength and imaginations. The Cleverness and determination of African American women is shown.

This book is great at showing a part of oral history of the African American culture. Most of these stories I have never heard before. They show a great deal of imagination and I would recomend these short tales for bed time stories for any children. The stories slan words would be the only real challenge for a younger reader. Most of the stories have morals and are very interesting. I strongely recomend this book to everyone of every race and natonality!!!

Book took a little longer to arrive and the corner of the book was slightly bent, but I think this happened enroute to Hawaii. Otherwise, beautiful book. I would buy from this seller again.