Publishers Weekly
03/29/2021
Transfixed by a photograph of an early assembly for Decoration Day—now observed as Memorial Day—Henderson (Together We March) was led to records of a similar ceremony held in Charleston, S.C., in April 1865. She imagines the event through the story of Eli, the 10-year-old son of a formerly enslaved man, newly freed. After Confederate surrender and subsequent emancipation, Eli’s father works on a project at the racecourse, which once housed Union prisoners, many of whom died of exposure, disease, and starvation. But school comes first for Eli, according to his mother (“Masters locked away learning ’cause knowledge is its own freedom”). At last, the project is revealed: a cemetery “for the soldiers who lost their lives for our freedom.” Oil erasure images by Coretta Scott King Award winner Cooper (Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History) portray Eli, his family, and their town in images whose power and presence invites lingering views. Henderson commemorates the way Eli’s Black community remembers a painful piece of history—while honoring the people who experienced it. Back matter includes an author’s note, information on the roots of Decoration Day, a timeline, and references. Ages 6–9. (May)■
From the Publisher
**STARRED REVIEW** "Cooper’s illustrations are soft and gentle. . . Henderson’s choice to show the development of this day of remembrance from the perspective of a child involved in the literal work required to build it gives the story weight and meaning."—Kirkus Reviews
**STARRED REVIEW** "Cooper’s mixed-media illustrations beautifully depict the community’s emotions and their actions in creating a memorial. Soft colors gently envelop readers in the story... An enchanting account of the first Memorial Day, this book is recommended for all."—School Library Journal
"The moving story, as seen through the eyes of a newly freed boy watching his father and others work hard in anticipation of memorial festivities, is enhanced beautifully by Cooper’s illustrations." —Booklist
"Henderson’s affecting narrative resonates with reverence, and Cooper’s prolific use of muted browns and yellows creates a solemn yet celebratory tone... This worthy title offers another little-known fact about African American contributions that are an imperative part of America’s history and traditions."—The Horn Book Magazine
"Oil erasure images by Coretta Scott King Award winner Cooper portray Eli, his family, and their town in images whose power and presence invites lingering views. . . Henderson commemorates the way Eli’s Black community remembers a painful piece of history—while honoring the people who experienced it." —Publishers Weekly
The Horn Book Magazine
"Henderson’s affecting narrative resonates with reverence, and Cooper’s prolific use of muted browns and yellows creates a solemn yet celebratory tone... This worthy title offers another little-known fact about African American contributions that are an imperative part of America’s history and traditions."
Booklist
"The moving story, as seen through the eyes of a newly freed boy watching his father and others work hard in anticipation of memorial festivities, is enhanced beautifully by Cooper’s illustrations."
School Library Journal
05/28/2021
Gr 2–5—Henderson's latest tells the story of the first Memorial Day celebration from the perspective of a young African American boy whose family has recently been freed following the Civil War. The boy longs to go with his father to help him refurbish a racecourse that was made into a prison for Union soldiers during the war. Finally, he is allowed to assist in painting the fence while the adults establish a graveyard for the fallen soldiers. Once the memorial is complete, the entire African American community in Charleston marches from their homes to the cemetery in a parade. Though the event is sad, it is also a celebration of the end of slavery. Cooper's mixed-media illustrations beautifully depict the community's emotions and their actions in creating a memorial. Soft colors gently envelop readers in the story. Back matter includes an author's note, the roots of Decoration Day, a time line of the Civil War and Memorial Day, and a bibliography. VERDICT An enchanting account of the first Memorial Day, this book is recommended for all collections.—Sara Thomas, New Castle P.L., DE
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2021-03-31
A community of former slaves honors the fallen heroes who made them free.
It’s 1865, and White people are “mad ’cause we aren’t enslaved no more” (a fantastic burn!). Eli wants to follow his father to his work, but his parents are adamant that he take advantage of the education he is now entitled to and go to school. But finally, one day is so special that he gets to follow his father to work. The adult men are digging and building at the old Charleston racecourse, used as a prison for Union soldiers during the war, while Eli and the other children paint a picket fence. Finally, there’s a parade that culminates in sermons, songs, and laying flowers at the graves of Union soldiers buried at the former track, both Black and White. It’s Decoration Day, which will later become today’s Memorial Day. Cooper’s illustrations are soft and gentle, his muted color palette with many yellows, browns, and tans working well to convey the dusty workplace and the toil it takes to build a memorial site. His customary technique lends a gauzy haze to the proceedings. Henderson’s choice to show the development of this day of remembrance from the perspective of a child involved in the literal work required to build it gives the story weight and meaning. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 68% of actual size.)
A treasure. (author's note, timeline, notes) (Picture book. 6-10)
