Review of My Special Day in Jasper,Texas USA
Posted: 06 Jan 2022, 05:49
[Following is a volunteer review of "My Special Day in Jasper,Texas USA" by Jermaine Kenyatta.]
Through the ages, racism and discrimination have been an ongoing battle. Although the battle is far from over, we have come a long way. My Special Day in Jasper, TX USA by Jermaine Kenyatta follows Martha Adams as she gains admission into an all-white school in 1968.
This children's book of 32 pages opens with a conversation between Martha and her mother. Martha questions her mother about why she has to be the one to test the waters. Segregation has been the order of the day, but now, she has to attend school with white kids. Thankfully, Martha was blessed with a compassionate teacher, Mrs. Gannon, who went out of her way to be kind to her.
It is interesting to read about Martha's courage. I can only imagine what it feels like to be rejected by whites at school and also by blacks at the playfields. I love Martha's disposition and how she coped with the challenging events in her life. Kids can learn to imitate Martha in being bold and peaceable.
My most favorite character is Mrs. Gannon. Teachers can learn much from her. A little kindness and thoughtfulness from a teacher can impact a child in a fundamental way and make life much easier for the child. This can be seen from Martha's words on page 24, where she said, "Thanks to my mom and thanks to Mrs. Gannon, I survived as the first black fifth grader to attend a previously all white school in Jasper, Texas."
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was professionally edited. The narrative flows smoothly in simple grammar. I have no dislikes about this book. Martha's experience has secured a place on the shelves of history. Her courage and strength continue to motivate others in similar situations today. People who were first to integrate into white schools will find this book interesting. Kids between 6 to 12 years of age can also learn much from Martha.
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My Special Day in Jasper,Texas USA
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Through the ages, racism and discrimination have been an ongoing battle. Although the battle is far from over, we have come a long way. My Special Day in Jasper, TX USA by Jermaine Kenyatta follows Martha Adams as she gains admission into an all-white school in 1968.
This children's book of 32 pages opens with a conversation between Martha and her mother. Martha questions her mother about why she has to be the one to test the waters. Segregation has been the order of the day, but now, she has to attend school with white kids. Thankfully, Martha was blessed with a compassionate teacher, Mrs. Gannon, who went out of her way to be kind to her.
It is interesting to read about Martha's courage. I can only imagine what it feels like to be rejected by whites at school and also by blacks at the playfields. I love Martha's disposition and how she coped with the challenging events in her life. Kids can learn to imitate Martha in being bold and peaceable.
My most favorite character is Mrs. Gannon. Teachers can learn much from her. A little kindness and thoughtfulness from a teacher can impact a child in a fundamental way and make life much easier for the child. This can be seen from Martha's words on page 24, where she said, "Thanks to my mom and thanks to Mrs. Gannon, I survived as the first black fifth grader to attend a previously all white school in Jasper, Texas."
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was professionally edited. The narrative flows smoothly in simple grammar. I have no dislikes about this book. Martha's experience has secured a place on the shelves of history. Her courage and strength continue to motivate others in similar situations today. People who were first to integrate into white schools will find this book interesting. Kids between 6 to 12 years of age can also learn much from Martha.
******
My Special Day in Jasper,Texas USA
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon