Ellen's Broom

Lyons, K. S., & Minter, D. (2012). Ellen’s Broom (Coretta Scott King Honor - Illustrator Honor Title)

(Illustrated ed.). G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

This book is about a young girl named Ellen who discovers a family tradition. Ellen is excited to remember to bring a broom to her parents’ wedding ceremony. She is excited to accompany them to the courthouse when the law changes and they are allowed to officially become man and wife as they jump over the boom into a new life together.

Lyons and Minter created a book where the text and illustrations work perfectly together. Minter used linoleum block prints that perfectly display the characters, their essence, and relationships. Scenes of slave times are colored in sepia to set them apart. It is a story filled with the warmth of a close family celebrating a marriage before God and the law. This book is an excellent resource to describe various traditions in the African American community.

Similar books:

• What Freedom Means to Me by Kelly Marchetti (Author)

• Wish by Matthew Cordell (Author, Illustrator, Cover Art)

• Across the Alley by Richard Michelson (Author), E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)

From the same illustrator:

• Going Down Home with Daddy

• So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth's Long Walk Toward Freedom

• Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

Book trailer:

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor