10/15/07

The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandall and Her Students


Author/Illustrator: Suzanne Jurmain
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Publication Date: 2005
Awards: 2006 ALA Notable Book for Children, 2006 Orbis Pictus Honor Book, 2006 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, 2005 Booklist Editors' Choice, 2006 ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 2006 Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, 2005 Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Winner, 2008 Arizona Young Readers’ Master List
Genre: Young Adult Non-fiction
Audience: Gr. 4+

Overview: When Miss Prudence Crandall was asked to start a school for girls in Caterbury, CT, she hardly imagined how she would become the focus of a racial battle in this small New England town. Admitting several African American girls to the school caused controversy, ostracizing, and hostility toward Miss Crandall and the girls, resulting in the legislative passing of the Connecticut Black Law, resulting in Miss Crandall’s arrest and trial.

Activity:
A perfect companion text to Miss Crandall’s School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color, the same story written in sonnets. (also reviewed on BLOG BLOG).

Reviewer’s Name: Deb Marciano