Margaret H. Mason

As he assists his grandson in a variety of tasks - learning to tie his shoes, playing the piano, hitting a line drive - the grandfather in this moving picture-book examination of racism reflects on the things his hands have done, and the things they were not allowed to do, once upon a time. Once, the grandfather hadn't been able to work making Wonder Bread, because white consumers wouldn't want to buy bread made by black hands. But through protest and labor struggle, that eventually changed, show more and now the grandfather's hands - and the grandson's - can do anything in the world...

A sensitive depiction of the realities of racism in American history These Hands highlights not just the ugliness of prejudice, but its stupidity as well. It's difficult to imagine that people once believed it made any difference what color the hands were, that produced the food they ate, but so it was. I found the narrative here, based upon stories heard by author Margaret H. Mason from an old friend and former bakery union leader, immensely poignant, and thought the conclusion, in which the grandson responds to his grandfather's reflections on his hands, was just lovely. The accompanying artwork by Floyd Cooper, created using oil paint and erasers, is likewise beautiful, capturing both the sadness of the grandfather's reflections, and the joy of the loving bond he shares with his grandson. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books that present the connections between American history and personal family history, and reflect the important bond between the generations. show less

Joe's grandpa used to do anything he wanted with his hands (play the piano, tie a shoe, shuffle cards), but he wasn't allowed to work the bread in the factory he worked for, because he was Black. This story is about Joe's grandfather and other African Americans who rose up and demanded fair treatment and the release of the bondages still held firmly in place by racism during the Civil Rights Movement. This is a profound and fantastic book about labor strikes during the Civil Rights Era and show more how hands joined together to change the laws and attitudes of the time. Joe's grandfather showed Joe the amazing capabilities of hands and how they can do things on an individual level but profound things when joined together as a group. show less

I liked this book because it gently pushes young readers to think about discrimination and more importantly invites conversation. I enjoyed how the book started with the simple storyline of an African Grandfather teaching his grandson to do everyday tasks such as tying his shoes, playing baseball, etc., and then moves into a story of how at one time African Americans were not allowed to handle the dough at the bread factory. I also liked how the book transitioned from "these hands" to show more "joining hands together" when the workers at the factory joined together to rally against the factory for fair working conditions. "These Hands" invoke dialogue about social issues and teaches children that when individuals join together and work together as a team, they can accomplish great things. show less

I liked this book because it gently pushes young readers to think about discrimination and more importantly invites conversation. I enjoyed how the book started with the simple storyline of an African Grandfather teaching his grandson to do everyday tasks such as tying his shoes, playing baseball, etc., and then moves into a story of how at one time African Americans were not allowed to handle the dough at the bread factory. I also liked how the book transitioned from "these hands" to show more "joining hands together" when the workers at the factory joined together to rally against the factory for fair working conditions. "These Hands" invoke dialogue about social issues and teaches children that when individuals join together and work together as a team, they can accomplish great things. show less