Becky Birtha

In my opinion, I think this book is very well written and is a nice way for children to learn about The Great Depression. I like how the story is written because it is not too difficult for children to read or understand but at the same time it is not too easy that there is barely any substance to the story. I also really like how the language of the book reflects that of an African American family. For example, when the young boy says, "whats for dinner Ma, I'm starving." I also really show more liked the illustrations of this books. They were not all straight lined and "perfect" looking. But they kind of looked "sloppy" in a sense, I think that was a really good effect to add to the book because The Great Depression was a troubling time, and these pictures really help to show that. I think the main idea of this story is that it doesn't matter what you have, it is just important to be grateful. show less

On their yearly trip to the south to visit their grandmother, Sarah Marie and her family experience segregation. Her grandmother would give excuses as to why she would walk instead of ride the bus when going to town or give reasons why she shouldn’t use the public water fountain. Those excuses were her grandmother’s pride. Sarah Maria didn’t notice any of it until she learned to read while visiting and noticed signs in public places like, “Whites Only”. The next year the show more experienced the end of segregation. They were then able to ride in the front of the bus, sat in the waiting area and used the public restrooms. show less

I loved the Grandmama in this story, and her pride and strength really made this story whole. Grandmama's Pride is about two girls who visit their grandmother in the south, where segregation was still in existence. The girls did not understand why they could not sit at the front of the bus, or why they had to use separate water fountains and restrooms. Instead of the Grandmama being down or getting worked up about her grandchildren's questions, she had prideful replies. For example, when the show more girl asked about drinking from the "whites only" water fountain, the Grandmama would say her iced tea at home was better. When the girl asked why they could not sit down on the waiting area seats, the Grandmama said "you don't know who's been sittin there." I loved that, and I think it teaches children the lesson of being confident and strong in difficult or tough situations. show less

This book is incredible powerful for a children's book. It describes what African-Americans went through in a way that makes it easy to understand for children. I love how strong grandma is portrayed in the book. She directs the girls attention somewhere else when the girls start to notice segregation. Grandma would tell them that they wouldn't want to go to that bathroom or drink from that water fountain anyway because they are dirty. It is inspiring to see how the family in this book takes show more something so negative and discouraging and handles it easily and with grace. They are great examples of powerful and smart women who know their worth. show less