Hope's Gift

On Christmas night, Hope's father kneels to say goodnight and goodbye to her and her brother. He's running away to join the Union army to fight for victory and, more importantly, freedom. Hope and her family work and live as slaves on a southern plantation and after her father leaves, she must find the strength to await his return. But will he ever make it back to his family? And will he bring the freedom that they so long for? Starling Lyons' tale about the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation might be one of a very few picture books that attempt to address this complex and harrowing topic. Some historians might suggest that she oversimplifies the conflict, but wouldn't the story be simpler when viewed through a child's eyes? show more Starling Lyons' prose is poetic and touching; as a character, Hope wears her emotions openly and her ability to empathize even with the master's daughter is moving. Don Tate's colored pencil and gouache drawings are simple but genuine. The book makes mention of prayer and Christian traditions and undertones. There is no mention of the violence experienced by the slaves or soldiers during that time. Recommended. show less

Beautifully illustrated story of a slave girl whose father leaves to fight in the Union Army, and her happy reunion after the Emancipation Proclamation. Just right tone and scope for early elementary, but still interesting for older elementary students as well.

I really liked this book. This would be a great book to use during Black history month, and during a social studies unit on the civil war. The author did a great job organizing the plot and helps the readers think about what it was like during the civil war for slaves. The author describes the living condition for the slaves on a children's level and is able to describe the feelings of not having the children's father at home during the war. This book would be great to show a child who has a parent in the military.

An introduction to slavery and the concept of freedom for young readers with an expressive look at families during this time. Written to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.

This is a story about a young girl's perspective during the emancipation proclamation. Hope's family lives on a plantation as a slave, and her father leaves to fight for freedom. She recounts all the time she misses him and wishes he would come home. In the end, he finally comes back and proclaims we are free! An excellent story to read to students during black history month or a social studies unit.

Enslaved family waits for emancipation and the return of father who ran away to join the Union army.