by Patricia C. McKissack
McKissack, P. C. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
When 'Tricia Ann excitedly asks her grandmother if she may go to Someplace Special on her own, she is thrilled when she receives permission. As she takes the bus, visits Peace Fountain, eats a pretzel from a street vendor, and gets jostled at the Southland Hotel along the way, she becomes discouraged due to the prejudices she experiences. But, all is not lost. Blooming Mary helps her to remember her grandmother's words which give her the strength she needs to press on to Someplace Special, where all are welcome.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, author Patricia McKissack reveals that although the setting of the story is fiction, the happenings within are from her own experiences as a child. This broke my heart. I hurt for everyone who has ever been made to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or alone because of who they are. It is wrong. I hope that every child or adult who reads this book gets that message. I am thankful, though, for people like Mama Frances, Mrs. Grannell, Jimmy Lee, and Blooming Mary who help others to be proud of who they are, not let others steal their happiness, listen to wisdom, and know that they are special just because they are a human being. In addition, I pray that the library I am given the privilege to oversee will always be known as a safe place where all are welcome, as the one in this beautiful picture book.
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About the author, Patricia C. McKissack: http://www.patriciamckissack.com/
An interview with the author and her husband:
When 'Tricia Ann excitedly asks her grandmother if she may go to Someplace Special on her own, she is thrilled when she receives permission. As she takes the bus, visits Peace Fountain, eats a pretzel from a street vendor, and gets jostled at the Southland Hotel along the way, she becomes discouraged due to the prejudices she experiences. But, all is not lost. Blooming Mary helps her to remember her grandmother's words which give her the strength she needs to press on to Someplace Special, where all are welcome.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, author Patricia McKissack reveals that although the setting of the story is fiction, the happenings within are from her own experiences as a child. This broke my heart. I hurt for everyone who has ever been made to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or alone because of who they are. It is wrong. I hope that every child or adult who reads this book gets that message. I am thankful, though, for people like Mama Frances, Mrs. Grannell, Jimmy Lee, and Blooming Mary who help others to be proud of who they are, not let others steal their happiness, listen to wisdom, and know that they are special just because they are a human being. In addition, I pray that the library I am given the privilege to oversee will always be known as a safe place where all are welcome, as the one in this beautiful picture book.
🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮🕮
About the author, Patricia C. McKissack: http://www.patriciamckissack.com/
An interview with the author and her husband:
