Module 3: Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Pura Belpre Winners

Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack, Jerry Pinkney (ill.)

McKissack, P. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Summary

This book follows Tricia Ann, a young girl living during segregation in the 1950s, as she goes on a journey to "Someplace Special" one afternoon. As Tricia Ann makes her way across town she is repeatedly faced with the reality of Jim Crow laws and segregation during that time period. Each reminder and hindrance discourages her more and more, and she is tempted to go home without even reaching "Someplace Special". After encouragement from an elderly woman who tends a church garden, Tricia Ann is reminded of her own worth and finally makes her way to "Someplace Special", the only place where she is considered equal as an African-American.

My Thoughts

Not only did I enjoy the realistic, expressive watercolor illustrations, but I also thought McKissack conveyed a certain message without being overly pushy or socially aware. You feel for Tricia Ann as she struggles to live in a world that keeps her from enjoying simple things like sitting on a bench by a fountain or being allowed in a restaurant. Despite reminders from several people throughout eh book about her own self-worth, Tricia Ann is so discouraged by the reality of life and as a reader you want to also keep pushing her to reach her final goal of "Someplace Special". Finally, as a librarian, when one discovers that "Someplace special" is in fact the library, the only nonsegregated place in town it makes one happy to be part of that legacy. This book would be great for teaching younger kids about civil rights and segregation in a way they could better understand the history of civil rights in America.

Review

Pinkney's characteristic, pastel watercolors place this story long ago. 'Tricia Ann is excited about the prospect of going someplace special without her grandmother, until she loses her way in a throng of folks who push her into a hotel lobby where "colored people" aren't allowed. References to seats at the back of the bus and a "Jim Crow sign" indicating the "colored section," as well as a bench labeled "for whites only," will require explanation for children. The special place named in the title is the public library, where "all are welcome." (The drawings of stone blocks and columns on the endpapers suggest Andrew Carnegie's libraries.) McKissack concludes her story with information about her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee, and the importance of the love, respect, and pride that fortified her and enabled her, as they do 'Tricia Ann, to face racial bigotry and discrimination. This book would be useful for discussions of daily life and instances of injustice in the 1950s, civil rights, and the importance of free access to information and recreational reading. As such, it would be a wonderful addition to library and school collections. Nelson, A.B. Library Talk, 2002.