On this day in 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was first issued, paving the way for the eventual abolition of slavery in America. Topics like slavery may be difficult for some of us to discuss with our own children today, wondering how to convey such a despicable chapter of our country’s history. Gloria Whelan’s new book, The Listeners provides an amazing opening for this very conversation.
This picture book for older children left me breathless upon my first read-through. I’ve read it several times since, trying to fully take in the breadth of emotions conveyed through the words and illustrations. Told in the voice of an enslaved child who is old enough to work in the cotton fields with the adults, there is a straightforwardness to the telling of the story, describing the special role that some children played as ‘listeners.’ Small enough to eavesdrop under windowsills unnoticed, the children report what they’ve heard back to their families in the slaves’ quarters– things that are immeasurably important to their lives. When they overhear the master raging about the election of Abraham Lincoln and his call to end slavery, the children get to be the ones to make the announcement to their mammies and daddies, sharing in the hopeful elation of a new day ahead. The last page of the book, depicting a long road to walk, emanates beauty and hope for the future.
Children are given a beginning understanding of what was expected from the slaves, with an emphasis on the work and meager living conditions, but the spirit of the community rises above, depicting the tenacity people could exhibit when facing an enslaved life. The characters wear their emotions in their expressions with Mike Benny’s realistic and hauntingly beautiful illustrations, truly showing how a story can be more deeply told when the pictures match perfectly. Gloria Whelan and Mike Benny give a voice to the slave experience, and it’s the wondrous, beautiful and awe-inspiring one of a child in The Listeners.
As a special giveaway, we have 5 copies of The Listeners for our readers: two copies will be given to randomly chosen commenters, and three will be reserved for commenters who are school or public library employees (teachers, administrators, reading specialists, librarians, etc).
Please indicate in your comment if you work professionally in any of these capacities to be considered for that portion of the drawing! (US and Canada only, please). We will announce the winners on September 30.
Dawn lives for reading and her family, two frequent topics of discussion on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
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Amy says
I used to be a public school history teacher and then, librarian. Now I teach my own children at home and teach part-time at a community college. At any rate, I’d LOVE to win a copy of this!!
Linda says
Since reading “Roots” this topic has been of high interest to me. I totally abhor slavery. How anyone allowed it in the first place is beyond me. I would have been one of those that would have freed any slaves that I inherited.
Deanna/ibeeeg says
This sounds like a fabulous book to have in the house for my children.
I would love to win a copy.
Abi says
Enter me please. Just like one for my house. Thanks.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Michelle says
I would love love love a copy.
Thanks for doing this giveaway!
Mozi Esmes Mommy says
I’d love to get a copy of this book!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Winning Readings says
Just a note that we’ve posted about this at Winning Readings:
http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/09/listeners.html
LaVonne says
Wow! Sounds like a great children’s and adult book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Tina says
Wow. The cover on this is instantly haunting.
Pam says
I would love to win this book to read to Granddaughters and daycare (o:
Narita says
I am a pastor’s wife and grandmother. I have a collection of books to read not only to my grandchildren but to use in our church and when I help at the children’s school. I love history and would very much like to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Angie says
I’d love to win this to share it with my interracial son!
Neas Nuttiness says
I’d love a chance at winning. I’d read this to my grandchildren. Thanks so much!
Sherry says
Sounds like a great book!
(no school affiliation)
slcremer at gmail dot com
Jennifer says
Don’t enter me :). I reviewed this title today as well, and it’s absolutely beautiful – I highly recommend it. Brought me to tears.
PaisleyPam says
I’m not a professional, but I’d love this book for my kids. Thanks!
Krista says
I am a teacher by profession, but currently a stay at home mom-teacher! I hope to go back to the classroom when my child is old enough to be in school as well.
Kim says
I would love to have this for my school library collection. The book sounds amazing and would be a great way to introduce the topic to students. (I’m a high school librarian but we have an early childhood education program including a preschool in our building.)
Lisa in ME says
This sounds amazing. I’d love to win a copy for my family.
Carolyn says
I would love to win this for my school. I am a literacy specialist at an elementary school and this would be an excellent addition to our collection.
corinne says
This looks wonderful. Thanks!
Cheryl F. (The Lucky Ladybug) says
I’d love to read this 🙂 I lived in Louisiana when there were still children in the cotton fields. *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Angel B says
This book sounds amazing. I am a fourth grade public school teacher and I know this book will be perfect for my kids!
edj says
Even though my kids are getting older, I still think this book would be a valuable addition to our family.
Rebecca Reid says
This sounds like quite an important book! I’d be interested in winning it. I’m a mom, aka random commenter.
Marj M. says
I am a grandmother with two 14 year old grandchildren. This is a book I would enjoy reading to them. (which is the only way the boy will know what is in it.) I know he would be interested if he will listen, Crystal just loves to read in the first place. After I read it I will see if my 8 year old grandson could comprehend. Thanks for this chance.
Julie H says
I’m just a mom, but would love to win a copy. It looks like a great book.
Thanks.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Beth says
Please enter me. Thanks for the chance.
Patti J says
I teach 3rd grade and this looks like a perfect book to open up an important discussion. Thanks for offering it as a giveaway!
Lynn says
This sounds like a wonderful book. I’d love it for our home collection. Thank you.
lmw 6600 @ gmail . com
sandy says
am a sub and no doubt would donate after reading so you decide which catagory
Linda Peters says
I would love to read this, thanks
ky2here says
NOt a professional so don’t give me extra entries, I’d just like to read it.
Linda White says
My daughter is a 3rd grade teacher so this would be good for her classroom!
Michael Capp says
I’d love to win!
Shannon Baas says
I don’t but would like to donate it to our library.
Jacqueline Strawder says
Would love to win a copy of this book….thanks for the contest!
Benita G. says
I mentor an ESL Social Studies teacher. I would love to gift him with a copy of this book to use in his classroom and donate to his class library.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Lori says
This sounds like a wonderful book to share with my children.
Paige says
I would love to win a copy of this to donate to my daughter’s school library.
Karrie says
sounds like a great read
Carol Lawrence says
I’d love a chance at winning. I’d read this to my grandchildren. [email protected]
Erma says
I don’t work in any of these but I would love to read this.
Diane Westerbeek says
Great book
Nicole D. says
I don’t work in a school position, but I would love the chance to win one of the other 2 copies! Thanks!
May Schultz says
This book sounds great. I would love to read it.
Andria says
It sounds really good. I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
Sheila Hickmon says
This sounds really good! Thanks for the chance!
Linda C. says
Looks like an interesting book.Please enter my name in the draw.
shawna says
I would love a copy of this for my daycare.