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kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
Good intergenerational story about how racism affected the grandfather's life - his hands, capable of doing so many things, were not allowed to touch the bread dough in the Wonder Bread factory because he is African-American. But "these hands joined with other hands. And we wrote our petitions, and we carried our signs, and we raised our voices together. Now any hands can mix the bread dough, no matter their color." Great personal way to have kids relate to the bigotry that was a big part of our country.
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
5.0
A grandpa uses his beautiful, weathered hands to teach his grandson how tie his shoes, play the piano, and make bread. Grandpa tells his grandson about the Wonder Bread factory he used to work at. The only work that African-Americans could do at that time was sweep "Because the bosses said white people would not want to eat bread touched by these hands." The grandson learns that he can do anything with his hands.
A touching story of family ties that also conveys a piece of civil rights history. The illustrations are unique, done by oils and kneaded erasers ( didn't know about that technique before).
Grades 1-2.
A touching story of family ties that also conveys a piece of civil rights history. The illustrations are unique, done by oils and kneaded erasers ( didn't know about that technique before).
Grades 1-2.
mellenwood's review against another edition
3.0
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: K-2
I liked this book. It tells a story of a really hard, ugly time in America, yet makes a sweet story come out of it. The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is precious. I would recommend this book to a lot of people.
Grade Level: K-2
I liked this book. It tells a story of a really hard, ugly time in America, yet makes a sweet story come out of it. The relationship between the boy and his grandfather is precious. I would recommend this book to a lot of people.
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
Told in the African American Griot fashion, These hands explores the topics of social equality and family traditions. A grand father passes along the skills he's learned to do along with the history of the struggle to be allowed to do more with his hands. Floyd Cooper's illustrations are lovingly rendered chalk drawing that highlights the beauty in shade and shadow. Definitely a book that helps address inequality in a way that younger children can understand it. A real strength of the book is it's sparse text. The author doesn't use to much text to communicate meaning. Great book!
alysona's review against another edition
4.0
Nice intergenerational story that works in two ways. The story of the little boy learning from his grandfather is touching on its own; but there is also the added bonus of the story of the factory workers and the civil rights movement which is equally engaging. Great book whichever story interests you most!
yapha's review against another edition
5.0
Provides an interesting look into part of the Civil Rights movement based on what hands can to do. It can be used as an excellent discussion starter.
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
This picture book is subtle and powerful. It focuses on a grandfather's connection with his young grandson, as he helps him learn how to do different things with his hands. The story transitions into the grandfather talking about his experience with discrimination when he wasn't allowed to knead bread at a factory, and the story's simplicity makes it all the more moving. Floyd Cooper's sepia-toned illustrations are also phenomenal, and the book ends on a hopeful note, looking ahead to the young boy's future.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
The capable hands of a grandfather were not allowed to make Wonder Bread in their factory until a worker's strike changed the unfair policies. Based on true events and stories from the workers.